Industry & Services >> CEO Interviews >> February 19, 2001
MICHAEL SCHUTZLER, Chief Executive Officer, joined ClassMates Online,
Inc. in September 2000. He began his career at Harris Corporation in
1984, where he worked as a Systems Engineer and Software Developer. He
was promoted to Project Manager in 1986, responsible for large-scale
network systems integration projects for domestic, European, and Middle
Eastern customers. In 1990, Oracle Corporation recruited Mr. Schutzler
to open a new sales territory for database software and consulting
services. RR Donnelley & Sons then recruited him in 1991 to develop new
markets for software manufacturing and distribution services. Mr.
Schutzler led the company to invest in a CD-ROM-based software
distribution business, which helped it establish a leadership position
in the industry. In 1993, he was selected as Vice President of Sales for
Donnelley's Direct Marketing Division where he built a national sales
team that grew revenues from startup to over $120 million in two years.
From 1996 to 1998, Mr. Schutzler served as President and CEO of
FreeShop.com, a pioneer in Internet direct marketing where he led the
company from startup to pre-IPO status. He then founded Piri Reis'
Ventures in 1998, serving as an Advisor, investor, and Board member to
several successful Seattle Internet startups including Network Commerce,
Loudeye, CitySeats, and Digital Forest. Mr. Schutzler holds an MBA in
Finance and Economics from University of Rochester W.E. Simon School and
a BSEE from Pennsylvania State University. Profile
Mr. Schutzler: Our lives are filled with people who influence our
development as human beings: teachers; friends; coworkers;
