Rick Ankrum started his purchasing career in 1970 after graduating from the University of Cincinnati with a BBA in Economics. Rick chose an economics major because it offered an education covering a wide range of disciplines with an understanding of how commerce worked in both the macroeconomic and microeconomic views. Over many years and industries, the exposure to first material management, MRP and supply chain management forged the knowledge of strategic sourcing. Companies ranged from small to Fortune 50. These provided exposure to leading practices and opportunities for growth. Industries ranged from domestic water pumps, oil field services, cellular network operations, handheld computers, waste collection and food distribution.