Stu Strumwasser
Stu Strumwasser | |
|---|---|
| Born | March 25, 1966 |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Cornell University |
| Occupation(s) | Novelist, entrepreneur, investment banker |
| Known for | Novels such as THE ORGAN BROKER; founder of Snow Beverages and Tengrade; Senior Managing Director at Green Circle Capital |
Stu Strumwasser (born March 25, 1966) is an American novelist, entrepreneur, and investment banker. He completed his education at Cornell University, focusing on Marketing/Advertising and Creative Writing. His novel, THE ORGAN BROKER, delves into the international black market for organs amid the global shortage crisis, establishing Strumwasser as an influential voice on bioethical matters, which he has discussed in platforms such as Salon.com.
The Novels
Strumwasser crafts thrillers that intertwine socio-political issues. His debut novel, A METAL SKY, merges a coming-of-age narrative with a critical look at police union fundraising practices. THE ORGAN BROKER, published in May 2015 by the Arcade Imprint of Skyhorse Publishing, revolves around an illicit organ broker. Beyond his fictional works, Strumwasser champions reforms in organ donation policies. In a 2014 Salon.com piece, he argued for actionable solutions to the shortage and called on Congress to update transplantation laws. His forthcoming novel, THE AMERICAN PARTY, offers a critique of governmental inefficiency and the rise of oligarchic influence within the two dominant political parties.
Wall Street
Between 1990 and 2005, Strumwasser held roles in wealth management on Wall Street, serving as Vice President and Director at companies including Paine Webber (now UBS) and Oppenheimer & Co.
Channeling Owen
During his Wall Street tenure, Strumwasser simultaneously pursued work as a novelist and acted as lead songwriter and drummer for the indie rock group Channeling Owen. A feature in Forbes ASAP during the 1990s spotlighted his enduring passion for music. In 1999, Electronic Sonic Press likened the band to artists such as Live and Collective Soul. Their first album, Small-minded Voodoo Theories, earned acclaim for its production and songwriting from heARd magazine and Modernrock.com. The track "Scared Of Me" was featured on the WB Network’s Dawson's Creek in January 2000. Although critically praised, Channeling Owen did not achieve commercial success and disbanded in 2003.
Snow Beverages
In late 2005, Strumwasser exited Wall Street to establish Snow Beverages, producing natural sodas. Having been a vegetarian since age 14, he sought to develop a healthier alternative to mainstream sodas. By December 2005, The Wall Street Journal recognized Snow as part of a wave of emerging natural soda brands alongside Fizzy Lizzy and IZZE. Initially introduced as a single-flavor natural mint soda, Snow broadened its product range in 2007 and by 2010 transitioned to three conventional flavors while discontinuing mint. Despite securing notable distribution channels, the brand struggled to attract a substantial consumer base. Strumwasser left the company in 2011, after which Snow Beverages soon ceased operations.
Tengrade
In 2011, Strumwasser launched Tengrade, a social rating platform that allows users to share authentic reviews of products and services through Facebook and Twitter. Fox Business Channel described Tengrade as "a one-stop rating tool for everything from cars and restaurants to hotels and pizza."
Green Circle Capital
Following his tenure at Tengrade, Strumwasser made a return to Wall Street, applying his entrepreneurial background to support emerging businesses in securing funding. He holds the position of Senior Managing Director at Green Circle Capital.