From CMU to CEO: Dan Crociata leads with purpose

Central Michigan University alumnus Dan Crociata, ’92, has been named chief executive officer of Endries International, Inc., a Wisconsin-based global leader in fastener solutions, Class-C components, and supply chain fulfillment services.

“I’m honored to serve as CEO and help build on what Endries has established over the last 55 years,” Crociata said. “This is a company defined by its people, its customer partnerships, and its focus on operational excellence. I’m excited to work alongside our team to strengthen the business and deliver exceptional results for those we serve.”

A first-generation college student, Crociata graduated from CMU’s College of Business Administration in 1992 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting.

“When I visited Central for the first time and walked around campus, I knew that’s where I wanted to be,” Crociata said. “It just felt like home. Other schools were too big and overwhelming.”

He would soon discover that his initial instincts about CMU were spot on. “When I started there, I didn’t have a lot of confidence in myself, even though I was a good student,” he said. “But Central provided me an environment where I felt important and worthy, and I felt like I could make something of myself.”

Crociata’s positive experience inspired those closest to him to follow in his footsteps: his son Jake, his sister Julie, and one of his best friends from childhood, Mark, all went on to earn degrees from CMU.

Paying it forward

Since joining Endries in 2023 as senior vice president and chief financial officer, Crociata has helped advance the company’s strategic direction and supported key operational initiatives.

“Dan has been a key member of the Endries leadership team,” said Steve Endries, chairman of Endries International. “His deep understanding of the business, strong leadership capabilities, and commitment to our customers and team members make him the ideal leader.”

In addition to professional success, Crociata has spent the last five years giving back through service on the CMU Advancement Board—where he's been a member since October 2020—and financial gifts via the Dan Crociata Family Scholarship. The award supports CMU business students who are Michigan residents, with a preference for first-generation college students.

“I’m someone who had financial needs while at Central, and I carried a lot of burden,” he said. “So, it’s very important to me to give back and help take that burden off of others.”

Crociata’s generosity has helped multiple students, including Kyle Forman, ’21, who received the Dan Crociata Family Scholarship in 2020. The following year, he became the first person in his family to graduate with a college degree, earning a Bachelor of Science in finance from the College of Business Administration. After commencement, Forman earned a job in the financial sector, where he continues to work today.

Dan Crociata’s journey reflects CMU’s core values of excellence, compassion, and social responsibility, and his continued support helps ensure that future generations of CMU Chippewas have the same opportunity to thrive.