Ramon Marquez

Rice University, Jones Graduate School of Business

“Passionate retail executive fueled by curiosity, family and community — uplifting others while living life fully.”

Age: 54

Hometown: Houston, TX

Fun fact about yourself: I began my MBA 30 years after earning my undergraduate degree — it was a full-circle moment I wouldn’t trade for anything. My journey has been unconventional but incredibly fulfilling.

Undergraduate School and Degree: University of Texas at El Paso, BBA in Marketing

Where are you currently working? I am the Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Operating Officer for Sears and Kmart. In this dual role, I lead product, marketing and retail operations, driving strategy, and execution across the organization.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career—and why? There are two that stand out:

1. Building a career in an industry I love. Retail is fast-paced, ever-changing and incredibly dynamic, which makes it both challenging and deeply rewarding. I’ve been able to stay focused, grow through tough times, and build stories I’m proud of. Helping people grow and realize their potential is the most fulfilling part of my job.

2. Leading Sears through transformation from a legacy company to a start-up. My role evolved from traditional functional leadership into a mission of resilience and reinvention. I helped guide the company from bankruptcy into a stable, private-sector business — without losing a single team member. We’re now profitable and focused, which few thought possible. It has been a defining chapter in my career.

Why did you choose this school’s Online MBA program? Rice was the only school I seriously considered. As a Houstonian, I wanted to root myself locally while still learning from one of the best programs in the country. Rice’s reputation, combined with its values and community, made it the clear choice.

What was your favorite part of being in an Online MBA program? Without a doubt, it was the connections I made. I was surprised at how quickly I formed meaningful relationships with classmates and faculty. The program’s design fosters collaboration and makes you feel part of something bigger, even from afar.

Also, the flexibility was a game-changer. I travel often for work — I took my first class from a Kmart store in Guam! The program allowed me to stay on track no matter where I was. Rice Business made sure online students felt just as included as those on campus.

How did your online experience compare with your undergraduate classroom experience? They were two very different experiences, shaped by different stages of life, but both delivered an impact. The online format fits my current lifestyle perfectly. I work remotely and move around a lot, so the flexibility aligned well with my routine. Being in Houston allowed me to attend on-campus events, which made the experience even richer. Rice Business is a true community — you feel it everywhere.

What is your best advice to an applicant for thriving in an online MBA program? Trust the process. The online MBA program is designed to meet you where you are and help you get where you want to go. As an extrovert, I worried that the online format might limit my connection, but I was wrong. If you’re proactive and open, you’ll build strong relationships and accomplish your goals.

How has your online education helped you in your current job? It has been transformational. I’ve adopted new frameworks and perspectives that influence how I lead and make decisions. The growth is visible — both to myself and those around me. My company has been very supportive, and I’m excited for what’s ahead as I bring this new mindset into the business.

Did you earn a promotion during or after the program? Not in the traditional sense — that wasn’t my goal. This MBA was a gift to myself, a way to invest in my growth and explore new paths. One of those paths has already opened: Through Rice’s Global Field Experience, I joined the board of Effluz, an online retailer we consulted. We launched a private label in year one and are expanding product lines this year. It has a stepping stone toward my long-term goal of serving on more boards.

Why did you choose an online MBA instead of a full-time or executive program? Simple: flexibility. My schedule doesn’t allow me to be tied to one place, and the online program was the only format that would work. I’m grateful Rice Business offers an option that’s both high quality and designed for working professionals. Without it, getting my MBA wouldn’t have been possible.

How has your business school integrated AI into the curriculum? AI was woven in organically, starting with an economics course in year two. Later, we became the first online cohort to take Introduction to Generative AI for Business, a hands-on class where we explored real-world applications and even built our own GPTs. It changed how I view technology and made me confident in using AI as a tool for innovation.

Number of Hours Per Week Spent on the MBA: On average, it was about 20 hours a week. The first year felt more intense, but it’s all part of the learning curve. It’s a serious commitment between classes, readings, group projects and exams. The key is to stay on top of the workload. I truly enjoyed the experience and wouldn’t trade it for anything.

What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? I want to wake up every morning with the same drive and passion I’ve had since my first job. I want to launch my own venture and sit on boards, leveraging decades of experience to help shape the future of businesses I believe in.

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