Alex Merutka

Craftsman+

We built CRAFTSMAN+ to solve a very real, very overlooked problem: creative at scale.

Performance marketing doesn’t fail from bad media buying, it fails from stale creative. CRAFTSMAN+ is a creative tech company engineered to close that gap. We developed a proprietary content engine that automates high-impact, data-backed playable and interactive ads. Built for speed, scale, and measurable performance.

Our platform helps top mobile brands (and their growth teams) scale creative output across channels like Meta, Google, TikTok, and programmatic, without sacrificing quality or insights.

Partners include category leaders in gaming, fintech, and commerce. Deloitte Fast 500 (#330), Inc. 5000, and trusted by the best because we don’t just make ads—we make performance scale.

CEO | Founder

Node Ventures

Node Ventures backs early-stage companies where we can be a growth weapon, not just a check.

We specialize in companies where digital marketing is the unlock. With deep operating experience across user acquisition, creative automation, and adtech infrastructure, we help founders move faster, scale smarter, and build the systems that drive real traction.

Node isn’t a traditional VC, we're a strategic partner with execution DNA. If we invest, we’re in the trenches with you.

Founder

Node Media

Odin Stem Cells

Odin delivers regenerative stem cell treatments. Clinically backed, nationally scaled, and optimized for long-term health outcomes.

We’re building the future of regenerative medicine by making advanced stem cell therapy accessible across the U.S. Odin operates at the intersection of science, performance, and wellness. Helping patients repair, recover, and optimize from the inside out.

→ Nationwide delivery. Clinical precision. Life-changing results.

Chairman & Co-Founder

Member

Forbes

Forbes 30 under 30 

AppLovin

Strategic Consultant

Helped scale AppLovin from early-stage startup to $29B IPO—leading $2B+ in performance media across mobile, programmatic, and creative.

Joined as one of the first employees. Built and led the user acquisition and programmatic teams during a period of hypergrowth—managing global campaigns for top mobile titles and partners. Owned media strategy and creative performance at scale.

Played a critical role in AppLovin’s growth trajectory from Seed stage through its final private round (led by KKR), culminating in a $29B IPO.

→ Specialized in building systems that connect performance data with growth strategy—at billion-dollar scale.

Head of Programmatic

Director of Sales

Conversant (formerly Greystripe)

Acquired by Alliance Data Systems (ADS) for $2.3 billion in 2014. 

Provided digital media solutions ranging from desktop, mobile, cross-device, video, lead generation, and retargeting.

Account Executive

BrightEdge

Enterprise Business Representative

I build companies that move markets. Right now, that’s CRAFTSMAN+—a creative technology platform powering high-performance ads for the world’s biggest mobile brands.

We’re not just shipping more creatives—we’re rewriting how performance teams scale. Backed by partnerships with Meta, Google, and TikTok, we’ve engineered a platform that turns friction-heavy creative workflows into data-backed, scalable growth engines. It’s the reason we landed on Forbes 30 Under 30, Deloitte Fast 500 (#330), and Inc. 5000—and why top brands trust us to accelerate what actually moves the needle.

Before CRAFTSMAN+, I led user acquisition and programmatic at AppLovin—managing $2B+ in ad spend and helping scale the company from Seed to $29B IPO. I also founded Node Ventures, a startup studio backing breakout ideas with speed and unfair distribution.

Contributor to Bloomberg, Business Insider, and FoxNews. Member of YPO. Always building, always optimizing.

CRAFTSMAN+

Craftsman+ is a leading creative ad technology company for the world’s largest brands. The company delivers a comprehensive range of creative solutions that enables marketers to unlock the power of their engaging 3D, interactive, and playable ad creatives. Craftsman+ is powered by a sophisticated platform that allows marketers to quickly build playable ads and iterate creative content across marketing channels, at scale. Uniting creative, tech, and impeccable service to drive results, Craftsman+ is known for its best-in-class creative agency, driving results through powerful ideas and engaging storytelling.

Vice President of People Operations

Head of People Operations

People Operations Manager

Recruiter

Lifestyle Publications

Lifestyle Publications launched its flagship publication in 2009 with the Leawood Lifestyle. We have since grown to nearly 100 publications all across the country. Lifestyle connects and inspires communities through locally-focused magazines mailed directly to local homes and businesses.

Lead Recruiter

Mosaic Life Care

Provide full-cycle recruitment for all clinical and non-clinical Manager, Associate Director, Director, Vice President, President, Officer, Administrator, Leadership Support, and hard-to-fill professional job roles.

In this role, it was vital to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals at all organizational levels. Successfully partnering with hiring managers to develop innovative recruitment strategies resulting in an average time to fill of 54 days for FY19. Successfully filled 70 requisitions in FY18; 100 requisitions in FY19.

Lead advertising efforts for recruitment across multiple channels of media. Implemented new social strategies amongst recruitment team social media accounts.

Executive Recruiter

St. Joseph (Mo.) Chamber of Commerce

Promoted benefits of the Chamber to prospective new members and existing member businesses. Successfully recruiting over 120 new member businesses in 2014-2016. Successfully built relationships and increased communications with members to strengthen retention rates to 85% for members between the first and third year of membership. Continued promotion of economic growth and stability in St. Joseph through business retention and expansion meetings with 50 businesses per year in the St. Joseph area.
Manage and execute annual member retention plans for membership base through the use of roundtable meetings, staff visits, volunteer outreach, and special events. Organized and hosted many new initiatives in the St. Joseph are to include but not limited to Healthy St. Joseph, Women's Leadership Group, LEAD - A Young Professionals Network, Manufacturing Roundtable, and two Circle of Influence groups.

Membership Specialist

Responsible for various tasks within the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce. While working with the VP of Membership to assist with events, marketing, retention, and potential new members. While working with the communications director to update the Chamber's website, social media outlets, and produce press releases. Assisting in business retention calls and other tasks assigned by the President and CEO.

Member Relations and Communication Intern

MEGA Gymnastics

Teaching children age 6 to 10 gymnastics. Developing leadership and teamwork skills on a different playing field. Most nights I learn more form the kids than they learn from me.

Instructor

epoints USA

Responsible for making students and businesses aware of the e points program.

Campus Ambassador

I thrive on connecting people to their passion, being a supporter of individuality, and having fun at work! Since joining CRAFTSMAN+ in early 2021, I’ve worked cross-functionally with some of the brightest minds in the game - our team amazes me every day!! My dream is to continue to build a group of winners and foster an environment that we're all proud of. 🤍✨ 

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Alex Merutka

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