How Alex Merutka’s $10M Gamble Built A Tech Giant -

Big Moves: Alex Merutka Said “No Thanks” to $10M

Imagine being offered a $10 million bonus and saying, “Nah, I’ve got bigger plans.” Sounds wild, right? That’s exactly what Alex Merutka, founder and CEO of Craftsman+, did. Instead of cashing in at AppLovin, a Silicon Valley giant worth over $100 billion, Alex decided to bet on himself and build his own company.

At just 33, Alex had already crushed his early career goals. By 21, he hit a six-figure salary — a milestone he once thought would mean “I’ve made it!” But once he got there, it hit him: “How could I ever be the boss I admired so much if I kept working for someone else?” That’s when he knew it was time to take the leap.

Craftsman+: Alex Merutka’s Interactive Playground for Brands

So, what’s Craftsman+ all about? It’s not just another tech company—it’s a platform where brands and consumers meet in the coolest way possible: through gaming. With a drag-and-drop design tool, companies can create their own branded gaming experiences. It’s like bringing marketing and fun together in a way that actually works.

The road hasn’t been smooth, though. When COVID-19 hit, Alex had to pivot fast. Craftsman+ moved from focusing on travel to diving headfirst into the gaming world. Those were tough times, and Alex even sold his Tesla stock to keep the company afloat. “It made us stronger,” he says now, looking back on those sleepless nights.

CEO Life: Work Anywhere, Play Everywhere

Alex is not your average CEO chained to a desk. When he’s not building his tech empire, he’s out riding horses on beaches in Egypt, visiting orphanages in Nepal, or meeting business partners in India. And the best part? His team gets the same freedom. As long as the work gets done, Alex doesn’t care if you’re working from a café in Bali or your couch at 4 a.m.

“If you’re not having fun with what you’re doing, staying motivated is impossible,” Alex says. That’s why he’s built a company culture that’s all about flexibility and creativity.

For Gen Z Entrepreneurs: It’s Not About the Money

Alex’s story is proof that chasing your passion beats chasing paychecks. Sure, $10 million is nice, but building something you believe in? That’s priceless. So, if you’re sitting on a big idea, don’t let fear hold you back. As Alex says, “I wouldn’t trade this journey for the world.”

For every Gen Z hustler out there dreaming of being their own boss, take a page from Alex Merutka’s playbook: Bet on yourself, embrace the challenges, and have a blast along the way.