Our Team
Deep Blue is led by a team of accomplished entrepreneurs with a strong track record building successful ventures across diverse industries. United by a shared vision, we are committed to delivering critical environmental data to researchers, regulators and innovators, empowering informed decisions and facilitating sustainable solutions for global marine systems.
Dr. Ed Kwoka - Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Kwoka brings more than 30 years of entrepreneurial and executive leadership experience to Deep Blue, with a strong focus on consultative business development, marketing and operations management. His diverse background spans multiple sectors, including aviation, healthcare, technology, finance, manufacturing and telecommunications.
An expert in launching and managing startups as well as revitalizing distressed businesses, Dr. Kwoka has led many successful mergers and acquisitions. His project portfolio includes geopolitical risk analysis for major organizations, market entry strategy for both domestic and international firms, organizational transformation and long-range strategic planning.
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Currently, Dr. Kwoka provides executive-level consulting to both local and national organizations, with a focus on business process improvement, design thinking, agile transformation and geometric strategic planning. He applies his deep expertise in business, finance and analytics across professional, nonprofit and governmental sectors.
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Dr. Kwoka has served as chairman of the Board of Directors for the City of Fort Lauderdale Aviation Advisory Board, held leadership roles with the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce and served as co-chair of the City of Fort Lauderdale Infrastructure Task Force.
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He earned his undergraduate degree in Applied Science and Technologies from Thomas Edison University, completed his MBA in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management at Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business (Summa Cum Laude) and graduated at the top of his class with a Doctorate in Business Administration from Drexel.
Mitchell Schultz - Vice President
Mitchell Schultz comes to Deep Blue with more than 40 years of entrepreneurial experience. Much of that has been devoted to the decorating products industry, where as owner of D. Schultz Interiors, he has grown a venerated, 100-year-old design firm into a Philadelphia-area institution. In his capacity leading the organization, he has had full responsibility for the company’s retail sales, wholesale distribution and manufacturing performance.
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He also serves as president of OFB Contract/Office Furniture Barn, a Pennsylvania office furniture dealer that provides a variety of hardgoods to the business industry. In a related effort, Mitch also founded a successful commercial painting and wall covering contracting firm, a complementary business that leveraged his design expertise and business acumen.
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Beyond this, Mitch has served as a systems consultant specializing in Digital Equipment Corp hardware and a range of software products, and he has been involved in multiple business turnaround operations and liquidations while serving as an asset recovery and remarketing specialist for a number of financial institutions.
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As proud as Mitch is of these accomplishments, what’s nearest to his heart is the Captain Samuel Schultz Memorial Award at Penn State University. The award is in honor of Mitch’s son Sam, who was one of four Marines killed in a military helicopter crash during a training exercise in 2018.​ Mitch attended the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University with an emphasis on Finance.
Eric Schultz - Director of Field Operations
Eric serves as Director of Field Operations at Deep Blue Research, where he applies his extensive background in operations, negotiation and business development to support the company’s mission of advancing underwater ecosystem data collection. With years of experience leading teams, building networks and managing high-stakes projects, Eric ensures that the company's research initiatives are executed with precision and impact.
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Previously, Eric was Vice President of Operations at Claim-Tek, a nationwide public adjusting firm, where he spearheaded new business development, expanded professional partnerships and led complex negotiations. He also worked as a Senior Account Manager in the restoration industry, specializing in large-loss settlements and carrier negotiations. These experiences honed his ability to navigate complex challenges, align diverse stakeholders and keep projects moving forward — all skills he now channels into the research environment, bridging science, logistics and operational efficiency.
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As a Gold Star Family brother, Eric carries forward the legacy of his late brother, United States Marine Corps Captain Samuel Schultz, whose service and sacrifice remain a guiding source of strength and purpose.
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Outside of work, Eric is a certified PADI diver who embraces adventure both above and below the surface. He’s also a passionate motorcyclist, an avid ice hockey player and a believer in bringing the same resilience, teamwork and dedication found in sport and exploration into every aspect of his professional life.