For Shivan Bassaw ’15, MBA ’21, a proud Bronx resident, Adelphi University wasn’t just a convenient choice—it was a place where dreams took flight.
Member of Adelphi University’s 10 Under 10
Robert B. Willumstad School of Business, Department of Management
Chief Administrative Officer, 99 Innovations LLC
“From my very first visit, I felt something special at Adelphi. The sense of community, the genuine care people had for one another—it felt like I was stepping into a big, supportive family,” Bassaw recalls. That feeling of belonging inspired him to choose “One South Avenue” as the place where he would grow, learn and transform.
At Adelphi, Bassaw found more than just education; he discovered a wellspring of mentorship and wisdom that would guide him throughout his career. “When I launched my first company, the first two calls I made were to a former professor for guidance and to University Alumni Relations to connect with peers in my industry,” he shares. “Those calls were the spark that turned my business from a simple idea into a reality.”
Bassaw cherishes the lessons he learned from his professors, including Zachary Johnson, PhD (advertising management), Dean MaryAnne Hyland, PhD (human resource management), Stephen Gordon ’77, MBA ’81 (international business), and Gita Surie, PhD (business policy and strategy). With each new role after graduation, Bassaw built upon the last, crafting a career that reflects his passion for innovation and leadership.
He began his journey at Cruise Brothers in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, as a sales operations manager. There, he developed marketing strategies that brought in thousands of new clients and created lasting memories for countless families. His leadership journey continued at Bassaw Organization in Ocala, Florida, where he oversaw real estate development and rehabilitation projects, turning dreams of beautiful and affordable housing into reality for many.
Bassaw’s ambition then led him to San Diego, California, where he joined Reis & Irvy’s as a product operations manager. He played a pivotal role in designing go-to-market strategies for a new wave of automated retail technologies, managing a global network of kiosks that revolutionized customer experiences. This experience set the stage for his current role as chief administrative officer at 99 Innovations, the parent company of 99 Spoons.
Since joining in March 2023, Bassaw has driven remarkable change within the company. “In just the first 90 days, I enhanced our vending machine distribution efficiency by applying lean management techniques I mastered during my MBA at Adelphi,” he says. Through strategic negotiations with logistics partners, he was also able to drastically reduce the company’s operational costs. Bassaw is also credited with spearheading initiatives which have expanded the company’s reach both nationally and internationally. Under his leadership, 99 Innovations continues to lead the soft-serve vending industry with unparalleled excellence.
“What truly excites me about my role is the opportunity to influence every aspect of the business, from operations to customer experience,” Bassaw explains. “It’s deeply rewarding to know that the work I do helps shape the future of the company and brings joy to people around the world.”
Reflecting on his journey, Bassaw credits Adelphi University with laying the foundation for his success. “Adelphi didn’t just teach me business—it empowered me to become a leader, a visionary and a catalyst for change,” he says. The University’s supportive environment offered him invaluable networking opportunities, internships and real-world experiences that not only clarified his goals but also equipped him with the skills to achieve them.
To current students and recent graduates, Bassaw offers this advice: “Dive into every opportunity, both on and off campus. You never know how the connections you make today will shape your future tomorrow. Embrace every experience, and trust that Adelphi has given you the tools to succeed—now it’s up to you to use them.”