Rick’s goal (other than world domination) is seamless collaboration. He believes the Agency has achieved this by recruiting the best of the best in every discipline.
When you were 10 years old, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I guess some things never change… the same three things I wanted to be when I was 10, I’d still love to be doing now. Here they are—and the reasons I’m not (for two of the three)!
Flying fighter jets: After being accepted to the Air Force Academy, it was determined during my physical that my eyesight was so bad, I couldn’t see what I was eating! Next!
Playing major league baseball: I did have a minor league deal with the Cincinnati Reds, but after going 0 for 5 with three strikeouts, my coach suggested I look for another line of work, which brings me to number 3.
Creating art: And here I am, living the dream. One out of three isn’t bad. (If that was my batting average, I’d be on a baseball card somewhere!)
Any bucket list items?
Damn, I’d need a bucket for my bucket. I’m not even sure where to start… but here it goes! Skydive, go to Yankee fantasy camp during spring training, shoot in the low 80s, catch a 50-pound striped bass, race at Limerock, visit every major city in Italy, and most important to me: Grow this agency into a $100 million powerhouse!
What do you like about working at an agency?
Hmmmm… that’s a tough one. There’s so much I love about working here! I know I was destined to do something in life that allowed me to express my creativity. I’m not wired to sit behind a desk and do the same thing day in and day out, and as much as agency life is the same thing tactically, I get to engage and interact with many different types of people, and with a variety of industries, products and services daily. I learn something new every single day, and that keeps this business fun and satisfying for me. I do love coming to work and doing my part to make this agency great!
What inspires you?
Besides a good bottle of Italian red wine? I believe inspiration can be sparked by things you see, hear and say. It’s about engaging your senses, being openminded, and curbing your prejudices. Listen to the lyrics of a song, or observe a beautiful cloud formation. For me inspiration comes in many forms, you just need to let it in, and work hard to hone and polish it until it becomes the best it can possibly be!
What’s the weirdest thing on your desk?
If you know me, it would come as no surprise the amount of weirdness I have going on my desk! For something to have the privilege of sitting on my desk for all to see, however, it must pass one simple test: Is it cool or just another piece of dust-collecting crap?
But if I had to pick the coolest of the cool, this is it! (picture of my f-bomb sculpture)