5 in 5: Tech Factory CEO, Ricardo Hicks, Jr.
From blending technology and customer service to mentoring professionals over two decades, Ricardo Hicks Jr.'s career is a testament to resilience and ingenuity in the AV . Read below to learn about how Ricardo is cultivating leaders, harnessing AI innovation, and fostering collaborative magic with stakeholders. Ricardo's sage advice emphasizes dedication and a relentless pursuit of greatness.
Here’s Ricardo’s 5 in 5!
1. What inspired your career in the event industry, and how has it evolved since then?
The opportunity to work with technology and customers at the same time, was a big draw for me. I had both of those skills in my tool belt (customer service and technology), and it was exciting to combine the two with Event Technology. This has evolved in training, mentoring and bringing more than 20 people into this industry over the last 20 years. Creating opportunities is the bigger passion for me as a professional these days.
2. Can you share a memorable challenge you faced in your role and how you overcame it?
I had the challenge of finding and developing leaders once I started Tech Factory. Training techs, is likened to drinking water for me, but cultivating managers is a different challenge. We hired and outside consultant at the start of 2023, and with the help of our Managing Director, we have laid the groundwork for developing leaders. It took us until the November of 2023 to see most of the fruit of our labor, but we have gotten to the point that we are communicating, regularly, concisely, and effectively with our colleagues and clients.
3. In your opinion, what is the most exciting trend or innovation currently shaping the event planning landscape?
We keep hearing about AI, and I am finding more and more useful ways to utilize different applications to enhance, problem solve, and engage with our customers. We just had an instance were we needed audio correction for 3 seconds of a presentation. I was able to find an application that allowed me to sample the voice, the type the phrase that I needed. I then, took this into my video editor to fix the problem. Using "Fathom," as a note taker in zoom, google meet, and Teams has been a game changer.
4. How do you collaborate with stakeholders to create unforgettable experiences for clients? Exploring collaboration practices showcases the interconnected nature of the industry and provides insights into teamwork and coordination.
We love to meet with our team to share renderings of previous concepts. Or simply talking about the price differences between scenic options and LED wall accents. I find that we come up with better ideas when do this internally, prior to meeting with clients. I personally, LOVE collaboration! I feel that ideas flow when stakeholders feel like their opinions matter. I also believe that it sparks the next wave of engaged leadership.
5. What advice would you give to someone aspiring to your role in the event industry?
If you're aspiring to be an owner in this space, I would advise to give everything you can to make the business that you work for, successful! That means leaving it all on the field, Monday - Friday. Those that put in the work, will receive the reward for doing so. Those that like to cut corners, will get out what they put in. I never wanted to start a business on my own, but after 13 years of leaving it on the field, I realized that I had what it takes to do this myself. Strive to be great!