Michael Ricke
Founder
Education
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BS Industrial & Systems Engineering, Ohio State University
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MBA, Harvard Business School
Born and raised in Cincinnati, I have always had a propensity for hard work and self-discipline. I started off working in my father’s woodshop and caddied at a local golf course when I was a young teenager. Growing up with five younger siblings, I have always felt a responsibility to perform at a high level and be a strong role model.
After graduating from St. Xavier High School, I studied engineering at Ohio State. While pursuing my degree, I worked as an intern at Kroger’s Columbus, OH baked goods production facility and at Ford’s Flat Rock Assembly plant in Detroit, MI.
Learning the processes and the hard work behind producing high volume products like baked goods and witnessing the grit and determination required to produce vehicles like Ford’s Fusion, Mustang, and F150 in a massive facility inspired me to pursue a career in which I could develop and build quality products.
I started full-time at Lockheed Martin after finishing my undergraduate degree where I spent six years working in their Space and Aeronautics divisions. During my time there, I managed a production shop in Philadelphia, PA that built electrical components for GPS satellites and led project teams that focused on cost-reduction and production efficiency for the F35 fighter jet production line in Fort Worth, TX.
Most recently, I graduated with my MBA from Harvard Business School and have set my sights on owning and operating a small business to bring my desire for autonomy and innovation full circle. In my free time, I enjoy playing golf, spending time with my family & dog, and physical fitness.
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