Utilizing Cool-Down Weeks to Avoid Burnout and Improve Product Stability

Vice President (VP) vs. Head of Engineering: Understanding the Key Differences

The Importance of Aligning Values with Your Role

Navigating Career Transitions: From Engineer to Manager

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    <h2>Hello there!</h2>
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      I'm <strong>Rick Takes</strong>, an engineering leader, entrepreneur and builder of cool things.
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    <p>
      Passionate about engineering leadership, I build high-performing teams that deliver exceptional results. With a track record of cultivating cultures exemplified by high morale, low attrition, and strong engagement, I consistently motivate and inspire my teams to tackle complex problems that surpass deadline expectations without compromising quality.
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<h3>Let's Connect!</h3>
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    <li class="mb-5 float-left"><a class="inline-button" href="/contact">Contact Me</a></li>
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<h2>Career Highlights</h2>
<h3>Kitbash3D</h3>
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      Currently the <strong>Vice President of Engineering at Kitbash3D</strong>.  I lead a team of amazing engineers, driven to Enable + Inspire Creators of the Virtual Frontier.
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<h3>Netlify</h3>
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      As <strong>Head of Core Platform at Netlify</strong> I led a group of 60 engineers with 3 directors and 8 teams reporting to me directly.  I also worked closely the SVP of Engineering to help set direction and culture for the larger 120+ person engineering team.
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    <ul class="list-disc list-inside"> Key Achievements
      <li>I was responsible for creating a culture of personal growth and career opportunities.  I revised and built career leveling guidelines along with streamlining our hiring process and alowing us to open up more junior positions.</li>
      <li>Drove a financial engineering program (FinOps) that resulted in millions of dollars in savings through observability, contract negotiation, cloud consolidation and ROI analyis.</li>
      <li>Was integral to the strategic merger and acquistion of Gatsby Inc.</li>
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<h3>Spring (Formerly Teespring)</h3>
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      As the <strong>Head of Engineering and later the Interim VP of Engineering at Spring</strong> I grew the team from less than 10 engineers to 50+.  In the process we built an amazing and diverse engineering culture.
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    <ul class="list-disc list-inside"> Key Achievements
      <li>Scaled the product and engineering teams from less than 10 to 50+. </li>
      <li>Led the efforts to move from a monolithic architecture to a more modern, composable approach.  We were able to support 8 million storefronts, billions of products and 100s of thousands of active users.</li>
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<h3>Redshift Digital</h3>
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      As the <strong>Head of Engineering at Redshift Digital</strong> I was the first engineering hire and tasked with building a strong Engineering offering.
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    <ul class="list-disc list-inside"> Key Achievements
      <li>Designed and executed on building an engineering department.</li>
      <li>Grew the enigineering offering from 0 to more than 30% of the companies gross revenue in less than 2 years.</li>
      <li>Had 100% retention of engineers over a 2.5 year period</li>
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<h3>Cisco</h3>
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       At Cisco I was the <strong>Brand Exchange Strategist</strong> on the Global Brand and Governance team.  In this role, I was in charge of strategy and execution for the Cisco Brand Exchange, a platform for sharing approved Cisco brand assets, delivering brand training, and providing guidance to vendors.  I led a team of engineers to innovate on the platform, while also acting as Producer for several video series and other platform assets.
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    <ul class="list-disc list-inside"> Key Achievements
      <li>Designed and developed a digital brand guide to replace the static version</li>
      <li>Produced a video series to educate and highlight key aspects of the Cisco brand</li>
      <li>Led a team of engineers to maintain and innovate on the Brand Exchange Platform</li>
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<h3>ParkMart</h3>
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       <strong>I co-founded ParkMart</strong>, a design and development agency focused on building amazing web experiences and products focused on the non-profit and startup space.
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    <ul class="list-disc list-inside"> Key Achievements
      <li>Led the engineering arm of the agency including server management, cloud infrastructure, and technology consulting</li>
      <li>Managed budgets, proposals, contracting, and sales</li>
      <li>Was the lead architect and engineer on projects for customers such as Make-A-Wish, Cisco, Google, Adobe, Musicians on Call, the MS Foundation and more</li>
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<h3>Other Interests</h3>
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       In my free time I ride and re-build old motorcycles, restore retro video games, am an avid photographer, and generally love to explore the world.
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About Contact

Takes on Engineering

Thoughts on building high-performing engineering teams.

Utilizing Cool-Down Weeks to Avoid Burnout and Improve Product Stability

Vice President (VP) vs. Head of Engineering: Understanding the Key Differences

The Importance of Aligning Values with Your Role

Navigating Career Transitions: From Engineer to Manager

AboutContact

Takes on Engineering

Thoughts on building high-performing engineering teams.

Utilizing Cool-Down Weeks to Avoid Burnout and Improve Product Stability

Vice President (VP) vs. Head of Engineering: Understanding the Key Differences

The Importance of Aligning Values with Your Role

Navigating Career Transitions: From Engineer to Manager

About Contact