Condit’s Chicago office welcomed Rick Flood as Director of Operations for their Midwestern facility in early May. With over 20 years in the events and exhibitions industry, including positions at 2020 Exhibits and Skyline, Rick brings a strong network as well as a wealth of information and experience to his new role at Condit.
President Kevin Trainor said, “A number of qualified candidates threw their hats in the ring for this position, and we’re grateful for their interest and participation. Rick was one, and he came to us highly recommended. You’re always looking for skills and experience, and the right mix is hugely important. But even more, culture is key to Condit’s success; we’re a family of talented, hardworking individuals, and our clients love that and feel like a part of the family too. The right pick for the role of Operations Director would have those same intangibles that set Condit apart; energy, creativity, curiosity, and a deep commitment to quality and service. Rick checked all those boxes and more.”
About Rick
Rick got his start in tradeshows at Dimension Craft, sweeping floors as a self-professed “warehouse guy” in the early 90s. His passion for the industry was immediate.
“With 20 plus years of training and knowledge in the trade show industry, I can say that I have come a long way. My journey has taken me from sweeping warehouse floors all the way to director of operations in what I feel is the greatest, most exciting industry in the universe.”
Rick credits his professional development and success to his vast network of colleagues, mentors, and partners.
“There have been many lessons on the road, and I give credit to many of the great individuals that I worked for and with over the years. Without them, I would not be able to do what I love on a daily basis.”
Rick’s core values of teamwork, efficiency, and mutual respect promise to be assets in his daily interactions and in broader strategic decisions. He stresses the importance of putting out industry-leading products and services that everyone at the organization can be proud of.
In his spare time, Rick is an avid golfer, saying he lives for the game “despite being terrible at it.” He enjoys live music “no matter who it is and where they are playing.” He’s been a big fan of Chicago Bears since first attending a game in 1974, though he acknowledges that’s been a rough pursuit these last years.
Rick’s idol is his 16-year-old daughter, who is both an honor roll student and one of the top track and field sophomores in the nation.
“I have been beyond lucky to watch a young child develop into the kindest most caring human that I have ever met. My child was the most important part of my decision to find the right fit as opposed to me settling elsewhere. We discussed the people, the culture, and the happiness that I would experience in this major move. She told me that I need to do it but need to make sure that I am going to be happy and still have time to be her biggest fan.”
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- Rick and daughter, Morgan
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- Rick golfing
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- Bear Down, Chicago Bears
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- Rick at a Notre Dame Fighting Irish game
Coming to Condit
Rick found Condit after an extensive post-pandemic search, keeping in mind this might just be his final professional role prior to retirement. He notes that the Condit culture and team were the key considerations in accepting the position.
“The care and passion that goes into each project along with the ways that relationships have been forged with our client partners were impressive. This was the opportunity of a lifetime that I could not pass up, and here I am today.”
President Kevin Trainor continued, “We’re in an aggressive rebuilding mode after the trials of the pandemic, and having someone like Rick in this role will go a long way toward making us whole again. But more than that, our plans are for robust growth, and it’s already happening with our expansion into new markets and new events. The ability to attract and retain talent, streamline processes, and execute a game plan are all strengths of Rick’s and will be crucial to bringing our vision to life. Welcome, Mr. Flood!”
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