RICK SCHERLE Career Overview
	Rick Scherle attended the birth of the digital age, and has been personally involved in many of the key technology advances of the last 35 years. His contributions include hardware and software design, distribution channels, public service, writing and speaking, and for the last 15 years, marketing strategy and implementation. Rick built his first computer from telephone parts at the age of 12. In 1970, while working for Motorola Aerospace, he developed an early digital watch design. He was 16. As manager of Western Region Software Support for Digital, and later as CEO of Software Techniques, he helped drive the transition from mainframes to minicomputers. His pioneering work in the creation of the PC market includes helping design the floppy disk drive (Diablo Systems) and the daisywheel printer (Qume Corp.), as well as managing the hardware and software development for the award-winning Logitech handheld scanner. Moving from technology design to marketing and distribution, Rick built the first computer superstore in California (for ComputerCraft) in 1987. His interest in 3D computer graphics led him to teach at Foothill College, where he wrote the class text-book, and later to a position at Silicon Graphics where he created their world-class developer program. In 1992 Rick was appointed as Director of Technology Business Development by the Governor of Utah. His successes there included the creation of 23,000 jobs through the commercialization of university, research lab and private sector technology. This so-called “Utah Miracle” made it the “#1 state to start a technology business”, and resulted in cover stories in Time, Money, Inc., and The New York Times. Rick was presented the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Economic Development for his achievements. Rick founded Bravo! Marketing in 1995, growing it to $20 million in billings, while launching some of the biggest Internet successes, including the world’s largest web hosting provider (Hiway Technologies), the world’s largest email provider (Critical Path), and the leading cost-per-action banner advertising network (ValueClick). In his role at Bravo!, and as a consultant, Rick’s clients have also included:
	·         Apple Computer ·         Claris Corp. ·         Cisco Systems ·         Crescendo Ventures ·         Heidrick & Struggles	·         Hyundai ·         IDC ·         Logitech ·         MicroAge ·         Simple Technologies

Recent Work History
	1995 – Present  Bravo! Marketing, Inc.                                   San Francisco, CA CEO & Founder n     Grew Bravo! Marketing from two-person consultancy into respected integrated marketing agency with over $20 million in annual billings n     National client list includes Cisco, Heidrick & Struggles, Hyundai and IDC n     Successfully positioned, launched and grew over a dozen companies, including three that went from a few people to publicly held firms: Hiway Technologies (VRIO), CriticalPath (CPTH) and ValueClick (VCLK) n     Created work environment based on merit, opportunity and pride of profession 1993 – 1995       Kelly Micro Systems                                                    Irvine, CA President, VP of Marketing n     Performed a complete turnaround on this MicroAge-owned memory manufacturer n     Re-staffed the top level management team and cleaned up outstanding liabilities, including winning four lawsuits brought by former employees n     Repaired company reputation from quality laggard to leader by upgrading the manufacturing process, implementing consistent media relations, and dramatically improving advertising efforts n     Created a number of innovative marketing programs with large distributors and manufacturers n     Positioned the company for acquisition by Simple Technology 1992 – 1993       State of Utah                                                  Salt Like City, UT Director of Technology Development n     Assisted in the creation of 23,000 jobs through the commercialization of technology, linking up venture capital firms with public and private research centers n     Responsible for State funding and financial performance of 23 Centers of Excellence. These R&D centers developed technology ranging from IT and communications to dairy and meat processing to small satellite design. n     Managed the public relations program for Utah’s business development programs, and had Utah named as the number one state in which to build a business. Achieved cover stories in Time, Money, Inc., National Graphic, The New York Times, and dozens of other publications. n     Appeared on television as a spokesperson for the state’s economic development program, and made presentations before the State Legislature n     Received the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Economic Development 1990 – 1992       Silicon Graphics, Inc.                                   Mountain View, CA Director of Marketing, Director of Developer Communications n     Developed marketing programs, presentations and software designed to sell SGI machines into specific vertical markets, from geological exploration to pharmaceuticals n     Created a world-class developer program to assist in the development and porting of key software to the platform n     Produced the company’s first successful international developer conference—at a profit n     Created an online developer service network, IRIS CONNECTion 1988 – 1990       Marketing Consultant                                     Silicon Valley, CA n     Managed development team that produced award-winning Logitech handheld scanner n     Other clients included Apple, Ashton-Tate, Claris, Software Publishing 1986 – 1988       ComputerCraft                                                       Palo Alto, CA Manager n     Pioneered computer superstore retailing with 10,000 ft2 facility n     Developed innovative sales and promotion strategies that led to consistent profitability 1980 – 1986       Software Techniques                                    Orange County, CA CEO & Founder n     Invented disk de-fragmentation n     Founded and grew this international software firm into largest 3rd party supplier of tools and utilities for DEC marketplace n     Negotiated sale of company after 7 years of sustained profitability
Awards
	n     Best Advertising Agency Web Site of 2000, Web Marketing Association n     Governor’s Award for Excellence in Economic Development , State of Utah n     Outstanding Contributions to Hardware Sales, DEC sales team n     Various Sales Performance Awards from Compaq Computer (at ComputerCraft)
Publications & Speaking
	Rick served as founding editor of DEC Professional Magazine, and as Technology Editor for Utah Business Magazine. His published work spans a broad range, from a computer graphics textbook to articles in DM News on successful e-commerce strategies. His guest speaking appearances include DECUS, the UC Berkeley Undergraduate School of Business, Golden Gate University, and various technology industry shows and panels.
Personal
	Rick’s interests include 3D modeling and visual effects, motorcycling and cooking. He is also a partner in a small-scale production gold mine near Murphys, CA.
References
	Available on request.