Rice Motorsports, IHAF, and Corner Block Studio

We were not just building a racing team, we were making history. As the sons of legend Larry Rice, a two-time USAC Silver Crown champion, we knew the legacy was big, but our passion was even bigger. In our very first season, we defied expectations, securing the USAC Silver Crown Entrant Championship and Rookie of the Year honors – a first-ever feat for a second-generation team. Driven by this success, we continued to dominate. In our sophomore season, we racked up the most wins and top-five finishes, narrowly missing the championship. Finally, in our third year, we claimed ultimate victory, winning both the Entrant and Driver Championships, along with Crew Chief of the Year honors. We are gearing up for 2024, click on the image above to help us on our journey. 

As Deputy Project Manager and acting Chief of Staff, I had the privilege of leading the successful launch of the $167 million Indiana Homeowner Assistance Fund (IHAF), a beacon of hope for 10K+ Hoosier homeowners facing hardship due to COVID-19. This vital program required the dedicated efforts of a diverse team of 55 staff, including case managers, technology specialists, financial processors, and communication experts.  Within just 90 days, we achieved remarkable results. We facilitated the onboarding of 98% of mortgage servicers and most county treasurers, significantly streamlining access to assistance for those in need. Moreover, the program provided financial aid exceeding the previous program's first year, demonstrating our commitment to delivering impactful relief.

The Student Housing Furniture Directory and Buyer's Guide is specifically designed to help residential life staff at 2,128 universities and colleges make informed purchasing decisions. This in-depth analysis goes beyond product listings, offering unbiased evaluations of top student housing furniture companies within the $312 million annual market. Dive deep into companies' domestic or overseas production, materials, build quality, furniture types, and design services. Our guide also covers warranties, material trends like wood and laminate, fabric options, and custom capabilities. This comprehensive resource empowers residential life staff to invest wisely, creating functional, durable, and stylish spaces that meet the evolving needs of today's students. 

Developed a universal contracting strategy to target, capture, and sustain federal, state, and local government contracts and consortiums across the United States. Successful statewide contract proposals include South Carolina, Mississippi, and Georgia, which increased opportunities by $11 million within two years. Maintained their U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) contract while pursuing state contracts in Alabama, California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, and Texas. Additionally, we made strong inroads to engage in federal consortiums such as E&I Cooperative Services, Omnia Partners, and TIPS Purchasing Cooperative.   

Magnified leads by $30 million within six months and commitments of $4.3 million for 2020/2021 in the southeastern region, which doubled market penetration. This 231% increase over their 10-year average was achieved in part by the data migration, conversion, and integration from a legacy system to create a unified view, new communication avenues, mapping, and company-wide analytics through GovSpend and Salesforce. The business development modernization of standard operating procedures, producing market opportunity valuations, and implementing a value-based sales methodology was so successful that it is being rolled out throughout the entire sales team. 

Facing a data nightmare of bouncing emails, disconnected numbers, and missing contacts, I spearheaded a 98% data cleansing crusade, dropping inaccuracies from 26% to under 2%. This newfound clarity fueled a complete marketing collateral overhaul, refreshing everything from website copy to showroom displays. I helped launch new product lines like the Arne and Lunar Series and even played a role in transforming our 58,000-square-foot showroom - all while ensuring impactful digital and video marketing campaigns. This was not just about numbers; it was about transforming chaos into a powerful marketing engine, ready to drive success. 

I directed a groundbreaking initiative to secure critical funding for housing the homeless in Indiana, a state with no prior history of such investment. Through national award-winning lobbying efforts, I successfully acquired $2 million per budget cycle to establish the Indiana Housing First Program. This program provides rental assistance and essential support services to individuals and families facing homelessness due to serious mental illness, addiction, or both. This first-of-its-kind investment not only helped those in need but also earned IHCDA the prestigious National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA) State Legislative Advocacy Award for our transformative impact on Hoosiers. 

Passionate about revitalizing communities, I led an award-winning initiative that not only earned me national recognition but also secured a transformative $90 million to fight blight in Indiana. Through coalition building and strategic policy development, I spearheaded the Blight Elimination Program (BEP) legislation, tackling two crucial issues: streamlining the tax sale process for clearing vacant and abandoned properties, and combating profiteering and public safety threats. This impactful program, fueled by legislation like Senate Bills 433, 422, 415, 204, and House Bill 1536, didn't just remove eyesores and hazards; it paved the way for new development and community revitalization. 

A Bridge Builder for Midwestern Housing: My passion for collaboration led me to not only found the Midwest Housing Finance Collaborative (MHFC) with 12 states in 2013 but also to earn national recognition for our powerful federal advocacy. Initially assisting Michigan, Indiana's role evolved dramatically as we took the lead in 2015, culminating in hosting the groundbreaking Midwest Housing Summit in 2016. This first-of-its-kind conference united Housing Finance Authorities to shape a regional strategic action plan, later presented to the new administration. This achievement stands as a testament to the impactful potential of collaboration in tackling shared challenges. 

Passionate about data-driven solutions, I led a statewide initiative that secured over $10 million to fuel the Indiana Affordable Housing and Community Development Fund. This was not just about funding; it was about impact. My comprehensive Economic Impact Analysis directly linked policy to progress, generating a remarkable $232 million in economic activity and over 1,400 jobs, while creating nearly 1,100 low-income housing units annually. This ripple effect of smart policy earned IHCDA an admired statewide public service award, a testament to our commitment to making a real difference in Hoosiers' lives. This journey was not just about numbers; it was about empowering communities and building a brighter future for Indiana, one informed decision at a time.

Undeterred by tradition, I led a revolutionary redesign of the annual conference, rebranding it to the Indiana Housing Conference and forging a powerful partnership with the IAHC. This fusion ignited a 286% revenue surge within a year, doubling attendance and raising a staggering $193,000 in sponsorships. The impact did not stop there: 2016 saw a record-breaking 550 attendees, and in 2017, even all nine members of Indiana's federal delegation joined the dialogue. This was not just about numbers; it was about sparking collaboration, elevating awareness, and securing vital resources for the state's affordable housing needs. My vision and strategic partnerships transformed the conference into a powerhouse, leaving a lasting legacy of progress for Indiana's communities.

Driven by a commitment to collaboration, I spearheaded the creation of the Indiana Housing Alliance and its inaugural Housing Policy Summit. This was not just a gathering; it was a catalyst for change. Over 100 housing professionals exchanged ideas, fostering partnerships that transcended the event and bloomed into a powerful lobbying alliance. This collaborative spirit of 15+ organizations fueled the summit's content, developed by diverse stakeholders, and powered several successful legislative initiatives. The summit was not just about dialogue; it was about proving that united voices can shape a brighter housing future for Indiana. This legacy of collaboration and impact is a testament to the power of bringing people together to advocate for positive change.

Dominican Republic’s economic landscape soared under our leadership, culminating in a landmark achievement: becoming the Caribbean's top recipient of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) according to the World Bank. This was not just a title; it represented a $1 billion increase in FDI compared to previous years, marking the highest amount ever received in Dominican history. Our commitment to being the most impactful investment and promotion agency in the Caribbean translated into concrete results, with the telecommunications sector emerging as the most dynamic driver of this growth. 

"Invest in the DR," an initiative I spearheaded, transformed the Dominican Republic into a magnet for nearshore operations. Strategic communication and marketing attracted $150 million in foreign direct investment, creating 30,000 high-paying jobs. Renowned companies like ACS, APAC, DELL, and Teleperformance joined the wave, drawn by compelling branding, targeted industry marketing, and active engagement showcasing the DR's investment benefits. This success story embodies my ability to develop impactful branding, attract major investments, and directly drive economic growth through job creation.

In the face of unimaginable devastation, the Dominican Republic rose to the challenge. Following the 7.0 earthquake that shattered Port-au-Prince, claiming over 316,000 lives and leaving 1.6 million homeless, We played a critical role in Haiti's emergency response. Our efforts went beyond providing immediate basic needs like food, water, and shelter. Invest in the DR organized the logistical headquarters for major organizations like the American Red Cross, The Clinton Foundation, and DirectRelief, coordinating their activities and facilitating crucial aid efforts, resulting in billions pledged for Haiti’s recovery. 

As Program Director for PCSD, I pioneered the creation of the Contact Center Alignment (CCA), a national trade association designed to unify and elevate the industry. Recognizing the need for standardized leadership practices, I went beyond creating the association and developed the CCA leadership certification program. This innovative program brought together a dozen leading international companies in a collaborative learning environment. Through comprehensive training and knowledge sharing, the program equipped 30 select managers with the expertise to implement best practices and raise industry standards.

Passionate about industry insights, I spearheaded the unprecedented Dominican Republic State of the Contact Center Industry and Operational Review. This report, the most comprehensive ever undertaken, offers a panoramic view of the sector's current, historical, and projected size, going beyond mere numbers to analyze: the number of centers and agents, diverse language skills, key business parameters, activity levels, and current industry types with future expansion plans. This treasure trove of data empowers stakeholders with the knowledge to make informed decisions and drive the industry's future success.

As IFP's Senior Political Strategist, I structured a complete overhaul of their engagement, crafting personalized strategies, orchestrating captivating campaigns, and leveraging data to navigate the political terrain. But my most pivotal contribution was empowering local communities through leadership training, igniting a surge in active participation, and ensuring every voice was heard. This multifaceted approach fueled a remarkable 10% increase in the popular vote, propelling IFP from a mere 4% in 2008 to a commanding 14% in 2012. This was a testament to the power of strategic engagement and the belief that democracy thrives when empowered. 

Navigating adversity, I built a powerful government and public affairs department from the ground up, despite the organization being labeled "Public Enemy No. 1." I tracked nearly 1,200 bills across 28 states and the federal level, actively lobbying on 65 pieces of legislation. Developing strategic communication tools like talking points, legislative alerts, and direct marketing campaigns, I mobilized effective advocacy efforts. Moreover, I spearheaded legislative meetings and committee testimonies, directly influencing decision-making processes. Beyond lobbying, I authored an impactful federal petition and drafted four comments to the FTC and FCC, shaping regulatory landscapes. 

Recognizing the burden of excessive state and federal regulations, I led the creation of the first-ever set of self-regulatory standards for the contact center industry within the ATA Self-Regulatory Organization (SRO). This ambitious project involved crafting a comprehensive business model, establishing dedicated volunteer committees, and developing a detailed 100-page document outlining the standards. To garner industry-wide buy-in, I delivered dozens of presentations across the country, securing critical commitments totaling $250,000. This success hinged on collaborative efforts with key stakeholders like the FTC, FCC, and the National Association of Attorneys General.

Transforming a Dormant PAC: I revitalized the ATA Political Action Committee (PAC) from near obscurity to one of the nation's fastest-growing, raising over $175,000 in just three years (beginning with less than $1,000 in 2005 to more than $150,000 in 2008). Engaging disco parties, Potomac cruises, lobbying fly-ins, and a new payroll deduction program fueled this growth, alongside a compelling message resonating with our audience. This remarkable turnaround demonstrates my ability to drive innovation, engage diverse audiences, and achieve exceptional results, ultimately strengthening the PAC's influence on industry advocacy.

I overhauled the ATA Washington Summit, doubling attendance from under 175 to nearly 300 registrants and increasing revenue by 110% to $210K+ in just three years. As an administrator, I secured high-profile speakers like Ari Fleischer, Paul Begala, and Donna Brazile, attracting a wider audience and enhancing event prestige. My strategic marketing initiatives, valuable partnerships, and focus on creating a compelling experience fueled this turnaround, demonstrating my leadership, strategic thinking, and ability to drive impactful results.

As an industry champion, I advocated for 40,000 contact centers and 3.5 million employees. I penned the ATA Lobbying Handbook, a guide empowering professionals, and the Teleservices Glossary, a definitive language resource. Contributing to the State of the Industry report, my research shaped its insights. Most notably, I secured and managed the "US Contact Center Operational Review," the most comprehensive study ever conducted, revealing best practices and industry benchmarks that benefit countless stakeholders. 

As the national compliance officer, I empowered 1K+ attendees across 22 nationwide seminars, equipping them with industry knowledge. I crafted crucial tools like the ATA Consumer Protection Handbook (a comprehensive guide), the online holiday/compliance alert system real-time notification tool), and the National Suppression List (do-not-call area code resource). Through these initiatives, I not only facilitated education but also shaped a more responsible industry by ensuring compliance confidence for businesses and protecting consumer privacy.