Dealmakers Conversations

Dustin is an award-winning business journalist, bestselling author, and the chief content officer of Smart Business. Over the past 30 years, he has interviewed thousands of business and civic leaders, and helped more than 50 CEOs and entrepreneurs transform their ideas into books. A trained investigative politics reporter and former digital media entrepreneur, Dustin joined Smart Business in 1997 after serving as an editor at several daily newspapers.

Rick is the President and Director of Sales & Marketing of Ricart Automotive Group in Columbus, Ohio. Ricart Ford was founded in July 1953 by his grandfather, Paul Ricart Sr. It was his grandfather’s philosophy that to lead, you must first work alongside the employees. Rick started out as a lot attendant and by 2005 had worked in eight different positions with the various brands. In 2011, having touched every aspect of the business, Rick assumed all sales and marketing operations at the dealership, experiencing significant and sustainable growth every year thereafter. Rick has a true passion for marketing, innovation and mobility advancements. Rick was recently appointed president of the company.

Mark helps his clients recruit the top 5% of organizational leaders. Before founding TeamBuilder Search, Mark built and successfully exited a digital agency. Mark has also held leadership roles in multibillion-dollar and emerging growth organizations. In addition to his professional pursuits, Mark was a member of the USA Sport Jujitsu team winning a Silver Medal at the World Championships and a Gold Medal at the National Championships.