Hello
My name is Rick Zwetsch
Rick Zwetsch is both an innovator and a realist. In his three decades of marketing, planning, business development and entrepreneurial experience, Rick has learned how to bridge the gap between the cutting edge and practical. He knows the challenges of running a socially minded and innovative business firsthand.
As cofounder and principal at interSector Partners®, L3C, a Holland, Michigan-based low-profit limited liability (L3C) company, Rick has become a strong national voice in the promotion of the L3C business structure. Founded in early 2009, interSector was just the 39th L3C registered in the U.S. and the first doing business in Colorado. As a pioneer, Rick has helped champion and advocate for the L3C structure through service on committees, speaking engagements and trainings, writings and published works, and through advocating for legislation in Colorado and nationally.
At interSector, Rick offers a wealth of consulting expertise in a variety of disciplines including strategic planning, effective stakeholder engagement, executive search, social enterprise feasibility and business planning/development, impact investing and corporate social responsibility. Rick’s personal strengths include not only his wide array of experience and business savvy, but also his energy, integrity, and straight-shooting approach.
Rick’s early career includes opening and managing the first Florida branch office of a national surety company. His interest and expertise in the Internet began in 1994 when he directed strategic marketing and business development for a Colorado-based Web development company responsible for launching the first-generation Web sites and online marketing for Earthlink Network, Schwinn Cycling, KBCO Radio (Boulder) and national diamond retailer The Shane Co.
In 1997, Rick cofounded the interactive division of Integer Group, Colorado’s largest advertising agency. Serving as Internet Media Supervisor, he led interactive media, branding and communication projects for US West, Coors Brewing Co., Bollé, ServiceMaster, Craig Rehabilitation Hospital, HealthGrades.com and MortgageRateWatch.com. He went on to form two small consulting businesses specializing in marketing and insurance/retirement planning before partnering with Caryn Capriccioso in 2009 to form interSector. The company merges his business and marketing background with a personal interest in seeing philanthropic organizations become more business-minded and sustainable.
Rick is a past member of the Flycast Network New Product Advisory Board and has been interviewed in Business 2.0 magazine. He has been a speaker/panelist at numerous conferences, including AdverNET, the Colorado Restaurant Association’s WestEx, the Colorado Nonprofit Association’s annual conference (2009), SoCap 2009 and at the SVC/SE conference in Miami (2010). The author of two ad agency training manuals, Anatomy of an Online Media Buy and Online Media Campaign Tracking System, Rick has also authored or co-authored numerous other publications and software modules, including the revolutionary brainstorming program IdeaFisher® which involved creating more than 6,500 questions in the areas of strategic planning, advertising, marketing, product/name development, conflict resolution, and problem solving.
Rick holds a B.A. in management from Hartwick College in Oneonta, NY, is a former partner at Social Venture Partners Boulder County and was a co-founder of Impact Hub Boulder. Rick also served on the new product advisory board of the industry leading online survey provider Survey Gizmo (now Alchemer), was a member of the Director's Club at Rocky Mountain MicroFinance Institute as well as being part of the Post Boot Camp advisor team. Rick served on the steering committee for Colorado Impact Day, the host committee for the 2015 Social Enterprise Alliance Summit, and the board of the Colorado Nonprofit Loan Fund.
Away from the office, Rick is an avid cyclist and fundraiser in the fight against multiple sclerosis. During 30 years as a BikeMS participant (formerly the MS 150), a 140+ mile weekend cycling event, he has raised more than $50,000 and pedaled 5,000-plus miles. In 2012, Rick chaired the fundraising committee for Team Left Hand Brewing whose 125 team riders raised more than $185,000 (Goal was $150,000) finishing 3rd out of more than 200 teams. During his 30-year involvement with the National MS Society, Rick has individually or as a member of a team raised nearly $1 million in the fight against MS. Rick is also an ultra-cycling enthusiast having completed multiple 400+ mile bike races both on the road and on his trainer in the basement.
"Rick Zwetsch is a true visionary. He brings to the social sector a wealth of high-level marketing and innovative business development experience coupled with a heart-felt passion to drive positive social change. His energy, commitment and creativity set him apart from all others who serve the social enterprise community.
I am proud to call Rick my friend, and delighted to recommend him and interSector Partners, L3C, to social enterprises, both new and established, which seek strategic advice of the highest caliber."
Marc J. Lane, President / Attorney
The Law Offices of Marc J. Lane, P.C. | Chicago, IL