Rick is our Founder, CEO and an inspired Creative. He started as a retailer then formed CDS. Working as a Creative Designer in the beginning he is now an expert in retail strategies, brand development and understanding the human element as it relates to the shopping experience. He helps retailers lay the foundation for their products using innovative planning and creative communication techniques; it is his passion.

Rick started Commercial Design Systems in his garage as a one-man operation. He has grown the company to what it is today by embracing empowerment and trusting his team every day. The grocery industry has been his life starting at a young age when he began growing and working all aspects of the retail store process to gain a deep knowledge of the industry at all levels.

Personally, when he is not consulting, he is always designing, enjoying the local wine industry and supporting his family.

Inspired. Retail Strategist. Brander. Creative… A Passion for Life.

With over 40 years experience in manufacturing businesses, Terry has taken on many different roles from manufacturing to installing to project management and sales. He has done countless jobs over the years and has found that he’s very passionate about reusing, recycling and repurposing. Terry has become a finder of all things for projects including antique windows and doors, tractor wheels, cheese graters, oars and butcher blocks.

Terry officially went to work for CDS on January 2, 1990. It seems an odd thing to remember the exact date but not if you’re Terry and it’s always been the details that mattered to him. When he first started working at CDS, there were only four full time employees and they did everything from designing to manufacturing to installing. Over time, he bought stock in the company and became an owner.

If Terry isn’t working and moving he’s not happy. So, when he’s not in the office he’s busy spending time with his family or checking something off his honey-do list.

Gene has more than 30 years experience in construction, project management, land development and architecture. An expert in building, fixing and installing, he is the type of guy that loves to know how things work and how they are put together. He lives for figuring out how to make a build happen and problem solving, even when the pressure is on with the tightest of timelines.

Gene’s experience includes Project Manager, Director of Construction Operations and Vice President of Construction at Palladeo and idX Construction. Gene also owned and directed a contracting business working for clients such as Guess to develop multi-million dollar manufacturing facilities.

When Gene isn’t fixing, building or problem solving he’s probably at his house in Arizona on the Colorado River where he’s off-road racing, water skiing or spending time with his wife and replacement kids – two golden retrievers since his real kids are all grown up and moved away.

Scott has more than 14 years experience in décor installation, fabrication and project management. He has worked with many clients including Whole Foods Markets, Kroger and Albertsons. He is willing to jump in and do whatever is necessary to keep the client happy and make their projects successful. Scott enjoys taking on fresh challenges and turning the vision of designers into reality.

Scott has experience in the trade show exhibit industry working for Pinnacle and Green Space Exhibits where he wore many hats including Production Manager, Estimator and Lead Builder. He began his professional career at Commercial Design Systems where he worked his way from décor installer to lead installer and further into fabrication. In 2011, he returned as Director of Account and eventually moved to Chicago to head up the satellite office there.

On the weekends Scott and his family are enjoying exploring their new hometown Chicago. He and his wife are also heavily involved with their two boys and their passion for sports.

It takes hard work to run a crew of people when you have ever-changing deadlines and tasks but Tim handles it all with a great attitude, which is also reflected by his team. Tim’s favorite part of the job is prototyping – taking an idea and creating something tangible or jumping in and helping the crew by getting his hands dirty when deadlines are tight.

Tim has been working since he was 15 years old and has built up a wealth of knowledge from his time in the masonry profession and residential construction. After eight years in the masonry profession he was in charge of all aspects of the business except the bid process and as a result learned a tremendous amount about problem solving, ethics and hard work.

When Tim isn’t helping the team out, he’s spending time with his wife and daughter. They are undoubtedly with family and friends, barbecuing and living the Oregon dream on the seven sunny days a year.