Some Words about my passions
About Rick
Born and raised in flat Indiana, I spent my childhood immersed in adventure stories and sports. My passion for climbing ignited in 2013 after an introductory alpinism course in the Cascade Mountains. I devoted my free time to honing my skills on ice and rock, finding camaraderie in the Chicago Mountaineering Club and the Calgary Section of the Alpine Club of Canada. The Canadian Rockies stole my heart, and a Mont Blanc summit in 2016 opened my eyes to the alpine playground in the Alps.
In 2018, I moved to Chamonix to pursue alpine adventures full-time, eventually finding a healthy balance between climbing and work in Milan. Alongside mountain sports, I enjoy street and lifestyle photography. In my professional life, I leverage my Italian-American dual citizenship to help Italian businesses and start-ups expand into the US market. This unique background enables me to bridge cultural gaps and foster new business opportunities. I’ve dedicated my recent efforts to AWorld, an Italian scale-up partnered with the United Nations, committed to promoting sustainability and carbon footprint reduction.
Mountains, Alpinism, and Exploration
Some of my most profound moments involved reaching sunlit summits after hours of relentless climbing on a cold and dark north face. I’m drawn to alpine climbing or alpinism, which encompasses rock climbing, ice climbing, skiing, and mountaineering. With nearly a decade of climbing experience, including three years in Chamonix, the alpinist’s paradise, I’m now exploring the diverse climbing opportunities in the Italian and Swiss Alps. When I’m not climbing or working, you’ll likely find me skiing or trail running in the mountains. Catch my latest adventures on Instagram.
Travel, Photography, & Expat Life
Having grown up in the US, I’m keen to observe the subtle and sometimes striking contrasts of European life. I appreciate both immersing myself in the local culture and observing it from an outsider’s perspective. Milan offers the perfect base, with easy access to the mountains, the sea, and Europe’s iconic destinations. My camera is always at hand, capturing the magic of daily life, from navigating hairpin turns in the mountains with my drone to shooting 35mm film at neighborhood markets. My favorite images blend the ordinary with a touch of mystery.
Work and Career
As an Italian-American dual citizen, I bridge cultures to build networks and business relationships for Italian companies in the US, working from both Milan and Chicago. My latest collaboration is with AWorld, a company empowering people to embrace sustainability and take action against climate change—an issue close to my heart as a climber. The Alps’ receding glaciers and melting permafrost, leading to hazardous rockfalls, are testament to the urgency of the situation. I’m committed to supporting companies like AWorld, ensuring future generations can enjoy the mountains we cherish.
Adventure Journal
Dive into my latest alpine escapades, climbing expeditions, and travel stories in my Adventure Journal. Discover tips, insights, and trip reports that will inspire your own mountain adventures.