Sign In

Rick Stern

CEO Nitel, YPO, HBS OPM 38, USNR Vet, Mercy Home Board, UF DLC, Gator, Martial Artist, Philanthropist, Cancer Survivor

Rick Stern is an experienced entrepreneur and business leader who founded Nitel, a technology services company, in 1997.13 He served as the CEO of Nitel for 25 years, from February 1997 to January 2022.1 Under his leadership, Nitel became a 9-time Inc. 500/5000 honoree and a 10-time Best & Brightest places to work winner.1

Key aspects of Rick Stern's career and achievements include:

  1. Education: He holds a Bachelor of Science in Telecommunications from the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications (1987-1990) and completed Harvard Business School's Executive Education program in Owner/President Management (2007-2009).13

  2. Military service: Stern served as a Boatswains Mate 2nd Class Petty Officer in the US Navy Reserve from May 1986 to May 1992.1

  3. Professional experience: Prior to founding Nitel, he worked for companies such as Sprint, WorldCom, and Universal Access in various sales and management roles.1

  4. Awards and recognition:

    • Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Midwest Finalist in 20101
    • Inducted into the University of Florida College of Journalism Hall of Fame in February 202113
    • Inducted into the University of Illinois at Chicago's Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame in 20113
  5. Current roles: As of February 2025, Stern is the CEO and Founder of Stern Recruiting, a position he has held since January 2023.1 He is also involved in private equity investing and entrepreneurship.1

  6. Personal interests: Stern is a martial artist, holding various ranks in different disciplines, including a Black Belt in Goju Karate and a Purple Belt in BJJ.1

In November 2021, it was announced that Cinven, a private equity firm, had made an investment in Nitel.2 Following this investment, in January 2022, Stern transitioned from his role as CEO to become a board observer while remaining an investor in the business.45

Highlights

Jan 30 · bloomberg.com
Nitel Inc - Company Profile and News - Bloomberg Markets
Dec 11 · nitelusa.com
Nitel: Next-Generation Technology Services
Sep 3 · leadiq.com
Nitel Company Overview, Contact Details & Competitors | LeadIQ
Dec 15 · channelfutures.com
Nitel Founders Move to Board Observers Post-Private Equity ...
Nitel Founders Move to Board Observers Post-Private Equity ...
Jan 6 · nitelusa.com
Nitel Announces Leadership Changes on the Heels of Cinven ...
Nitel Announces Leadership Changes on the Heels of Cinven ...
Jan 1 · bloomberg.com
Network Innovations Inc - Company Profile and News

Related Questions

What are some of Rick Stern's most notable achievements at Nitel?
How did Rick Stern transition from Nitel to Stern Recruiting?
What inspired Rick Stern to start Nitel?
What are Rick Stern's key responsibilities as CEO of Stern Recruiting?
How has Rick Stern's experience in the US Navy Reserve influenced his leadership style?
Rick Stern
Rick Stern, photo 1
Rick Stern, photo 2
Add to my network

Location

Greater Chicago Area