Synergy is spotlighting some of our new Synergy members to help you get to know them a little bit better. We asked each new member some questions so we could learn more about them and their business. Check out below to read all about Tony Rickards with Archer Mechanical!
- What originally got you interested in your current field of work?
My dad had been in the industry since before I was born. My parents started the company shortly after when I was around seven. Since I was young, I spent a lot of time around the shop, the crew, the talk, and the language of the mechanical world. As I got older, I started using my own hands to build the systems in buildings, and I was hooked from the designing process to building systems safely and efficiently. The constant evolving changes and challenges of the trade make the work gratifying and fun.
- What do you love most about what you do?
Building a lifetime of memories for the city and community I love. As builders, we create memories with every building we are part of. Working with a variety of people on a project, we all contribute different parts and pieces. Watching them come together to build these fantastic buildings is rewarding.
- Who inspires you?
What inspires me is people, driven and dedicated to creating a better outcome. We have the opportunity to get better every day; why not use it. For me, the fact that people can apply themselves, get out of their comfort zone, and breakthrough their boundaries is one of the most inspiring things. I love seeing people reach their goals, no matter how big or small they are.
- What is your favorite thing about the area you live in?
I enjoy the options Utah has to offer. I can be in nature within 30 minutes, no matter which direction, whether it’s fishing, a bike ride, hiking, or camping. And living downtown is excellent because most of everything is walkable, a gym, restaurants, theaters, and grocery stores.
- What is your most prized possession and why?
My work journals. I enjoy putting thought onto paper and then making it a reality that I get to share with my community. I have been writing for years, and in these journals, I write down goals, concepts, and strategies. I love being able to look back at them, which I do once or twice a year, to see how far we’ve come.
- What charity or cause are you most passionate about?
I’m passionate about giving back to the Salt Lake community. Having the opportunities to guide and motivate those around me to become successful leaders building the future and the great community we live in.
- What is the best thing you got from your parents?
My dad would always say, “Do it right, or don’t do it at all.” and that gave me the foundation to constantly remind myself that it might not be perfect the first time, but continue to work through it, and you can solve unique challenges. My mom taught me to think through needs/wants critically, so if I wanted something, I better have a compelling case, which taught me to run ROIs and process thoughts from multiple angles. Both of these gave me life principles that I use each day. But the best thing that I got from my parents is my work ethic and the opportunity to run such a fantastic company.
- What have you learned as a business leader since the COVID pandemic?
Since the COVID pandemic, I’ve learned human contact is essential even with advanced technology. Having open discussions and bouncing ideas off of one another creates a greater learning experience for all of us. Sometimes the best solutions are made in person.
