RICK DARTER:
Co-founder, CEO, and President of Rave Computer in Sterling Heights. Darter has more than 32 years of leadership experience in the computer industry and drives the comprehensive and strategic direction of Rave. He has helped lead significant business growth in the military, OEM, and independent software vendor markets, where the company has more than doubled its Michigan-based business in 2009 alone. Rave, a privately held company, specializes in computer hardware consulting, integration, and support. It became Macomb-Oakland University (OU) INCubator's first corporate partner and anchor tenant in 2009 with a new headquarters in the Defense Corridor and Technology Advancement SmartZone of Sterling Heights. Darter is instrumental in creating an aggressive plan that supports Rave Computer’s diversification and growth opportunities and which has resulted in consistent growth in annual profits for 22 years. Prior to co-founding Rave Computer, Darter co-founded and was vice president of sales and marketing for McIntyres Mini Computer. In 1996 he co-founded Rave IT Solutions, which offered information technology consulting services to end-users, and served as the company’s president until 2001. In 1990 Darter also co-founded Rave Financial Services Inc., which leased computer equipment, and was its president until 2001. He is active on the board of directors for Danas Technologies and the advisory board of directors for the Macomb OU INCubator, a business incubator that drives innovation and job growth for Michigan. Darter is also a member of National Defense Industrial Association of the United States Army, and Women in Defense. Previously, Darter served on the zoning board of appeals in Bruce Township for 17 years and was active in politics and the local school board. He holds a sports pilot license and is a certified power parachute instructor and certified scuba diver. He is a member of the RCAF and Eagles Power Parachute clubs, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie 3690.
