He was named the Michiganian of the Year and honored as an Entrepreneur of the Year by Inc. Magazine.
NAPLES, FL, January 23, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ — Marquis Who’s Who, the world’s premier publisher of biographical profiles, is proud to present Rick Inatome with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award. An accomplished listee, Rick Inatome celebrates many years’ experience in his professional network and has been noted for achievements, leadership qualities, and the credentials and successes he has accrued in his field. As in all Marquis Who’s Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
While studying pre-med at Michigan State University, Mr. Inatome’s passion for technology was ignited when he received an article from his father about the world’s first personal computer, predating Apple or Microsoft. The article described a computer chip that was available for purchase. Despite his intent to become a physician, his fascination with building electronic devices led him to consider a future in the emerging computer industry. This early spark of passion has guided him throughout his career, beginning with the founding of Inacomp Computer Centers, where he worked from 1976 until 1999.
In the coming years, Mr. Inatome expanded his startup and turnaround skills with entities such as American Speedy Printing, Zapme Pte Ltd., Mentor Capital Partners, and Sterling Capital Partners. In his various capacities, he oversaw organizational turnarounds and raised startup and growth capital. Backed by years of success, he now serves as board chair of Léman Manhattan Preparatory School (following a successful restructuring) and managing director of Collegio Partners, which provides consulting services to education institutions seeking to adapt to today’s challenging landscape. Central to his current venture is a focus on harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) to disrupt and transform the American education system so that it aligns with the realities of 21st-century learners. Leveraging the power of AI, he sees a future for education that unlocks the potential of all students, regardless of learning challenges or disabilities, and thereby captures a generational opportunity for transformative change akin to what he saw at the advent of the digital age.
Devoted to his community and invested in technology’s potential for serving the social good, Mr. Inatome has served on over 100 boards throughout his career, many of which were nonprofit. He has also worked with the country’s foremost technological leaders, including Steve Jobs and Bill Gates.
Given his generational business, technological, and social achievements, Mr. Inatome has been inducted into the Computer Hall of Fame and became a knight through the Royal Order of Francis I, House of Bourbon. He was named the Michiganian of the Year and honored as an Entrepreneur of the Year by Inc. Magazine. However, outside of his professional accomplishments, Mr. Inatome’s greatest source of pride is his family. He is deeply proud of his wife, children, and grandchildren, and their love and support have been a constant source of strength and inspiration throughout his career.
Although hard work and dedication have brought him far in his career, Mr. Inatome credits his success to his mentors, including Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Joseph Hudson, the chief executive officer of J.L. Hudson Department Store, John Riccardo, the chief executive officer of Chrysler, and Frank Moran. He also notes that without his parents, who, like many persons of Japanese descent, were rounded up and placed in internment camps during World War II, he would not be the man he is today. This recognition of the importance of mentorship has led him to serve as a mentor to many, and he is committed to passing down his knowledge to the next generation of leaders, ensuring his influence continues to shape our world.
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Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who’s Who in America®, Marquis Who’s Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who’s Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who’s Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.
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