With more than four decades of experience in engineering and industrial automation, Rick Ritchie brings a wealth of knowledge, perspective, and problem-solving expertise to LSI’s Bowling Green team. Since joining LSI in January 2025, he has helped support clients across a variety of projects while continuing to do what he enjoys most: learning, adapting, and helping others succeed.
Rick’s engineering journey began over 43 years ago when he started his career with Texas Instruments after earning a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology from Western Kentucky University. Over the course of his career, he has worked in manufacturing facilities, for equipment manufacturers, and within systems integration, giving him a unique perspective on both the challenges and opportunities facing industrial operations today.
Now serving as a Level 5 Lead Controls Engineer, Rick credits much of his professional growth to remaining curious and embracing change throughout his career.
“You’re never too old to learn. If you can learn one thing a day, you’re doing well.”
That mindset has helped him navigate different roles throughout his career and build the experience necessary to tackle increasingly complex challenges. Looking back, Rick believes every position played a role in preparing him for what came next.
“I firmly believe you have experiences and roles that prepare you for future jobs. At the time, they may challenge you, but later you look back and realize how much they helped prepare you for what’s next.”
Since joining LSI, Rick has spent much of his time supporting Hill’s Pet Nutrition, a customer he has worked with in various capacities since 2011. While it’s difficult for him to single out one specific project as a career highlight, he takes particular pride in the trust and relationships that have been built along the way. Recently, those relationships helped LSI earn additional opportunities after the client recognized the team’s ability to step in and provide support when it was needed most.
For Rick, successful projects are rarely about any one individual.
“It’s the people and the relationships that you build, not only with your colleagues but also with the customer. The team you work with has a lot to do with your success.”
When asked what advice he would give to young engineers entering the industry, Rick’s answer is simple:
“Learn as much as you can, as fast as you can. Learn your customer, understand what they need and what they want, and be willing to change along the way.”
One of the qualities Rick appreciates most about LSI is the depth and diversity of expertise across the organization. Whether someone has worked in food and beverage, automotive, pulp and paper, or another industry, he values the willingness of employees to share their expertise and help each other solve problems.
“There’s just a wealth of knowledge that people bring to the table. You can pick up so much information just from talking with different folks across the company.”
Outside of work, Rick enjoys spending time with his family, tending to projects around the house, gardening, and caring for the assortment of pets that have become part of the family over the years, including dogs, cats, and even chickens. He and his wife, who recently celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary, also enjoy traveling, particularly to Italy and the Charleston, South Carolina area. He also shared that his career wouldn’t be what it is without his supportive spouse, “The sacrifices she’s made in me being gone from home over the years has been instrumental in making me the engineer I am today.”
Family remains at the center of Rick’s life. Both of his children now live within minutes of home, creating more opportunities for family gatherings and quality time together.
One fun fact many coworkers may not know is that “Rick” isn’t actually part of his legal name. Growing up, family members called him “Ricky” (also not part of his legal name), a nickname that eventually evolved into Rick. Today, most people know him by that name, even though it’s not the one that appears on his official documents.
After more than 40 years in the industry, Rick continues to embody the qualities that make great engineers invaluable: inquisitiveness, flexibility, honesty, and a commitment to helping both teammates and customers succeed.
Thank you, Rick, for the experience, perspective, and dedication you bring to LSI and our customers every day.