Rick Leniek is a Research Scientist, Operations Manager, and passionate entrepreneur with over two decades of scientific expertise and a deep commitment to innovation. A long-time resident of Brevard County, Florida, just outside Kennedy Space Center, Rick’s connection to his community has shaped both his career and his entrepreneurial spirit.
Rick’s academic journey began at Florida State University, where he earned a BS in Biochemistry, supported by a scholarship from Cape Canaveral Hospital. His research interests took flight when a professor recognized his creative problem-solving skills, leading him to join the prestigious lab of Dr. Naresh Dalal. There, Rick played a pivotal role in the discovery of magnetic chromium crystals—materials now crucial to advancements in data storage technology, including the magnetic strips on credit cards. His groundbreaking work was published in the Journal of Applied Physics, marking the first of many significant contributions to the scientific community.
While pursuing his Master’s in Organic Chemistry at Northern Arizona University, Rick collaborated with renowned researchers Dr. Diane Stearns and Dr. Ed Civitello from Berkeley. Together, they pioneered methods for synthesizing and purifying bulk DNA and proteins for cancer research, which earned recognition in the Journal of Bioconjugate Chemistry and further cemented Rick’s expertise in large-scale chemical processes.
Rick’s professional career expanded into the pharmaceutical industry, where he helped develop synthetic methods and purification processes for the clinical trial compound IDN-6556 under MIT Professor Rob Horowitz. His work contributed to a Nobel Prize-winning advancement in medicine, leading to the acquisition of the company by Pfizer. This experience deepened Rick’s understanding of how pharmaceutical innovations intersect with corporate growth and strategic development.
As the manager of laboratories at the Florida Institute of Technology, an aerospace-focused university, Rick gained valuable leadership experience, ensuring that state-of-the-art, federally compliant labs met the highest safety standards. His expertise in maintaining quality and consistency in research environments has become an essential part of his approach to every new venture.
Rick’s transition into the botanical extraction and wellness industry was sparked by a personal revelation about the power of natural remedies. While working in pharmaceuticals, he discovered a natural solution to a condition for which he was helping to develop medication, igniting his passion for holistic wellness. Now, Rick focuses on developing premium products from raw materials like kava, kratom, hemp, and functional mushrooms, combining his scientific expertise with his dedication to improving wellness through nature.
As an experienced entrepreneur, Rick blends business acumen with scientific knowledge. His previous ventures in marketing and transportation logistics have provided him with a unique perspective on both business strategy and operational excellence. This combination of skills allows him to lead in the botanical extraction industry and deliver innovative products to the wellness market.
Rick is dedicated to developing high-quality, organic extracts that meet the growing demand for natural wellness solutions. He actively seeks partnerships with like-minded companies committed to quality, innovation, and growth. Through collaboration, Rick helps businesses expand their reach, forge new partnerships, and increase shareholder value in the organic extraction industry.
Outside of work, Rick is passionate about giving back to his community. As an alumnus of the Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity, he has contributed to various charitable causes, including fundraising for the Children’s Miracle Network and participating in the Relay for Life event to raise awareness for cancer research. With Rick’s expertise, vision, and leadership, you can be confident in the development of high-quality botanical extracts and innovative wellness products that improve lives naturally.