Rick Bakas
Rick Bakas

Senior Technical Marketer

Actively looking · Member since 19 May 2026
Message
Location
United States
Desired salary
Unspecified
Work preference
Full Time
Experience level
Not set

About

Professional summary

I am a self-directed senior technical marketer with a passion for building innovative AI marketing systems that drive measurable business results. In 2018, I created ABBI, an AI marketing system that generated over $1 million in revenue and achieved three #1 Google search term results within its first year. I also developed ROOT, an AI-powered CRM system that integrates data enrichment, AEO optimization, voice-command email campaign generation, and advanced network analysis to identify super connectors.

My expertise lies at the intersection of technology and marketing. I am comfortable reading code, writing compelling copy, and shipping experiments independently without relying on traditional ticket queues. Over the years, I have founded Bakas Media and co-founded Flowsent, where I served as CMO and built AI-native marketing chatbots and software products.

I have worked with enterprise clients such as British Airways, the Australian Government, and the University of Oregon, delivering social media strategies, omni-channel marketing plans, and AI-driven solutions that significantly increase engagement and sales. My experience also includes leading marketing functions for blockchain projects, NFT launches, and mobile payment startups.

I am skilled in designing brand messaging, growth engines, and data governance protocols that enable data-driven decision-making. I emphasize launch planning with a focus on branding, messaging, network effects, A/B testing, funnel optimization, and KPI measurement to maximize marketing impact.

Throughout my career, I have leveraged tools such as HubSpot, Google Analytics, Claude Code, ChatGPT API, Adobe Creative Suite, and various web technologies to build scalable marketing systems and SaaS applications. I am committed to continuous learning and innovation in the evolving landscape of AI and technical marketing.

Skills

14 capabilities

Experience

Career history

Founder, Technical Marketing Strategist, AI Builder Bakas Media

Delivered social media GTM strategy to 25 British Airways senior executives. Created #MerlotMe social campaign generating 63.7M impressions and 40% increase in restaurant wine sales. Built AI-native software products including SwiftList, Provatus, and ROOT. Created global wine holidays #CabernetDay and #ChardonnayDay generating 50-100M annual impressions. Co-founded Flowsent and built ABBI, an AI-native marketing chatbot generating $1M in year-one revenue. Built flash commerce site for Evening Land Vineyards generating $120K in sales. Served enterprise clients including British Airways, Australian Government, and University of Oregon.

Chief Marketing Officer KYOTO Protocol Blockchain

Built full marketing function from scratch including HubSpot growth engine, brand messaging, cross-timezone team structure, and go-to-market strategy. Grew marketing database from zero to 225,000+ contacts in 9 months. Designed data dashboards and governance protocols for verified business metrics.

Co-Founder REVERB / Pin Club, Solana NFT Project

Sold out 1,111-piece NFT collection in under 5 minutes generating $210K. Designed token economy linking physical retail with web3 via NFC chips. Built and managed Discord community from zero through mint with organic engagement.

Marketing Director Tumalo Industries

Rebranded The Herb Center and Dr. Jolly's across digital and print. Increased customer engagement by 26%, in-store sales by 22%, and overall sales by 18%. Built omni-channel strategy and designed all creative assets in-house.

North America Digital Brand Strategy Australian Government

Grew Australian wine restaurant sales 400% across North America through digital campaigns and trade events. Generated 28M social media impressions and 6.4M reach during #ShirazWeek. Delivered measurable ROI on multi-million dollar marketing investment.

Co-Founder, VP of Marketing PressPay Mobile Payments

Co-founded mobile payments startup leading all marketing efforts. Took company to acquisition in 2014. Designed app UX with 3-click checkout flow. Educated merchants on mobile payments before widespread adoption.

Director of Social Media St. Supery Winery

First Director of Social Media in wine industry. Built Twitter presence to 10,000+ followers in 6 months. Reduced wine club churn from 8% to 3% in 60 days. Produced YouTube campaign selling 290 cases in 48 hours. Created #CabernetDay and #ChardonnayDay global wine holidays.

UX Designer Techstars Boulder/Iggli

UX designer for Iggli, part of Techstars Boulder accelerator. Relocated to Boulder to join early-stage startup ecosystem.

Senior Designer, Art Director NIKE, Inc.

Designed Oregon 'O' for University of Oregon brand identity system. Led creative for Jordan Brand and Tiger Woods marketing campaigns. Managed identity redesign projects for Denver Broncos, NY Giants, and Oregon Ducks. Built brand systems at scale.

Education

Learning history

University of Oregon

Architecture with Minor in Business, Multimedia

Portland Community College

Associates Degree in Graphic Design

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