The world's best companies have one thing in common: intelligent, logical brains in the management team. Quiet performers who have an uncanny ability to see the clear path of navigation from the thickest of weeds, even before anybody else does.

Richard Rinck has that kind of vision.

As Parker & Partner's strategic marketing planner, Richard's daily task is to listen to all the viewpoints, pore over all the documents, search for more depth and combine all the elements in a custom-sculpted marketing plan that will meet the business objectives at hand.

With over 20 years of Fortune-500 level strategic marketing experience, Richard knows how to build brands that build revenues. He's a consistent voice of reason, leading the charge that ends in success by asking not what's best for the client, but what's best for the client's clients.

He is one of those naturally approachable, disarming personalities who not only stays focused and logical – but influences those around him to stay focused and logical, too. And he does it with a sharp-edged sense of humor that makes him as comfortable in the wackiness of the creative department as he is within the serious hushed tones of the corporate boardroom. In short: he gets it. And that's a rare business attribute that's hard to put a price on.

(And if you want to get on his good side, hand him a fine hand-rolled cigar and ask him to tell you about his last ski trip.)

E-mail Richard at rrinck@parkerandpartners.com