Daily Inspiration: Meet Rick Galente

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rick Galente

Hi Rick, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Before I started my company I was a freelance data communications technician for corporate companies. I was always traveling doing the hard jobs nobody wanted to do. When covid hit I lost a few contracts and was out of work due to the epidemic. I was always interested in CNC and laser engraving machines as I enjoyed art and design. So I ordered one and started doing designs and got to the point where I was producing custom made longboards and skateboards with amazing artwork and portraits. I started doing random pop up markets around the city as well as flea markets. I got the hang of running the business aspect from my past life before being a tech. I started to gain traction recently after being able to expand my expertise. Mind you I am living in a small apartment at this point still am. Eventually I hope to be able to move into a proper work space that won’t be as limiting as it restricts me to do larger jobs that I would like to do. I am currently working with other local businesses as well to provide them with better quality merchandise and locally crafted items to offer their customers. I hope to someday be able to supply the local breweries with amazing artwork etched into their mugs, Or maybe even some wooden coasters with custom artwork for them to use to reduce waste of paper or plastic coasters. Until then I am enjoying the adventure of owning a business and seeing what crazy or interesting ideas people come to me with. Recently I did a custom Skateboard for a veteran that someone asked me to do. They gave me freedom of design so I asked a few questions about his career in the army airborne infantry and all that. So I made a really amazing design that featured dog tags with his name, rank and info of each of his deployments. They absolutely loved it and thought I knocked it out of the park. I love that feeling and that’s why I love what I do. On top of that I get to meet other amazing artists and vendors at markets that I now have ideas to collaborate with them on some ideas I have. But hey come back in a year or 2 hopefully I can share some more amazing stories and adventures.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nothings that smooth when starting out. Especially when you have PTSD and anxiety. It was a rough road starting out and even now just trying to get the next project while starting and trying to keep them coming in so you don’t have downtime and can afford the next order of materials. Also starting everything when I was out of work and not sure when I would have more to pay the bills next. Thankfully I have an amazing girlfriend and partner. She has helped and supported me through those times I was going to give up. She is the one that holds it down for me.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
What I love most about my work is seeing the faces on others light up cause of a funny design or fall in love with one of the pieces I have. I just like to see people happy especially in a world filled with craziness and anger. I am not trying to make a billion dollars or become the next Elon Musk or something. I just want to make cool stuff and make people smile.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Doing what makes you happy. Cause what else is better than happiness? I worked on multi million dollar estates where people had anything they could ever want cars, pools, bowling alleys, anything you could think of. My mom worked for people like that and still does. All those people had one thing in common, they weren’t happy. So why not just enjoy being comfortable and enjoy the happiness in life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://headycustomworks.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/headycustomworks?igsh=d3RrNG43bDR4bXR3
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550528210027&mibextid=ZbWKwL

Image Credits
Myself