As organizations set ambitious growth goals and embrace evolving ways of working in 2022 and beyond, the role of the Chief Information Officer (CIO) has never been more crucial. CIOs are now in the spotlight—expected not just to lead technology strategy, but to inspire change, drive innovation, and align IT with business goals to build resilient, future-ready organizations.
One such leader at the forefront of this transformation is Rick Gehringer, Chief Information Officer at Wedgewood.
Meet Rick Gehringer: A Visionary Tech Leader
Rick Gehringer brings over four decades of experience in launching and scaling businesses across commercial, nonprofit, and government sectors—both in the U.S. and globally. With a sharp focus on IPOs, M&A, post-deal integration, and startup innovation, Rick has consistently turned strategy into results.
When he joined Wedgewood in 2020, the company was looking for a multi-talented CIO to break down technological barriers and pave new paths for innovation and growth. For Rick, the opportunity to contribute to new business models, enhance operational processes, and form strategic alliances aligned perfectly with his forward-thinking mindset and love for fast-paced, adaptable environments.
About Wedgewood
Founded in 1985, Wedgewood began its journey by revitalizing single-family homes with a sustainable design approach. Today, the company has evolved into a multi-faceted real estate powerhouse operating in over 20 states. Wedgewood’s mission remains rooted in enhancing communities—whether through homeownership opportunities or delivering exceptional tenant experiences in apartment communities.
Based in Los Angeles, with operations in Las Vegas and Dallas, Wedgewood continues to lead with purpose and innovation.
He also sits on the executive team, helping to steer the company’s strategic direction and long-term vision.
Rick views the CIO as a business leader first, not just a technologist. Just as a CFO leads financial strategy or a COO manages operations, a CIO must master technology strategy and be able to communicate it in business terms. He likens this to learning a new language—something every successful CIO must strive to perfect. Curiosity, he believes, is the secret ingredient: “A naturally curious CIO will ask the right questions, seeking to translate the answers into transformational solutions.”
Top IT Priorities at Wedgewood
From day one, Rick set bold priorities:
- Transition to the Cloud
He led the shift from dual on-premise/cloud environments to a fully cloud-based infrastructure—eliminating inefficiencies and unlocking agility. - Empowering Technical Teams
His goal: create a tech team that partners with business units, advises on smart investments, and avoids wasteful tech ventures. - Enhancing Employee Experience
Rick focuses on deploying intuitive, user-friendly tools that enable seamless collaboration and productivity across teams.
Adopting and Shaping Market Trends
One of the most exciting trends Rick has seen? The simplification of technology. What once required extensive setup—like AI services, VMs, data sets, and security tools—can now be activated with just a few clicks.
He’s especially passionate about data analytics, calling it the most impactful advancement in recent years. But rather than only looking outward, Rick encourages companies to examine their internal capabilities—some of which may have commercial potential.
His advice:
“Apply product marketing strategies to identify opportunities. Find the one with the best mix of potential and acceptable risk.”
Rick’s Guiding Principles for Success
Rick’s leadership style is deeply influenced by his background in competitive team sports like rowing, baseball, and cycling. From these experiences, he learned two key principles:
- Collaboration leads to unmatched outcomes.
Success in teams—and business—is rarely a solo act. - Success is a journey of constant evolution.
Whether on the field or in the boardroom, you must continually hone your craft.
Rick believes in measuring success using both tangible metrics (growth, revenue, KPIs) and intangible values (perceptions, sentiment, team culture). The balance of both drives true progress.
One of his proudest acknowledgments? Being invited to speak at industry events and conferences—an honor he views as validation that his insights are worth sharing beyond his own company.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Tech at Wedgewood
Wedgewood has not only survived but thrived through multiple market cycles—a rare feat in real estate. The company’s proven ability to innovate, adapt, and stay profitable positions it well for the future.
Rick remains committed to leading the technology charge, helping Wedgewood scale with intention and impact. His goal? To continue building a company that delivers value—to its stakeholders, its communities, and the people it serves.
“I’m proud to be part of a company that’s not just growing, but growing with purpose.”
Learn More About Wedgewood
🔗 www.wedgewood-inc.com
