Rick Young

Rick Young is a marketing strategist, educator, and community leader based in Des Plaines, Illinois. As Partner at Rizzo Young Marketing, he believes effective marketing should be tailored to each client’s business. The firm operates as an “army of two,” delivering true white-glove service, meaning every strategy is personalized to a client’s unique background, industry, and goals. This focused approach allows for greater precision, speed, and accountability than the traditional agency model.

At the beginning of his career, Rick earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Northern Illinois University, graduating cum laude. While there, he minored in Communication Studies and completed the Professional Sales Program. He was also a member of the Marketing Honors Society and Delta Upsilon.

A two-time recipient of the Des Plaines Community Enhancement Award, Rick was recognized for his work with Rizzo Young Marketing and later as a Board Member of the Center of Concern. He also made history as the youngest Board Member of the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce, where he chaired the Scholarship Committee and served as President of B2B Connections.

Beyond client work, Rick has taught Digital Foundations, Personal Branding, Small Business Marketing, and Corporate Marketing at Illinois Media School, blending real-world experience with current events to prepare students for modern marketing challenges. Today, Rick remains active in ProVisors’ Chicago 4 group, serving on the Executive Committee as Technology Chair and Diversity & Inclusion Ambassador. He lives in Des Plaines with his wife, Maria Rizzo.