Service Record
Richard "Rich" Erschik
- Entrepreneur
- U.S. Army Veteran
- Trade Show Industry Pioneer
- Author
- Speaker
- Educator
Years Building Businesses
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Years Running an International Trade Show Firm
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Professionals Trained Worldwide
Welcome to My Personal Website. It all begins here. Take a look around.
For more than five decades, I’ve built businesses, taught professionals, and helped people shortcut complicated learning curves. Chicago-born and plainspoken by nature, I founded and ran an international marketing services company in the trade show industry for more than 22 years, trained over 45,000 professionals worldwide, and spent the second half of my career learning technology and turning personal experience into practical writing and education. Today I love to teach, but…
“I don’t teach theory.
I teach what actually works.”
This site is where I share what I’ve done, what I’ve learned, and what I’m focused on now.
What I'm Focused on Today
I’ve spent most of my working life in front of people — in meeting rooms, making sales calls, on stages, in training rooms, and now online.
Today, my work is simpler. And more personal. I help people:
- Exhibit successfully in trade shows
- Understand and use AI and ChatGPT
- Write their stories and legacy
- Make better presentations
Why This Site Exists
This is best referred to as my anchor site. It holds a little about my background, my body of work, and the thread that connects everything I do. Pick a ticket below to explore my other websites and things I do.
Training
Trade Show Exhibitor Training
Learn the proven process I’ve taught to more than 45,000 professionals to improve lead quality, follow-up, and ROI, before, during, and after the show.
Training
AI & ChatGPT Training
Get practical AI & ChatGPT training for beginners, professionals, CEOs, and executives who want to save time, work smarter, and stay relevant.
Free Book
The AI Executive Edge
Get a free executive guide explaining how business leaders can use AI and ChatGPT to improve decisions, productivity, and competitive advantage.
New Book
Trade Shows Don't Cost… They PAY!
Read about a proven post show lead management process that expands marketing’s role to control the entire trade show program from booth setup to lead follow-up.
Initiative
Veteran Visitors Initiative
Get a free challenge coin and a listing on my website that recognizes U.S. Military Veterans for their service, and be part of this benevolent initiative.
Books
My Books Listed on Amazon
Browse the books I’ve written on AI, business, my life’s journey, communication, military service, trade shows, leadership, and lifelong learning.
Substack
Right-ings — Substack Articles
Ongoing essays and articles, the shorter companion to my books, published regularly on Substack.
Book
My Full Life Story in a Book
The complete story — from Chicago upbringing through Army service to five decades in business.
Book
My Work Life Story in a Book
FOLLOW
Connect with me for updates on training, writing, and the trade show industry.
SEARCH
Google Me
Find press, interviews, and everything else published about my work across the web.
DRONE
Drone Pilot
FAA Certified and Part 107 Licensed Drone Pilot. I capture stunning birds eye aerial video footage and photos from a whole new perspective.
Email Me At
or call / text 630-642-6500
© 2026 Richard Erschik · All Rights Reserved