Hello! I'm Ben
Thanks for stopping by! Over the course of my career it turns out I've done quite a few things. These days I work with small business partners via PECO Arts, and create pieces of art over at PECO Studio. If you think we could collaborate on either capacity, I'd love to hear from you.
Benjamin Richgruber
Creative Leader in
Business & Community Development
EXPERTISE
Arts, Events, and Entertainment
Tourism
With a BA in Theatre Arts, and over a decade at the helm of a one thousand seat performing arts center, Ben Richgruber has helped organize and promote over 1000 events. With experience in large scale concerts and multi-venue music festivals, as well as smaller scale parties, receptions and meetings, Ben knows the details that need to come together for an event to achieve success.
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In addition to events, Ben is also an artist. Working primarily in fused and cast glass, (though comfortable enough to be dangerous in ceramic as well), Richgruber enjoys the process of creating something unique and new. You can see all of his artwork at www.PECOStudio.com.
During his time in hospitality Ben increased guest satisfaction, employee retention and overall profitability for multiple hotel properties with a single management company. He implemented new training programs for a multi-cultural staff, and managed the grand opening of a 400 person banquet facility.
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Richgruber was part of the development team for a $4M boutique hotel renovation. Upon opening, the property went on to receive national recognition and multiple awards for community enhancement.
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Ben has served on many Boards of Directors and committees for tourism development organizations.
Business and Community Development
As a member of multiple community and economic development teams Ben was instrumental in the development of a new $60M arts center. The project was the catalyst to an immediate peripheral downtown development boom of over $200M.
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While the Executive Director of a performing arts center, Richgruber transformed an annual operating loss of $120k (nearly 20%) into a profit in just a few short years, ultimately retiring the mortgage and leaving the organization debt free.
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Ben's involvement in the business community, combined with his expertise in events and tourism, helps engage the community at large in all projects.
EXPERIENCE
2018-Present
Owner
PECO ARTS
Peco Arts began as a marketing company, providing websites and general communications support for small business clients. When Covid hit, Ben saw a need in the community and made the pivot to provide business finance support & strategic planning. This has proven to be an excellent fit, as Ben is now better able to provide business strategy for his clients, and has seen them achieve tremendous success.
2007-2018
EAU CLAIRE REGIONAL ARTS COUNCIL
Executive Director
Ben's degree in Theatre and accumulated business acumen found a perfect balance in this role. Through aggressive marketing he increased annual ticket revenue, donations, and overall artistic quality of events. The success of The Eau Claire Regional Arts Council laid the foundation for the transformation of the arts in the Eau Claire community and beyond.
2001-2007
General Manager
CORNERSTONE HOTEL MANAGEMENT
Working with Cornerstone provided a wealth of experience in leading a team, managing the work, exceeding guest expectations, and achieving success in an active and always moving environment.
SKILLS
Strategic Planning
Small Business Bookkeeping & Finance
Effective Communications
Business Development
Leadership & Management
Theatre, Ceramics & Fused Glass