About Rick Rommel

Innovation in Emerging Technologies

Rick Rommel has long championed innovation in disruptive technologies, particularly electric vehicles (EVs) and green materials. At Best Buy, as SVP of Emerging Business, he positioned EVs as an extension of consumer appliances, predicting startups would drive market disruption through guerrilla marketing tactics.[1][7] He explored retail's role in EV adoption, questioning if big-box stores like Best Buy could become prime destinations for e-vehicles.[7] In green business, Rommel likened sustainable practices to 'teen sex'—everyone talks about it, but few commit fully—drawing from panels with leaders in materials and design.[5]

Retail Strategy and Consumer Behavior

Rommel's retail insights emphasize adaptive pricing and concept testing to counter competitors like Walmart. He advocated for 'everyday low pricing' to prevent consumer wait-and-see behavior, based on Best Buy's new concepts unit.[2] Post-Best Buy, he analyzed 'retail's new normal' from international design conferences, highlighting lessons in store design and customer experience amid digital shifts.[9] His venture-capital liaison role at Best Buy involved shaking up structures to foster innovation.[8]

Corporate Ventures and Investment Strategy

Rommel's career features pivotal roles in corporate venturing. At Best Buy, he led emerging business initiatives, reporting to EVP Kal Patel, and served as a liaison to startups.[8] Currently, he is active as a board member and investor, including advisory roles at Link Silicon Valley, with board observer positions at various deep tech firms.[4][6][10] His LinkedIn activity promotes ventures like Resin’s soft opening, signaling hands-on involvement in materials innovation.[10]

Materials Science and Deep Tech

Aligned with his current role at Specialty Materials, Rommel engages in advanced materials, particularly for aerospace and construction. While direct authorship on technical papers is unclear, his ecosystem ties into foam-concrete research using andesite-sand for porosity and green properties, and other materials innovations.[13] This intersects with his PwC Strategy& work on enterprise strategy in deep tech.[9]

Franchising and Business Advocacy

Earlier, Rommel investigated franchisor responsibilities, critiquing FTC presale disclosure rules and highlighting defects like receiverships, as an investigative reporter for AAFD.[3]