At SOAR Innovation, we help founders start, grow, and scale, providing the mentorship, resources, and connections necessary to build thriving businesses in Eastern Kentucky. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce Rick West as our Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) — bringing decades of entrepreneurial experience and deep Kentucky roots to support startups ready to take their business to the next level.
Who is Rick West? A Founder, Innovator, and Mentor
Raised in Pike County, Rick West is a seasoned entrepreneur with a track record of launching and scaling successful businesses. He co-founded Field Agent, Inc., a global mobile data collection agency that expanded into six countries and completed multiple investment rounds. His experience includes mergers and acquisitions, strategic growth planning, and investor readiness—making him an invaluable resource for Eastern Kentucky entrepreneurs.
Rick has spent over 20 years as an entrepreneur, mentor, and leader in the tech and retail industries, building companies from the ground up. His work has helped hundreds of businesses secure funding, refine their market strategies, and achieve sustainable growth.
“I look forward to coming home and being a part of the SOAR Innovation Team as we help entrepreneurs in Eastern Kentucky start, grow and scale their businesses. Having walked in their shoes, I feel uniquely equipped in my role as the SOAR Entrepreneur in Residence to come alongside each founder and their team”.
Rick West, SOAR Entrepreneur in Residence
How the EIR Program Helps You Scale
Rick will work directly with entrepreneurs in Eastern Kentucky who have already built traction and are looking to grow and scale their businesses. Through one-on-one coaching, strategic growth planning, and investor readiness support, the EIR program ensures that startups are positioned for long-term success.
If you’re an ambitious founder looking to scale your business, secure funding, or navigate expansion challenges, our EIR program is here to help.
Ready to take the next step? Connect with our team today to learn how you can work with Rick West through SOAR Innovation’s Entrepreneur in Residence program.
SOAR Innovation is powered by KY Innovation and funding provided through an Appalachian Regional Commission POWER grant.