John Ricardi has enjoyed a successful career in high technology since 1977. He has over 30 years experience in a variety of technical industries — semiconductor, life sciences, biotechnology, satellite communications, automotive, aerospace, test and measurement, industrial and computer peripherals. He has served in numerous management positions with responsibilities for general management, business development, product development, national and international sales/marketing, engineering operations and raising funds.  He has managed businesses from pre-revenues start-up to $70M in annual revenues.

Prior to starting HiTech Initiatives, he was Vice President Sensor Products at JMAR Technologies where he led the BioSentry (a unique and novel biological water monitoring system) System initiative since its conception in 2004 and was responsible for all aspects of the Sensor business. His team brought the product from concept to production in less than 18 months. Initial sales contracts were obtained prior to production and a hybrid sales force consisting of nearly 20 agents was in place within six months after production start-up. Revenues exceeded $300K in 6 months.

Previously, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of NTec Systems Corporation, an emerging Canadian semiconductor equipment company where, within one year, he raised sufficient capital to interest additional Canadian investors.

From January, 2000 until January, 2002, he served as President and CEO of Advanced Laser and Fusion Technology, Inc., where he was instrumental in the effort to transition the company from an R&D operation to a commercial corporation and formed a strategic marketing alliance with Canon of Japan.

From 1997 through 1999, he served as Vice President of Corporate Development for JMAR Technologies, Inc. and as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing of JMAR’s Precision Systems operation in Chatsworth, California.

Prior to JMAR, he held GM and senior business development positions with the Imaging Systems Division of Datron Advanced Technologies (now a subsidiary of L3 Com), a $50M manufacturer of advanced satellite communications products; Airpax Corporation (now a division of Siemens AG), where he ran an automotive business that he grew from $19M to over $70M at 19% EBITDA in 5 years and later managed all sales and marketing for the corporation that manufactures a range of electromechanical products for commercial and military applications.  He increased sales 20% in 2 years to $220M. 

Upon obtaining a masters degree in electrical engineering from Northeastern University in Boston, John started his career at Texas Instruments.  During his tenure there, he held many positions, one of which enabled him to bring a product from concept to production and formed the basis for his training in business development and general management.