Inspiring Conversations with Rick Flach of CreateAwesomePro

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rick Flach.

Hi Rick, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am a Florida native and have been in California for a couple of years now. I grew up in a large family with five brothers and two sisters, all of whom were adopted. My father ran a very small architectural precast company when I was younger, and I was introduced to construction and precast manufacturing early on—often working with my brothers and father during summers when I was available. As time went on, I was exposed more and more to the design aspect of the building industry, and I was hooked.

I hand-drew my first full set of residential plans when I was 16, and things sort of skyrocketed from there. I knew early on that I wanted to be an architect—to design homes that welcome new families and create big, beautiful structures that communities could enjoy. Little did I know the tumultuous journey I would go on before getting the opportunity to do just that. Entering college as an engineering student was my first real hurdle and wake-up call.

After a couple of years, I dropped out of the University of South Florida Engineering program and deviated onto a path of socializing and parties. I realized that I didn’t want to be an engineer, and during that time—from age 16 to 20—I had gotten far away from my dreams. Then, after almost two decades of substance abuse and alcohol addiction, I finally clawed my way out of the homeless, useless wreck I had become and found my passions and drive again. I had always been an artist, even at a young age—painting, music production, and even working as an underground DJ in the electronic music scene for a time. So, to say it was a new awakening would be an understatement.

I dove headfirst into all things residential and commercial design. Over the years, I managed to start and run two separate companies—in the printing and design industry as well as in building design. Picking up the pieces was tough at first, yet so much easier now that the universe has gifted me clarity and a renewed sense of faith in my ability. Now, I work exclusively through my company, CreateAwesomePro, doing what I love and have always dreamed of doing. I design and draw dream homes for people, renovate old homes, and create concept drawings and 3D renderings. I still dabble in graphic design and the printing industry as well, which keeps my creative juices flowing.

Now, as a local in Huntington Beach, I look forward to the opportunity to build on the dream I had as a teenager and work towards my goal of becoming a licensed architect. While university may no longer be an option, California is one of the few states that offer alternative paths to achieving that goal, and I intend to put everything I have into building my business and fulfilling that lifelong dream.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I spent nearly two decades battling alcohol addiction, dealing with the recursive mental health that comes along with it. Many failed attempts at maintaining business, relationships, and life in general. I never gave up though. Even while spiraling farther down the rabbit hole, I eventually picked myself up many times, dusted off, and kept trying again achieving some semblance of success, albeit not long term. In the last few years, things have finally come together and I have found that steady groove. My work, my passion for art and design, and of course my Red Heeler, Harvey, keep me incredibly happy these days.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
My business focuses on providing residential designs for new home owners, renovation consultation, and design to those that desire change. I also work with architects, contractors, and other designers to provide all of the technical documentation for their projects, like construction drawings, as well as offering 3D Rendering and digital walkthroughs.

The thing that sets me apart is my attention to detail and efficiency. I absolutely love new software, new technology, new processes. In my years as an employee, my primary function many times was to improve upon the productivity and efficiency of the company product life cycle/flow. I have continued to use that ability in my own work now by using the latest solutions in design software, methodologies and even adopting A.I. in an industry that will lean heavily into it.

With regard to my brand, I am most proud that it has survived my own ignorance and self-sabotage during the years of behavioral regression and addiction. Having lost everything else during those years, I feel like I carried the brand idea and mission to the other side through the hurricane that was my life.

If there is anything I’d want your readers to know about me, it would be that I absolutely love what I do. I get excited about your ideas and your dreams, and even more invested in making their dreams become reality. My work is also part of what I do in my free time…. Design, art, new technological frontiers. I enjoy it as more than just business. Creating is my life-blood. When I agree to work on your project, I join that journey with you to it’s completion.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Life is going to get Lifey. Never give up. Always push harder, learn more, dream bigger

During the housing market crash in 2008-2009, I nearly went bankrupt without new contracts coming in. I didn’t let it destroy me. I pivoted, learned graphic design and started a printing and design company that held me over for a number of years. You would be amazed what we are all capable of in the face of adversity and struggle if we just power through the pain of setbacks and loss.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://createawesome.pro
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/createawesomedp/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/createawesomedp/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/createawesomedp
• Twitter: https://x.com/CreateAwesomeDP
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CreateAwesomeDP
• Other: https://www.behance.net/CreateAwesomeDP

Image Credits
Rick Flach