By: Nic Abelian
Ryan Rydell had carved out a successful career in the dynamic world of sales and small business management. By the age of 26, he was excelling professionally and nurturing a growing family with his wife and three children. The American dream seemed within reach when they purchased their first home in 2007. It was a time of optimism and achievement.
However, the stability and success Rydell had worked so hard to build were soon to be tested. In 2009, after knee surgery, he faced a recuperation period just as the global recession began impacting his industry. This economic downturn was challenging, but it was a personal tragedy that would profoundly alter the course of his life. In October 2009, a devastating fire ravaged their home, destroying nearly all their possessions, including cherished items like his wife’s wedding dress. The emotional and material loss was compounded when their insurance claim was denied, leaving the family without the means to rebuild.
Suddenly, Rydell was thrust into a relentless struggle to provide for his family while fighting to reclaim what they had lost. He represented his case in two significant legal battles: one against the insurance company and another against a national bank. This necessitated a crash course in contract law, litigation processes, and legal documentation. Concurrently, he was painstakingly reconstructing the house piece by piece, which consumed almost all his available time and left him with little for his family.
A pivotal moment occurred in January 2011 during a management training meeting in Indiana. The Regional VP, impressed by the marketing materials Rydell had created, suggested that he might be in the wrong business, implying that his talents were better suited for marketing. This comment sparked a realization in Rydell. He envisioned that starting his own business could offer the flexibility needed to manage his various responsibilities: rebuilding the house, navigating the legal battles, and importantly, spending time with his family.
In January 2011, he took a bold step and founded RyCOM. Initially, the company offered graphic design and digital marketing services. The business started modestly in his basement, but by 2012, it had moved to a small office in Downtown Rockford. The growth was remarkable; RyCOM tripled its revenue from the previous year, and by 2013, it had grown an additional.
Despite RyCOM’s business success, Rydell’s personal challenges persisted. He was still entangled in court battles and the exhaustive process of reconstructing his home. Contrary to his expectations, running his own business did not free up more time. The demands of entrepreneurship were relentless, leading to a difficult choice: prioritizing either his home or his family.
By the end of 2013, Rydell experienced a profound realization. His focus on reclaiming the lost home was misplaced. The physical act of rebuilding did not equate to the emotional and familial restoration that was truly needed. His time spent on legal battles, construction, and business operations was time away from his family, who needed his presence more than ever.
Recognizing this, Rydell shifted his priorities. He expedited resolutions to the less critical issues and redirected his energy towards his family and business. This pivotal decision marked a new chapter, allowing him to rebuild not just a house, but a future independent of external dependencies.
Today, RyCOM stands as a testament to Rydell’s resilience and adaptability. The company has grown significantly, reflecting his dedication and hard work. More importantly, it has allowed Rydell to refocus on his family and establish deep roots within his community. The burned-down house is no longer a symbol of loss but a part of the past that has been transcended.
Ryan Rydell’s journey underscores the importance of investing in oneself, one’s family, and one’s community. His story is not just about overcoming adversity but about redefining success and rebuilding a life from the ashes of loss.
For more details on RyCOM Creative and Ryan Rydell’s story, visit RyCOM Creative Origin Story.
Published By: Aize Perez
