Richard Trieber, the visionary behind Local Heroes International is responsible for guiding the design and development of a next generation global platform similar to that of the debit and credit networks controlled by Visa and MasterCard.  Coined by the developers as the “3rd Rail”, the Platform provides a rules and value-based engine that can manage transactions in unique ways to accommodate a variety of economic and humanitarian models.  The Platform, (GeN “X-2”) can instantly add measurable value to any electronic transaction worldwide, transactions that are based on precise program criteria and the exact moment in time a Cardholder initiates a transaction.

Richard and his team of loyal followers have guided the evolution of  the GeN-"X" technologies and in recent years the Platform has benefited due to the transformation of global communications infrastructure, (most especially the  GPRS Network).  Transaction processing devices, including wireless handhelds, which have made it possible for GeN "X" to carry transaction packets to some of the most remote areas in the world.  This, key in the implementation of Local Heroes humanitarian Programs, including the Angel Card Project, (www.angelcardproject.com).  Richard and senior management have over the past decade gained considerable education and insight into the transaction industry.  They have begun implementation of their Angel Card Project in the State of Guanajuato, Mexico and the company has set its sights, (leveraging its prepaid debit card division) to target the 40M un/under-banked population in Mexico.  In the developing countries combined, there are over 1.8B people who are unbanked and live in a cash only society and due to the makeup of the communities having to only transact using cash has bread a multitude of problems.

 

Currently, the GeN “X-2” Platform supports a variety of real-time loyalty, stored value, gift card, mobile, microcredit, payroll and prepaid debit card applications.  Transactions are combined on a single terminal device in conjunction with standard credit and debit transaction processing. The design includes a wide range of user interfaces that allow for on-the-spot changes to program design, giving the company the ability to continually optimize their market strategies as conditions warrant and business cycles fluctuate throughout the year. 

 

Richard has developed and overseen the implementation of two successful (1^st of their kind), Programs in Canada while president of his former company.  On Campus Rewards a college loyalty Program successfully ran for 3 years.  His company's other pilot program in Vancouver, Dine One Rewards with over 1500 merchants resulted in the companies original proof of concept, which has expanded over the years.  The immediate benefits to Cardholders at the point of sale and the loading of value to an associated loyalty, stored value, debit/credit card, (PlusCount™) combined with the instant capture of transactional information proved to be an attractive model for Program participants. 

 

Before Dine One and On Campus Rewards, Richard started Vancouver Express Directory, a publishing company whose advertisers offered discounts using a "flash-card" model improving on traditional coupon books.  The membership grew from 900 in its first year to over 2400 merchants within three years and had an 80% plus renewal rate; the company turned a profit in its 1^st year of operation.  The directory concept quickly grew across Canada and before converting to its electronic model Local Heroes was publishing over 500,000 directories in 7 Provinces and two languages.  The company’s private-label clients included telecommunications providers, season ticket holders of two professional sports teams (Vancouver Canucks and Grizzly’s), the Fitness World Chain, Ticket Master and Molson Indy. The merchant directories included editorial articles, lifestyle content and recipes from its restaurants.  Vancouver Express was started with a five thousand dollar investment, which Richard had received from Smokey Robinson (a partial refund from a concert he performed).

 

Prior to Richard beginning his career in the electronic transaction industry he spent several years in the entertainment business as the owner and executive producer of the Rheem Theater in Moraga California.  He and his group took over an art deco theater built in 1957 and transformed it into a 1200-seat full service entertainment venue.  He attracted major acts such as Smokey Robinson, Tony Bennett, James Brown, George Carlin, and Johnny Cash, his group produced and staged well over 100 musical and theatrical events.  Prior to operating the Rheem Theatre, Richard successfully built four of his own retail clothing stores; he assisted in growing his father’s retail company from 2 stores to 14 outlets.   Richard opened seven stores throughout South Florida for the Limited Stores, overseeing all aspects of the operations, from searching out locations to developing the launch strategies in the local markets.

 

Richard has traveled over 4 million miles in several countries acquiring his education, he and his team have attended senior level meetings with several Fortune 100 Companies in the financial services sector.  Local Heroes has developed strategic relationships with key industry partners and maintain agreements with major issuing banks for the marketing of its prepaid cards.  The company has also formed long standing agreements with technology providers, international VAR’s and Merchant Processors.  Local Heroes has also developed and integrated a preference based suite of web applications that provide its Cardholders the opportunity set personal preferences in order to maximize the product and service offerings made available through the companies loyalty Programs.

 

Richard has spoken at several conferences and trade shows, sharing his education and unique insight into the transaction processing industry.  His knowledge also includes considerable training on almost every electronic cash register and countertop terminal systems and most of the bank and credit card networks.  Richard has worked extensively with several marketing & advertising agencies and with print, radio and television media outlets that have assisted Local Heroes in the implementation of its  pilot Programs. 

 

Under Richard's direction the company has now focused it attention on developing its humanitarian programs using the core technologies that have evolved  over the past 16 years.  Richard passion and enthusiasm for his company had now fueled several opportunities to implement its programs anywhere in the world, programs that can provide sustainable change in the lives of millions of people.  He truly feels blessed to be working at something that he loves doing. Over the years his dedication to his vision has inspired a dedicated team of industry professionals and they have remained loyal through all of the iterations the company has experienced.  Richard hopes that soon he will be able to devote a considerable amount of his time to the humanitarian projects that are now underway in Mexico. 

 

Throughout his 27 years as an entrepreneur, Richard has held positions of CEO, President, Founder, Chairman, VP of Marketing, CMO and head of international sales.  While his experience is unparalleled in the industry, Richard believes that his future success and that of Local Heroes will depend on his ability to inspire and lead the team of professionals that have so patiently stood by him.  Richard is grateful for all their service and without their efforts  he is certain he could not have come this far.

 

Richard has two sons Robert Conrad III, (Robby) 14 and Richard Robert Jr., (RJ) 18, his hobbies include, writing poetry, traveling and collecting religious artifacts.  Richard enjoys skiing, playing golf and tennis and he sings in his church choir.