Arturo Gomez

Arturo Gomez

How did you start Rockit Ranch?
I fell into it, by coincidence—chance. Before going back to college, to dental school actually, I took a year off, deferred my loans, and moved to Chicago to find a distraction before school. I needed a job to sustain myself. At this point I met Billy Dec—got a job as a bar-back. About two months into it I was made GM. I was 22 years old, and after that ‘taste’ of the business I realized the industry was what my personality needed to be content. I’m a super social person and all the details suited me–marketing, operations, human resources, the fast pace. I work well under pressure and prefer to be the ‘QB,’ calling the plays. This industry gives me the ability to show my creativity and exercise the left side of my brain. I remember when I designed my first flyers—the power and accomplishment I felt—now, as you can see, [points to desk piled with ads and stacks of paper] it’s something I do daily. You have to be creative to be a successful marketer.

What are two things you’d like Chicagoans to know about yourself?
As much as I’m out at events or in our venues, I definitely enjoy my quiet time—lights down low on a Sunday. I try to tone down the noise. I also like to try things that take me away from the business I’m in everyday and experience something new. Right now I’m currently learning to scuba dive.

You’re great about responding to your Blackberry, and through other social media outlets, what role does that play in your personal time?
I dictate when my Blackberry gets back to people [Gomez laughs]. I try to turn it over or off when I’m relaxing. Also, with any event that I’m branding, people should feel comfortable and welcomed with open arms. And any event with my name on it will be great.

What are two things you’d like Chicagoans to know about Rockit Ranch?
We are dedicated to the community and actively participate in charities. We offer opportunities and generate awareness for Non-For-Profits (NFPs). We have long-established partnerships and relationships with organizations like Make-a-Wish and Tickled Pink. Last month we coordinatted fundraising efforts for the Greater Chicago Food Depository and for the American Red Cross’s relief efforts in Haiti, essentially at the same time at Rockit Wrigley—because there was that kind of need and we had the means to help.

What I don’t think people realize is how young the company is—seven-years-old. The average age of people working here at Rockit Ranch Productions is 25 or 26, though in our venues the management tends to be a little more ‘mature.’

What’s next for Arturo Gomez?
2010 is a year to stabilize and focus on what we have. We opened two places last year and plan to elevate and cultivate our new businesses. In 2011 we will continue to grow and expand—push more into the restaurant market, and potentially, if an opportunity arises, potentially into hotels.

What do you love most about Chicago?
I’m a Midwest boy. Every character quality associated with the Midwest—friendliness, cleanliness—is here in Chicago. Artistically Chicago has so much to offer and is so cultured in every aspect. I also admire the deep-rooted hospitality of Chicago. This city wants to feed you and show you a great time in its bars, restaurants and nightclubs. We have the best restaurants and chefs in the country.

What are you doing to help the Chicago Community?
It is not mandatory that our staff gets involved with charities, but we realize how important it is to get inside the fabric of the community—beyond business benefits—and we encourage the staff to contribute and volunteer. Just looking at our three-month marketing calendar, it is filled with events for NFP causes; we donate liquor and space. Though it can be financially tough, we still aim to assist and give back to the community.