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 current debit and credit card rails.  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.  This 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 watched over and guided the evolution of their core technologies and in the process have witnessed the transformation of global communications and associated transactions, devices, and supporting applications.  Over the past 14 years Local Heroes and senior management have had the good fortune of building strong relationships in an industry they believe is now poised to experience tremendous growth.

During the past four years Local Heroes has continued the development of their software, adding refinements and added functionality that should catapult them to a global stage.  Richard believes that Local Heroes could soon become the global standard for how electronic transactions are initiated and value is delivered.   

Currently, the GeN “X-2” platform supports a variety of real-time loyalty, mobile banking, stored value, payroll and gift card applications.  Transactions are combined on a single 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 program operators the ability to continually optimize their strategies as market conditions and business cycles fluctuate throughout the year. 

Richard has conceptualized and overseen the implementation of two successful (1st of their kind), programs in Canada while president of his former company.  On Campus Rewards a college loyalty program is in its 3rd year of operation.  His experiences over the last fourteen years have gained him a unique insight and perspective to the electronic transaction industry as he has developed strong relationships and technological expertise.  Richard has traveled over 4 million miles in several countries acquiring his education and has attended senior level meetings with several Fortune 100 Companies.

Richard’s other pilot program in Vancouver, Dine One Rewards with over 250 merchants resulted in proof of concept.  The immediate loading of value to a financial card product, (PlusCount™) combined with the instant capture of transactional information has evolved into a solid business and financial model.  Dine One Rewards predecessor program Vancouver Express and Lifestyles, (a flashcard model) grew from 900 to 2400 participating merchants within three years and enjoyed an 80% plus annual renewal rate.  Richard’s first company Vancouver Express was profitable in its 1st year of operation.

Considered by his peers as an industry expert, Richard has successfully managed the implementation of a variety of CRM programs.  His company has developed several strategic relationships with the required partners to offer the market highly innovative turnkey solutions.  These relationships include ISO agreements with major banks, agreements with technology providers and international VAR’s and Processors.  With the launch of its initial programs, Richard and his team quickly combined its bricks and mortar applications and integrated them with a suite of permission-based virtual applications, including a virtual terminal that provide its merchants and cardholders 24 hour access to their account from anywhere in the world.

Before Richard developed Dine One and On Campus Rewards he founded Vancouver Express Directory, a loyalty publishing company that pioneered and implemented several very innovative “private label” affinity loyalty and stored value programs.  Vancouver Express in its anniversary edition signed up over 600 participating merchants who benefited through increased customer traffic.  Vancouver Express, an advertising and promotional directory published over 500,000 merchant directories in seven Provinces and two languages.  The company’s private-label clients included telecommunications providers, professional sports teams (Vancouver Canucks and Grizzly’s), the Fitness World Chain, Ticket Master, 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); his company became self-funding and later became the foundation for Dine One Rewards and now Local Heroes.

Richard has great public speaking skills and has spoken at several industry conferences and trade shows. His depth of knowledge of his industry and supporting technologies is un-matched, gaining insight into the banking industry, including credit and debit card issuers, merchant acquirers and processors.  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 also had the opportunity to work directly with many marketing, advertising and media companies that have assisted LHI in the implementation of its programs.  Richard has set high personal goals for his company and everyone on his teams strives to meet the highest standards of conduct in managing every relationship that they have developed. Richard has a deep passion and enthusiasm for everything that he takes on and feels blessed to be able to work at something he truly loves doing.  Over the years his charisma and dedication to his vision have inspired many loyal followers.  Richard hopes that soon he will be able to devote a considerable amount of his time to the humanitarian projects that are underway.  Richard maintains an inspired vision of how to use the breadth of his experience and the GeN “X-2” Platform to helping many people suffering in extreme conditions in communities in every corner the world.

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 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 from searching out locations to developing the launch strategies in the local markets.

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 Richard’s experience is unparalleled in his industry, he 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 holds each one of them in high esteem and is grateful for all their service, without their efforts  Richard is certain he could not have followed his vision this far.

Richard has two sons Robert Conrad III, (Robby) 10 and Richard Robert Jr., (RJ) 14, his hobbies include, writing poetry, traveling and collecting religious artifacts.  Richard enjoys skiing, playing golf and tennis and he sings in his church choir as a bass/baritone.