RIDGWAY, CO, May 22, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Rick Plavidal has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Mr. Plavidal has built a distinguished career marked by leadership and innovation. He is most recognized for his tenure at Applied Materials, where he initially joined in 1983. During his first stint, he played a pivotal role in the company's growth from a $100 million enterprise to a $10 billion industry leader by 2001. After retiring for the first time, Mr. Plavidal returned to Applied Materials in 2013 as a general manager, contributing until his second retirement in 2020. His management philosophy, centered on people-focused principles, has been instrumental in enhancing the careers of those under his guidance. Known for his expertise in technical marketing, Mr. Plavidal excelled at simplifying complex concepts.

Among other noteworthy roles throughout his career, Mr. Plavidal was the chief technology officer at CNX Technologies Division of Advanced Wet Technologies GmbH in 2013. This high-level position came after he served as the organization's chief executive officer from 2012 to 2013. Mr. Plavidal's leadership also included serving as the chief executive officer at HyperFlo LLC between 2011 and 2012, engineering director at Sunpreme Inc. from 2010 to 2011, and founder and chief executive officer of Ridgway Structural Systems Inc. between 2004 and 2011.

Mr. Plavidal started as a development engineer at GE, where he discovered his passion for technical marketing through customer presentations on fracture mechanics analysis. This led him to join GE's technical marketing program before transitioning to Applied Materials in a technical marketing role focused on plasma etching systems.

Mr. Plavidal's career began after he earned a Bachelor of Science in engineering science from Pennsylvania State University in 1977. His academic pursuits continued years later, with him completing the Stanford Executive Program at Stanford University Graduate School of Business in 1995, further honing his business acumen.

In addition to his professional achievements, Mr. Plavidal holds seven U.S. patents, underscoring his contributions to technological advancements. His commitment to community service is evident through his leadership with Young Life and participation as a ride-along volunteer with the sheriff's office. These roles reflect his dedication to civic engagement and mentorship. Furthermore, Mr. Plavidal shares his expertise as a black belt Brazilian jiu-jitsu and judo martial artist through lectures under the Martial Arts Black Belt Mentality initiative.

Looking ahead, Mr. Plavidal aspires to live a fulfilling life by assisting companies and individuals in achieving their goals. He plans to write and publish a book while continuing to share his knowledge through speaking engagements and lectures. His mission is rooted in faith and the desire to help others exceed their expectations and performance.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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