An alumnus of the University of Chicago, Richard Rinaolo studied the classics. In addition to studying Greek and Latin, he received the Isthmia Fellowship to collaborate on an archeological dig in Isthmia, Greece, and graduated as the top classics student in his class. Following his studies, Richard Rinaolo transitioned to the residential construction sector and founded Phase II, in Lake Bluff, Illinois. In this role, he led the company to win several residential design awards and grew revenue to more than $4 million.

Mr. Rinaolo went on to serve as president of Smithfield Companies in Lake Forest, where he led the company to earn several architecture and construction awards for its work in the high-end design-build sector. His experience in real estate development also includes a tenure as managing partner of Questar Equity. In this position, he led the firm to lease approximately 85,000 square feet of commercial property and developed commercial real estate worth more than $45 million.

Now a venture capital investor, Richard Rinaolo is the managing partner of Phoenix Venture Capital, LLC. As head of the Evanston-based firm, he assesses the quality of business ideas in the real estate and construction industries and helps young companies navigate the growth and development processes.