The small town boy from Idaho has been making a name for himself in glitzy Las Vegas. Earning his degree at Idaho State University, Morgan soon found himself immersed in the IT world with his role as Operations Manager at Center Partners. Deciding to try something new, he relocated to Las Vegas and briefly switched career paths, working as a Branch Manager for a mortgage company.
He was soon called back home to become the Director of IT Services at the Idaho Nuclear Center. He jumped at the chance. Despite loving his job and being close to family, the travel bug bit Morgan yet again and he returned to Las Vegas, saying, “While we enjoyed those years close to family and friends, changes were calling.”
Connecting with Senior Technical Recruiter Kelley Bengel about a year ago, Morgan notes that their initial bond came from a personal similarity. “We immediately hit it off when we learned that we were from the same small town!” he says.
Agreeing, Kelley adds, “When I first met him, he was stuck in a dead end contract job, but his attitude was incredible. Not bitter, not angry, just ready to get back to work in an area he loves, IT. This guy lights up a room with his positive attitude. You can warm your hands by it.”
“The first interview he had with us went great but he didn’t get the role because another candidate had a particular skill set they were looking for,” continues Kelley. “However, the hiring manager really liked Morgan and remembered and requested him for another role about a month later. He got the role and ever since I’ve heard at least five different people ringing his praises. Including managers, directors, the head of the PMO, and even other Crescent Contractors!”
“My placement as an IT Program Manager has been very positive,” says Morgan modestly. “Crescent was able to place me in a position that is both rewarding and challenging. Exactly what I was seeking in employment.
“Everyone says he has the best attitude. He makes himself available, he will accomplish anything you put in front of him, and he’s super patient when training others,” says Kelley. “The list goes on. He’s an incredible guy and a really awesome employee.”
His personal life is a story of success as well. “I have been lucky enough to enjoy 17 years of marriage,” gushes Morgan. “My family has just grown to a large number 5! For many years, we enjoyed having our oldest daughter, Ataree, now a teenager, as the only child. We were happily surprised with a son, Taj, three years ago. He is truly a boy and embodies all that is ‘boy’. And just 3 months ago, we were caught way off guard with another little angel daughter, Sonee. She is happy to be here and is the frosting on our cake,” Morgan says with a smile. “My wife, Aimee, is fortunate enough to work for the school district as an Occupational Therapist, which lends well with raising kids and maintaining a household.”
As you can imagine, the concept of “family time” is huge is the Rick household. “While it is a distance away to the snow, we all enjoy snowboarding and look for any opportunity to hit the slopes. With little kids, we have become quite the critics of water parks and playgrounds in the area.” Riding bikes, desert hikes, playing baseball, and exploring new sushi restaurants are just a few of their family pastimes. “I know when and how to dig in and get work done but I know when and how to kick back and enjoy life too. At this point in the game, I know how to balance the heavy loads of work and family life.”
