Ricardo Khan — Co-Founder
In a 35 year career spanning the AEC industry, I have learned one fundamental truth: Innovation is not a technology problem; it is a purpose, people and process opportunity. I am an Executive Leader and "Intrapreneur" dedicated to bridging the gap between strategic vision and operational execution. My passion lies in leading transformational change, not by simply leveraging technology, but by building the systems that allow people to thrive. I believe that when you remove friction and provide clarity, "results" and "innovation" become the natural byproduct of a healthy culture. I have spent decades refining a philosophy rooted in Operational Excellence and Knowledge Management called the "OpEx5 OS™" (Operating System). My success, from scaling global technology startups to leading operational excellence in large corporations, is built on operationalizing this proven system. This approach moves organizations from reactive "policing" to proactive "solutioning," transforming cost centers into profit engines. The Knowledge Engine True scale requires converting the "tacit" knowledge of your experts into "explicit" business value. I specialize in building the mechanisms that capture this wisdom, democratize it across the enterprise, and use it to eliminate the "Time Tax" that drains our people. My mission is to help the next generation of AEC professionals be prepared for the future of the built environment. Whether in an executive boardroom, an academic setting, or an industry organization, I am focused on developing people and transferring the knowledge they need to lead. In Q1 2026, I am launching OpEx5 to fix this. I am taking everything I learned from building the "unbuildable" (like the Disney Concert Hall) and scaling innovation across thousands of employees, and distilling it into a single system: The OpEx5 OS™. OpEx5 is not just another consultancy. It is a partnership designed to help AEC leaders integrate: Purpose | People | Process | Platform | Performance Inspire One Person at a Time!
Stackforce AI infers this person is a leader in AEC innovation, specializing in operational excellence and digital transformation.
Location: Fort Myers, Florida, United States
Experience: 28 yrs 8 mos
Skills
- Operations Management
- Business Innovation
- Executive Coaching
- Knowledge Management
- Operational Excellence
- Innovation Development
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Business Strategy
- Strategy
- Business Development
- Cross-functional Team Leadership
- Customer Engagement
- Computer-aided Design (cad)
Career Highlights
- Founder of OpEx5, driving AEC innovation.
- Expert in operational excellence and knowledge management.
- Pioneered industry standards in digital transformation.
Work Experience
OpEX5
Founder (5 mos)
VIATechnik
Director, Mega Projects & Client Engagement (1 yr 10 mos)
STO Building Group
Senior Vice President, Chief Innovation Officer (2 yrs)
Mortenson
Senior Director of Innovation (3 yrs 7 mos)
Senior Director, Project Solutions (2 yrs 4 mos)
Director of Integrated Construction (4 yrs 2 mos)
Senior Integrated Construction Coordinator to Manager (5 yrs 8 mos)
MediaDev Inc.
Owner/Operator (3 yrs 11 mos)
Viewpoint
Technical Producer (2 yrs 4 mos)
RJF Fletcher Thompson Architecture
Associate (2 yrs 9 mos)
Rafael Vinoly Architects
3D Modeler/Animator (1 yr)
Masters Mechanical Inc.
Pipefitter foreman (6 yrs)
Education
B. Arch at New Jersey Institute of Technology
Associate's Degree at Farmingdale State College