About Rik

Faith

Rik accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior as a young man. He rededicated his life in 2008, and is more than happy to share his faith and testimony with groups when possible. He is a member of Friendship Community Church in Mount Juliet, TN.

Rik is the warm-up comedian for the TV show “Huckabee” on TBN. Although Rik isn’t political whatsoever, the show aligns with his faith. Pastors, authors, movie-makers and fellow Christian entertainers appear on the program. He loves meeting the guests on the show. The entire crew at TBN are a true joy to know and work alongside. If you are ever in the Nashville area you should try to stop in and see a taping. You can see upcoming shows and ticket availability HERE.

In 2008, Rik joined the Christian Comedy Association. He has served on the Board of Directors (2010-current), as Vice President (’15-’16) and as President (‘17-‘18).

Early Years

Rik grew up in Kentucky working alongside his father on tobacco farms. The long days in the hot sun gave him a work ethic and motivation that he still taps into today. The same goes for the eight summers spent working on thoroughbred horse farms. Rik often draws upon these experiences along with the rural way of life in his programs.

He attended Woodford County High School where he was active in soccer, cross country, track, band, and student government.

Rik graduated from Bethany College (WV) in 1990 with a Bachelor of Arts degree with a focus on Journalism and Communications. While at Bethany Rik was active in the Communications department. He was the News Director of WVBC FM, anchor at the campus TV station, as well as a reporter and cartoonist on the school newspaper.

Career

Rik started comedy in Columbus, OH. He was a touring member of nationally recognized Midwest Comedy Tool and Die from 1991-1999. At the same time he developed his stand-up act. By 1995 he began headlining comedy clubs across the country. After 10 years on the road he was averaging 350+ shows a year.

Rik met his wife at a comedy club in 1998. And they have been married since 2002.

In 1999, Rik moved to Nashville, TN. He began to focus on bringing clean comedy to groups, churches and corporate clients. The transition was a simple one since his comedy had always been clean – even in the roughest of clubs.

In 2002, Rik started “The School of Laughs”. This series of classes and workshops is designed to help comedians develop their skills and craft their jokes in a more impactful way. Over 1000 students have gone this his program. Many have become full-time comedians. He began a podcast by the same name in 2014. You can find and listen to it anywhere podcasts are available, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on his School of Laughs website.

In 2008, Rik joined the Christian Comedy Association. He has served on the Board of Directors (2010-current), as Vice President (’15-’16) and as President (‘17-‘18).

In 2010, Rik became a member of the National Speakers Association. This group has been instrumental in helping him fine tune his business practices. The NSA has helped define his approach to always be focused on serving the client in the most professional way possible.