CEO at Simply Noted | 40 Under 40 | Speaker | 5X Top 1% Corporate Sales | Retired NFL Athlete | StartUp Consultant

My main focus is to help you make lasting impactful impressions with those that matter most.

Rick E.

Simply Noted  is hiring for two onsite roles in Phoenix, AZ (85044):

📌 Operations Specialist – 2nd Shift ($20/hr)
📌 Account Executive – $120K OTE (Remote after 6 months)

If you’re interested or know someone who might be a great fit, DM me for details

Rick Elmore

Founder at Simply Noted | NFL Athlete | 40 Under 40 | Expert in Lead Gen, Sales & Marketing Automation

Book more meetings with handwritten notes in 2026!

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American Sign Language

www.simplynoted.com - Simply Noted is the global technology leader in handwritten mail. We are a API-first platform that streamlines the creation and distribution of genuine Handwritten Notes. We are completely customer-funded  and work with 100s of the top startups and Fortune 5000 companies to help them integrate, automate and scale their handwritten outreach.

Founder

+ Presidents Club - 2018
 + #1 In Capital Sales - Straumann & Neodent
 + #1 In Dental Lab Sales - Southwestern Region
 + $1,000,000 + Club
 + 105% PTQ
 + 111% Sales Growth YOY

Senior Territory Manager

+ Presidents Club - 2017
    + $1,000,000+ Club
    + 171% PTQ
    + 117% Sales Growth YOY

+ Presidents Club - 2016
    + 154% PTQ

Neodent Arizona North Territory Manager 
Built a $0 Territory from the ground up, conceptualizing and executing a strategic plan that has generated $1,500,000 million in Dental and Dental Laboratory revenue within one year (2017), and over $4,500,000 in NEW business during my tenure.

Territory Manager

Territory Sales Representative

+2014 AZ/LV Branch MVP

Stryker Spine uses leading edge technology to design, manufacture and service a full range of spinal products, allowing surgeons to help their patients return to a more active, less painful lifestyle. Stryker has expended massive resources in order to alleviate our clients’ risks while providing unparalleled products, service and overall value.

Associate Sales Representative

Drafted by the Green Bay Packers out of college and played for San Francisco, San Diego, Arizona, Cleveland and Washington.

Professional Athlete

4 x Letterman Football as a Defensive End, 3 Year Starter, 2 x Pac10 Sac Leader, 2 x Hendricks Award Nominee (Best Defensive End in the Nation), 1 x All American Honorable Mention, 1 x 2nd Team All Pac10, 1 x Honorable Mention All Pac10,

Collegiate Athlete

The Forty Under 40 awards are given annually to 40 top local business leaders under the age of 40 for their career achievements and community involvement. Winners have to be nominated and are chosen by a panel of past recipients who weigh equally business successes and civic/philanthropic activities

40 under 40

Presidents Club

In recognition of my outstanding contributions and tireless effort to ensure the Arizona/Vegas Branch succeeded in 2014.

AZ/LV Branch MVP

Advanced Google Power Search

Google Power Search

NFL Play 60 Ambassador

I was presented player of the week by the coaching staff for my duties to the team the week of November 25 2012. 

Player of the week

I was presented the special teams player of the week by the coaching staff for my duties to the team the week of August 18, 2012. 

Special Teams player of the week

Academic Champion

Sign Languages

In essence, my role is to ensure that the Arizona Southern Chapter of the National Football Foundation not only sustains but thrives in its mission. Together, we strive to advance football’s role in developing the next generation of successful leaders within Arizona.

As a dedicated Board Member of Gilbert Public Schools, I am committed to serving and making decisions in the best interests of our district's students, faculty, staff, and wider community. My broad-ranging responsibilities encompass all areas of the school's operation, with the overall aim of providing a high-quality education in a safe and nurturing environment.

As a Youth Sports Coach and Mentor, my primary role is to involve guiding and supporting young athletes to develop their skills, build confidence, and foster a love for physical activity and sports.

We help develop homes for families in need. They also have developed a educational system that gives people opportunities to get free education

Take dogs for walks and get them exercise. Get them out of there kennels for 45-60 minutes at a time!

99% open rate.
100% appreciation.
Handwritten still wins.

🔥 STRATEGIC SALES TIP 🔥

Ever heard this gem: "You can't close what you do not open"? Nail the intro, seal the deal. Here's how I master the art of the sales call intro.

✍️ **'Big Four' Essentials:**
- Name
- Company
- Call recording
- Purpose

Sound basic? It's a power move every successful business makes. Compliance isn't just about rules. It's a trust-builder.

📋 **Set the Agenda:**
"Based on [lead magnet], let's dive into [value point 1, 2, 3], and explore fit. No pressure."

✨ **Smooth Intro Example:**
"Hello [Name], [Rep] from Simply Noted here calling about [Product], recorded call - all good?"

💡 **Pro Tips:**
- Don't skim the essentials; ace them.
- B2B loves directness.
- Value over fluff always.

🔍 **What the Intro Isn't:**
- Small talk
- A hard pitch
- A rush job

👊 **What the Intro Is:**
A swift, info-packed launch into discovery and close. Keep it primed for success in a minute or less.

💬 **Want to elevate your sales game?**
Our Scaling Workshop in Vegas transforms intros. Limited seats, giant results.

🚀 **Ready to supercharge your business with strategic notes?**
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At Simply Noted, handwritten notes are your secret weapons, securing leads and winning loyalty.

#SalesStrategies #BusinessGrowth #HandwrittenNotes #SimplyNotedLeadership

See how we’re growing our business with handwritten mail in 2026.
Want to see it in action? 
Request a sample in the comments.

No alternative text description for this image

We helped a company automate 3,500+ handwritten birthday cards—real pen, real ink, real impact.

Here’s the workflow behind it 👇

https://lnkd.in/gQRZ7sU5

Open video: Automate Your Business's Handwritten Birthday Cards with SimplyNoted 🎉 on youtube.com

Automate Your Business's Handwritten Birthday Cards with SimplyNoted 🎉

🔥 Stop leaving money on the table in your sales process!

As an entrepreneur who's been in the trenches, I've learned that capturing maximum revenue when buyer intent peaks is crucial for sustainable growth. Here's the game-changing insight: **"Sell the cure, not the band-aid."**

At Simply Noted, we've seen firsthand how leveraging handwritten notes strategically can supercharge your sales process. Imagine sending a personalized note with a premium offer when your prospects are most motivated to solve their pain points. This upfront investment not only captures peak motivation but also elevates their commitment to your solution.

Handwritten notes aren't just a gesture they're a powerful tool for screening serious buyers, increasing customer investment, and boosting long-term retention. Don't settle for trials and low-ticket offers; seize the moment of highest motivation to drive big wins upfront and secure lasting customer relationships.

Ready to transform your sales strategy with the persuasive impact of handwritten notes? Let Simply Noted show you how to unlock the full potential of personal touch in your business growth. 💡✉️ 

#StrategicGrowth #SimplyNoted #HandwrittenNotes #BusinessSuccess

AI and robots are changing how businesses connect in 2026!

Our handwriting robots never sleep. 🤖
In 2026, inboxes are overflowing… 📧
but mailboxes are empty. 📬
That’s your advantage. 🚀

How to sends 1,000s of personalized handwritten notes  w/ Simply Noted 

https://lnkd.in/gcVgcBcz

Open video: Effortlessly Send 1,000s of Personalized Handwritten Notes at Scale on youtube.com

Effortlessly Send 1,000s of Personalized Handwritten Notes at Scale

🚀 Every closed sale should end with a referral ask—it's non-negotiable in my book. Here's why: Asking for referrals has the power to unlock a goldmine of new business opportunities. 📈

At Simply Noted, we know firsthand the impact of strategic relationship-building. Handwritten notes aren't just personal gestures—they're key to fueling your business growth engine. ✍️

By leveraging handwritten notes for referral requests, you're not just asking for leads—you're nurturing existing relationships and turning customers into advocates. 🌟

Don't leave potential revenue on the table. Embrace the power of handwritten notes for lead acquisition and customer retention. Your next big deal could be just a note away. #SimplyNoted #BusinessGrowth #HandwrittenNotes

🚀 Mastering the art of opening a sales call is the key to unlocking success. Here's the deal: the first 30-60 seconds can make or break the entire conversation. Nail it, and you're on your way; flub it, and you might as well hang up.

🔑 The Big Four elements of a winning intro: state your name, company, that it's recorded, and why you're reaching out. Simple, right? But executing this flawlessly sets the stage for a fruitful conversation.

💼 At Simply Noted, we know the power of making a lasting impression. Handwritten notes are your secret weapon. Whether it's acquiring new leads or solidifying existing relationships, a well-crafted note speaks volumes.

📈 Want to learn more about leveraging handwritten notes in your sales strategy? Let's chat. Simply Noted is here to elevate your game. Don't just make calls - make connections that last.

#SimplyNoted #HandwrittenNotes #SalesSuccess

Get notified when someone scans the QR Card on your handwritten note! Faster speed to lead = more sales!

In business, success isn't about working more hours—it's about working smarter. Here's how I ensure I'm always on the right track:

I aim to arrive ahead of schedule. Being early gives me a strategic edge. Preparation isn't just about having a plan; it's about being ready to pivot when needed. I prioritize personal connections because people do business with those they trust.

Not every opportunity is worth pursuing. I decline commitments that don't offer clear benefits. It's all about value over volume.

I make it a point to respond promptly. Time is money, and quick communication can make all the difference. Persistence in outreach ensures I stay top of mind without becoming a nuisance.

Offering meaningful contributions is my currency. It's how I prove my value to clients and colleagues alike.

Let's not shy away from mistakes. They're powerful learning tools, as long as we don't repeat them.

Finally, I emphasize core practices consistently, and when the time is right, scale them up. Consistency is key; scaling is the goal.

How do you ensure you're not just busy, but effective? Let's connect and share insights.

🚀 Ready to supercharge your business growth? Let's talk risk reversal.

I've learned that beyond guarantees lies a powerful strategy: embedding peace of mind in your offerings. Think of it as eliminating your customers' biggest fears, even after they've bought from you.

At Simply Noted, we've seen firsthand how handwritten notes can transform the game. Picture this: using personalized notes as a conduit for building trust, loyalty, and long-term relationships. It's not just a thank-you; it's a strategic move to boost lead retention or customer satisfaction.

Take a page from the risk reversal playbook and leverage the underestimated power of handwritten notes to keep your clients coming back for more.

Ready to make handwritten notes your secret weapon? Let's chat!

#SimplyNoted #HandwrittenNotes #BusinessGrowth #CustomerRetention

🚨 LIVE DEMO 🚨

1,000 handwritten notes per robot, per day.
220+ custom-built, patented handwriting robots.
This isn’t printed fonts.
This is real pen on paper at industrial scale.
No one else in the world is doing handwritten direct mail like this.

Watch it live 👇 (link in comments)

Open video: 1,000 Handwritten Notes Per Day X 220 Robots on youtube.com

1,000 Handwritten Notes Per Day X 220 Robots

In a world overwhelmed by AI, spam, and ignored digital outreach, Simply Noted delivers what digital channels can’t—real, handwritten mail that gets opened, read, and remembered. Powered by proprietary robotic technology using real ballpoint pens, Simply Noted helps sales teams book more meetings, marketers track real ROI, and CX leaders create personal retention at scale. With seamless integrations and plug-and-play automation, this is handwritten mail built for modern growth. Book a demo and see how Simply Noted helps you break through the noise.

Clean mailing lists are essential to successful direct mail campaigns! In this video we walk you through step-by-step on how to clean up to 500,000 addresses in under 10 minutes!

#handwritten #directmail

https://lnkd.in/gmnt84iP

Open video: Mastering Address Verification for Effective Handwritten Mail Campaigns on youtu.be

Mastering Address Verification for Effective Handwritten Mail Campaigns

Handwritten envelopes get a 99.2% open rate!

https://lnkd.in/gq75dV4n

Open video: This Invention Makes Handwritten Notes Effortless on youtube.com

This Invention Makes Handwritten Notes Effortless

Co-Founder & Chief Revenue Officer at Sales Assembly | Developing the GTM Teams of B2B Tech Companies | Investor | Sales Mentor | Decent Husband, Better Father

I’ve spent my career trying to solve one puzzle: how do you scale sales teams without losing what makes them great?

Before Sales Assembly, I lived the highs and lows of hyper-growth - leading revenue teams, juggling targets, and realizing that growth without structure eventually collapses under its own weight. The lesson stuck: great teams don’t just grow fast, they grow well.

That’s the idea behind Sales Assembly. We built the preeminent skill development platform for B2B tech companies: part training, part community, part therapy for GTM leaders trying to do more with less. We help teams move faster, stay aligned, and actually enjoy the process of getting better.

Somewhere along the way, I also became a General Partner at VentureOn Partners, Chapter Head at Pavilion, and mentor with Techstars. I’ve spent a lot of time with founders and operators who are chasing the same thing: building something that lasts without taking themselves too seriously.

A client and friend once described me as someone who “builds community through authenticity,” which I’ll take as the polite version of “tells it like it is.” That’s probably fair.

Outside of all that, I’m a decent husband, a better dad, and a walking Simpsons encyclopedia (seasons 1–11 only, of course). I travel when I can, laugh often, and still believe a good team - and a good joke - can get you through just about anything.

Matt Green

Huge favor to ask. I'm driving medical supplies into Ukraine later this year. And I need your help to fill the vehicle.


Through an organization called Convoy4Ukraine, I'll be purchasing a used 4x4, and loading it with tourniquets, trauma kits, generators, and warm clothing. 

I'll meet up with a handful of other volunteers doing the same thing (along with some mechanics for good measure), and we'll then drive these vehicles in a convoy from the UK, across Europe, and deliver it directly to Ukrainian families. 


These are people now entering their fourth winter without reliable heat or electricity. Not to mention the constant bombardment of drones and missiles to go along with that.


The vehicles don't come back. They stay in Ukraine for continued humanitarian use...evacuating civilians, delivering care packages to areas that have been destroyed, reaching elderly people who refuse to leave their homes despite the danger.


Also worth saying that these donations don't go into some random org where you hope it ends up in the right place. When we arrive in Ukraine, we'll hand off the vehicle directly to Ukrainian drivers. 

These are usually elderly men or young women...all of fighting-age men and women are at war.

Some of this aid goes to children in orphanages. Kids who didn't ask for - nor deserve - anything remotely like what they are going through now.


EVERY SINGLE DOLLAR raised will go into the purchasing the vehicle and supplies. As with any fundraiser, ANY dollar amount is game-changing.

I'm covering my own travel to/from Europe, and lodging during the 5-day drive, separately. This money needs to go exactly where it matters.


And if you can't donate, sharing this post could help reach people who can.


I'll be handing these supplies directly to families barely surviving a war they didn't ask for.

You can donate here: https://lnkd.in/gHDFP7E3

Really do appreciate your consideration on this, folks.

There's no such thing as a neutral interaction with a buyer. Every email, every call, every follow-up is either a deposit into your credibility account or a withdrawal. 

Those are the only two options.


Emily Leu introduced this concept during a Sales Assembly session yesterday, and I love how binary it is. There's no middle ground. No "that meeting was fine." No "we're in a holding pattern."

You're either building trust or you're eroding it. There is no fucking Switzerland.


Unfortunately, there are reps out there who think they're making deposits when they're actually bleeding credibility.


A few examples:


1. Sending a "just checking in" email? Withdrawal. You've signaled you have nothing valuable to offer.


2. Dodging a pricing question with "let me get back to you on that"? Withdrawal. Trust erodes immediately when you hedge.


3. Showing up to a demo late, camera off, scrambling to screen share? Withdrawal. You've communicated you're not fully present before saying a word.


4. Forwarding a 12-page case study PDF? Probably a withdrawal. Nobody's reading it. You've confused effort with value.



Here's what makes deposits:


1. Pricing transparency. 

"Here's how our pricing is structured. I'll need X, Y, and Z to give you specifics. Here's a ballpark so we know we're in range." 

Cards on the table. No games.



2. Trade-off honesty. 

"We're not the cheapest. We're not trying to be. Customers pick us when X and Y matter more than upfront cost." 

You're not hiding shit.



3. Competitive clarity. 

"What you'll see from them is heavy focus on this. That's not us. They're right for someone looking for A. We're right for someone looking for B." 

Framing trade-offs like a grown-up.



4. Micro-stories over case studies. 

A 30-second example of a customer who looks like them, what broke, and what changed. Sound bites > PDFs every time.



The thing about the credibility bank is that withdrawals compound faster than deposits.

One dodged question can undo three strong discovery calls. One "let me circle back" when you should know the answer makes them question everything else you've said.


So before every interaction, ask: deposit or withdrawal?


If you can't clearly answer "deposit," don't send it. Don't schedule it. Don't do it.

Your credibility balance is the only thing that makes everything else in your deal cycle work. 

And unlike actual banks, there's no overdraft protection.

Folks, if you sell into RevOps (or they are part of your buying committee), I have 3 pieces of advice for you:


First off, understand that RevOps doesn't give a shit about your features. They care about broken handoffs, dirty data, misaligned comp plans, and forecasting models that make their CEO question their competence. 

They live in operational hell every day, and they've sat through too many demos from reps who think "integration" means "we have an API."


If you want RevOps as an advocate, show up like a CONSULTANT, not a closer.


That means a few things:


1. Lead with diagnostic questions. 

Ask where reps are wasting the most time. Ask which part of the funnel has the lowest conversion and why they think that is. Ask how often they're re-forecasting and how far off it usually lands. 

You're trying to understand their system, not pitch your solution.



2. When you find the pain, make sure you're mapping to systemic problems.

RevOps doesn't lose sleep over one AE missing quota. They lose sleep over misaligned territories where three reps fight over the same accounts, overstuffed ICPs that let junk into the pipeline, and forecasting that's become just a guessing game.



3. If your solution fixes a systemic problem, prove it in their language. 

Not "our platform increases efficiency." Instead: 

- "Reduces admin time from 8 hours to 2 per week per rep." 
- Or "Improves qualification rate from 18% to 31%." 
- Or "Cuts cost per closed deal by $2,400." 

Focus on operational metrics they can defend to finance.



And look, keep in mind that RevOps rarely owns budget. They can identify the problem, evaluate solutions, and recommend a direction. But someone else signs the check.

So your job is to arm them to sell internally: 

- Build them a teardown deck showing current state versus future state. 
- Give them an ROI calculator that speaks finance language. 
- Create a change management timeline. 
- Draft internal comms they can use to announce the change. 
- Show them how you'll implement without disrupting Q2.


You're not trying to close RevOps, per se. You're trying to make them look like a hero to their leadership.


When you present to the CRO or CFO, position your RevOps contact as the one who identified the problem, evaluated the options, and drove the decision. You're just the tool they selected. 

If they get credit for the win, they'll fight harder to make it happen.


Don't just treat them as someone to validate integrations and bless the data model. That's why most reps get ghosted after the second call.

Show up like someone who understands the mess they live in. That's how you earn advocacy instead of silence.

If your retention is inconsistent, it might be because your CSMs are treating everyone the same.



A $500K strategic account and a $15K SMB customer have completely different needs, risks, and growth potential. You should set up three engagement models, not one:


1. Strategic Accounts - over $200K ARR.

These need a dedicated CSM handling max 15 accounts. Not 50. Not 30. Fifteen. 

Strategic accounts require bi-weekly executive business reviews where you're talking BOARD-LEVEL metrics. 

You're running quarterly strategy sessions with their C-suite. You're building custom success plans that map to their actual business outcomes. And you're doing proactive expansion planning with a 90-day rolling roadmap that identifies the next $100K before they even ask.


What does success look like here?

- Gross retention above 98%.
- Net retention north of 130%.
- Executive engagement scores hitting 8+ out of 10.
- Expansion pipeline at least 40% of base ARR.

Anything less means you're not treating them strategically...you're just keeping them happy.



2. Growth Accounts - $50K to $200K ARR.

These get pooled coverage where one CSM handles 30 to 40 accounts. Not strategic enough for dedicated resources, but too valuable for automation. 

- Monthly value reviews - and I mean actual value reviews, not "how's everything going" check-ins. 
- Quarterly expansion workshops where you're actively identifying upsell opportunities. 
- Semi-custom success plans tied to their company goals. 
- Automated health monitoring with manual intervention when scores drop.


Shoot for:

- Gross retention around 92%.
- Net retention targeting 115%.
- Product adoption scores above 75%.
- Expansion pipeline at 25% of base ARR.

You're their GROWTH partner on this, not their "strategic" partner. There's a difference. :)



3. Standard Accounts - under $50K ARR.

These should be 80% tech-touch with CSM intervention only for red flags. 

Quarterly webinars and group training instead of individual attention. Self-service resources and community support. Automated expansion nudges triggered by usage patterns, not manual outreach.


Success here can look like:

- Gross retention of 85%
- Net retention around 105%
- Support ticket resolution under 24 hours
- Self-service adoption above 70%

You're building efficiency at scale here. Less of a focus on building relationships.



When you segment like this, resource allocation finally matches revenue impact. Your best CSMs focus on the accounts that actually move the number instead of spreading thin across 80 random logos.

Don't stress about treating all customers the same. You don't have to be "fair."

Strategic accounts deserve strategic attention. Standard accounts deserve efficient support.

Segment your CS model or watch your best customers leave because they got the same treatment as everyone else.

taplio

The Battle

Rick E.

Matt Green

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The Battle

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Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Rick E.'s LinkedIn Performance

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