Rian Schmidt

Bio:

Rian Schmidt leads all technology initiatives at Rain the Growth Agency, overseeing Information Technology and Software Development across the agency’s portfolio of companies. He is focused on making technology a strategic asset—including through the practical application of artificial intelligence—to address both immediate goals and long-term opportunities for the agency and its clients.

Rian is the architect behind RainONE, the agency’s proprietary web-based platform that integrates tools for media planning, buying, measurement, and optimization. With over 20 years of experience at the intersection of technology, media, and marketing, he has consistently built and scaled digital systems that drive innovation, efficiency, and performance.

Before joining Rain, Rian served as Chief Technology Officer at start-up Vadio, Inc., where he led development of a video streaming and analytics platform that powered Shazam’s video services. Earlier, he was Head of Labs Technology at Amazon’s Zappos and also ran his own agency, delivering digital marketing strategy and execution for clients such as The New York Times, Hewlett-Packard, and First Republic Bank.

Rian holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Minnesota and an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Outside of work, he’s often found cooking, gardening, or working out with his dog, Parker, on Portland’s east side.