Today as a part of the Behind the Seams with A.K. Rikk's series, we would like to introduce you to Kiernan Pitts. Kiernan is the new E-Commerce Operations Manager and is responsible for maintaining and growing the A.K. Rikk’s website. He’ll quickly launch new products to the site and find creative and innovative ways to grow the e-commerce business.
What initially drew you to A.K. Rikk's?
Roughly five or six years ago, my dad brought me into A.K. Rikk's. I became an occasional in-store shopper and constantly checked the website for a good find in the sale section. I always thought it would be cool to work at A.K. Rikk's because I enjoyed the environment and the people I met when I visited the store. When the position was posted, I think I applied within an hour!
What is your favorite part of working at A.K. Rikk's so far?
Everyone who works here is extremely inviting and friendly. I appreciate that I’m not being overwhelmed and that everyone is taking their time to make me feel comfortable in the culture while slowly transitioning into my new role.
What have you learned this week at work?
I've learned a lot about the importance of the A.K. Rikk's culture–which is reflected both internally and externally. There is a lot of pride here in the way people treat one another, work with one another and interact with everyone who visits the store (online or in-store). There is also an intense appreciation of the industry that I notice in every team member.
What is your favorite brand at A.K. Rikk’s?
While I cannot shop for it every day, I love Brunello Cucinelli. The brand resonates with me and every piece of clothing they launch is something I can see myself wearing.
When you're not at work, what could we find you doing?
You can find me at the beach in Muskegon or Saugatuck with my dogs. I tend to visit the lakeshore most weekends and spend time outside. Weekdays, I usually attend a class at YogaFever, walk the dogs and hit the bars for cocktails with friends.
What was your best vacation ever?
The best vacation was this past month. I spent just over three weeks traveling throughout Italy. We visited wineries for the first two weeks, enjoyed amazing dinners and ended the trip in Italy's most southern region on the beach. It was extremely difficult to come home and I'm already looking to go back.
What’s a talent you wish you had?
I wish I was fluent in multiple languages. Ideally French, Italian and Spanish.
What is your power color?
Blue, specifically in the form of stripes.
What is one of your guilty pleasures?
Pizza. I know this sounds basic but I really have no control when it comes to pizza. I will gladly eat pizza 7 days a week, order it late at night and see absolutely no issue with it.
What’s the most unusual thing you’ve done lately?
I bought a sprinter van and am in the process of turning it into a camper.
What’s a big risk you’ve glad you’ve taken?
I took a gap year between high school and college and moved to NYC without knowing a single person.
If you were able to relive a day in your life, which day would that be and why?The second time I visited Zion National Park. The parks had just opened up after COVID and the park was dead. We rented e-bikes and biked through Zion Canyon with little to no traffic most of the way. We basically had the park to ourselves and it was incredible.
What’s a fact about you that nobody would guess?
I graduated a year early from high school.
If we scrolled through pictures on your phone, what would it mostly consist of?
Just endless pictures of my dogs.
Any books you are reading right now?
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.