Title: 1) President; 2) Co-Owner
Company: 1) Kaizen KC; 2) Otaku Lounge
Location: Kansas City, Kansas, United States
Erick C. Ramos, President at Kaizen KC and Co-Owner at Otaku Lounge, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Artists for dedication, achievements and leadership in Marketing and Business Management.
Mr. Ramos has established himself in event promotion, venue management and business leadership, marked by innovation and a commitment to inclusivity. As the president of Kaizen KC, an events promotions company headquartered in Kansas City, Kansas, since 2020, he has overseen the company’s rapid growth from a three-person operation to a team of up to a dozen. Under Mr. Ramos’s guidance, Kaizen KC has earned a positive reputation for providing fun, safe and inclusive venues for alternative communities throughout the city.
Particularly proud of forging partnerships with major conventions, such as Planet Comic Con and Kansas City Retro, Mr. Ramos believes these connections have elevated the visibility and impact of his organization. His responsibilities at Kaizen KC include reaching out to venues, negotiating agreements, researching niche demographics, developing marketing strategies, arranging performers and DJs, and, among other tasks, managing event security.
In 2024, Mr. Ramos expanded his entrepreneurial portfolio as the co-owner of Otaku Lounge, Kansas City’s first anime-themed bar. This venture further demonstrates his dedication to creating unique spaces that cater to diverse interests within the community. The establishment of Otaku Lounge stands as a testament to Mr. Ramos’s ability to identify emerging cultural trends and translate them into successful business models.
Mr. Ramos’s academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2015. This educational foundation provided him with critical insights into social dynamics and group behavior, which have informed his approach to building inclusive environments through his businesses. During his time at the university, Mr. Ramos was recognized with both the Sociological Scholarship and the Political Science Scholarship, reflecting his academic dedication and leadership potential.
Beyond his business ventures, Mr. Ramos is civically engaged as a board member of Kansas City Retro, which enriches local culture and supports alternative communities.
Mr. Ramos’s expertise in marketing, business management and business tactics has been instrumental in his professional achievements. His strategic approach and deep understanding of market dynamics have enabled him to build sustainable enterprises that prioritize both community engagement and operational excellence. Notably, Mr. Ramos’s entry into event promotion and venue management was inspired by experiences in college, where he organized music events for touring and underground artists, as well as by his personal journey as a musician. Frustrated by the lack of fair promoters for his own band, he saw an opportunity to become a more community-focused partner for local musicians and venues, especially amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Crediting much of his success to the motivation he derives from others’ skepticism and doubt, Mr. Ramos grew up as the child of immigrants in a disadvantaged background. His upbringing instilled in him perseverance through hardship and a focus on creating safe spaces rather than solely pursuing profit. These values have shaped Kaizen KC’s mission and continue to guide Mr. Ramos’s professional journey.
Mr. Ramos’s career reflects a blend of entrepreneurial vision, community service and personal resilience. Looking ahead, he intends to open additional venues tailored to specific alternative scenes and expand Kaizen KC into an enterprise with branches in other cities, bringing his inclusive event model to new urban markets.
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