Rico Mok
About Rico Mok
Rico Mok is the Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Poplar Homes, where he has worked since 2014. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Operations Management Information Systems and a minor in Computer Science and Engineering from Santa Clara University.
Work at Poplar Homes
Rico Mok serves as the Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer at Poplar Homes, a role he has held since 2014. Under his leadership, the company has successfully managed over $1 billion in rental properties across 256 cities in the United States. Poplar Homes has also raised over $65 million in financing from prominent investors, including Jeff Dean, Chief of AI at Google, Renren, and XG Ventures. Mok's contributions have been pivotal in establishing the company's technological framework and operational strategies.
Education and Expertise
Rico Mok holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Operations Management Information Systems from the Leavey School of Business at Santa Clara University. He also completed a minor in Computer Science and Engineering at the same institution. His educational background equips him with a strong foundation in both business operations and technology, which he applies in his role at Poplar Homes. Additionally, Mok studied at the Australian International School in Hong Kong and attended Bishop O'Dowd High School.
Background
Rico Mok's entrepreneurial journey began at an early age when he joined the 'Teens in Tech' incubator at 18. During this time, he launched a 'SO-LO-MO' app called Moments, showcasing his early interest in technology and innovation. In 2008, he built a live sports streaming platform independently, demonstrating his technical skills and ability to create complex systems without relying on external web services.
Achievements
Throughout his career, Rico Mok has developed significant technological solutions, including a financial budgeting system that utilizes fintech gateways such as Yodlee and OFX standards. His work at Poplar Homes has contributed to the company's growth and success in the property management sector, leveraging technology to improve operational efficiency and customer experience.
Current Involvement at Santa Clara University
In addition to his role at Poplar Homes, Rico Mok has been serving on the SCU Board of Regents at Santa Clara University since 2023. This position allows him to contribute to the governance and strategic direction of the university, reflecting his commitment to education and community engagement.