Growing Future Operators

Rick Mendes spent thirty-five years in the technology sector before retiring early to pursue writing full time. His debut novel, Growing Future Operators, is rooted in his extensive professional experience and explores the intersection of technology, education, and innovation. Set in a fictional city, the novel follows public and Catholic schools competing to become the first to teach DevOps, informed by Rick's background in software engineering, systems engineering, and cybersecurity. His second novel, The Chameleon Killer, launches a crime fiction series featuring Detective Alma Rossi of the Hillsford Police Department. Drawing on a lifelong appreciation for crime novels, suspense films, and television thrillers, the series examines justice, morality, and obsession. The Chameleon Killer will be published by Atmosphere Press on January 13, 2026. Rick's writing journey began later in his career when he crafted a short story to communicate the value of modernizing his company's infrastructure. The strong response from colleagues and leadership revealed the power of storytelling and inspired him to merge technical expertise with narrative fiction. Now a full-time author, Rick writes novels that combine authenticity, depth, and suspense, exploring themes of innovation, human resilience, and the fine line between good and evil.