Beneath that calm exterior, there’s a party goin’ on.

A celebration. A noisy collision of music, talent, creativity and intensity—all answering obediently to a master of moderation.

We think Pete Rix, a creative designer for Maestro, was probably one of Mattawan, Michigan’s best-kept secrets. After high school, transitioning to nearby Western Michigan University and earning an art degree seemed like logical next steps. So did continuing his education at KVCC, a move that actually led to his joining Maestro. Along the way, Pete also did design work for the Kalamazoo Animation Festival, an international event that at its peak drew participants from more than 50 countries.

Pete likes the fact that his role at Maestro gives him a chance to try new things. “We’re not limited by the tools,” he says. He appreciates that elearning is a young and still-developing field with no constricting notions about what you can and can’t do. Today, Pete makes his home in Kalamazoo and fills his time with music, friends and thoughts about the trips he hasn’t yet had time to take.

Points about Pete

• Once published a comic strip called “Smarty Pants”
• Was the tuba section leader in WMU’s marching band
• Has played guitar in local bands for more than a decade

One of Pete’s favorite songs: “King of Nails” by Sparklehorse