ABOUT DANIEL RICKENMANN


From the son of a single mom to the mayor of Columbia, Daniel's story is a testament to faith and the American Dream. Raised in Spartanburg by a single, bilingual mother after losing his father at a young age, Daniel understands adversity and determination.
Daniel first came to Columbia in 1987 to attend the University of South Carolina—the only dyslexia support program in the Southeast. What began as a simple college move-in became a lifelong connection with the city he would one day lead. From the dorms at USC to the chambers of City Hall, Daniel's love for Columbia and its people has only deepened over time.
After graduating from USC in 1992, Daniel worked two jobs to make ends meet and saved every penny he could to achieve his dream - launching a restaurant. His first venture with Birds on a Wire sparked the launch of other restaurants, including MoMo's Bistro and Yo Burrito, helping shape the local food scene and create jobs.
Daniel took his entrepreneurial career in a new direction with the renewable energy industry in 2009, as he launched a company focused on bringing innovative, community-powered solutions to South Carolina.
He most recently co-founded Forbidden Bourbon, a Kentucky-based spirits brand making history with the first female master distiller.
Before being elected Mayor, Daniel served two terms on the Columbia City Council - as an at-large member and then for District 4. Through it all, Daniel has strived to keep our neighborhoods safe, grow economic opportunity, expand attainable housing, fix roads and infrastructure, and make local government more efficient and transparent.
Apart from being mayor and a small business owner, Daniel is the proud husband of Dr. Laura Rickenmann, a local pediatrician, and father of two daughters, Ellie and Carlyle. You will often find Daniel and his family with their two dogs, Lulu and Quila, cheering on the Gamecocks, supporting local businesses, and volunteering at community events.