Richard “Rick” Ley, has carved a distinctive path from the business world to one of fiction and film. A resident of Wexford, Pennsylvania, Ley is a seasoned author and screenwriter whose professional journey reflects an uncommon transition—from economics and entrepreneurship to literature and storytelling on both page and screen.
Ley’s early professional accomplishments span the banking, technology, and healthcare sectors. He holds an economics degree from Penn State University and is a lifelong resident of the Pittsburgh area. His career includes founding and operating two companies, a market research firm and later a consulting firm—Economedix, LLC—which now handles his publishing endeavors. A notable milestone in his professional history includes testifying before the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee on federal tax policy. That experience along with his economics background catalyzed a deep interest in governance and public policy, themes that would later influence his work as an author.
In 2014, Ley published his debut novel, Escape from Serfdom. The project was derailed when his original publisher went out of business. Rather than abandoning the effort, Ley regrouped. He restructured and republished the book as part of The Ship of State, a six-volume political fiction series that draws heavily on his experiences and observations of governance and leadership. The series has since gained a foothold among readers of the genre and marks a pivotal point in his writing career.
Building on the momentum of The Ship of State, Ley authored seven additional novels and a nonfiction volume titled Common Sense Governance: Fixing the Cracks in the Capitol Dome. Several of his titles have reached bestseller status on Amazon, an indication of his growing readership and the resonance of his themes. Ley’s ability to bridge technical knowledge with accessible storytelling continues to define his literary voice.
More recently, Ley has expanded his creative pursuits into screenwriting. His novel Fate: Book One is now in pre-production for a feature film adaptation entitled A Twist of Fate. In addition to writing the screenplay, Ley serves as the project’s executive producer, further cementing his commitment to visual storytelling. His shift into filmmaking reflects a natural evolution of his creative ambitions—translating the layered narratives of his novels into cinematic experiences.
His experiences have also made him a sought-after guest speaker. His university lecture series, titled “Adventures in Writing, Publishing, and Bringing Your Story to the Big Screen,” draws from his multifaceted career and encourages aspiring writers to persist through industry challenges. Ley speaks openly about the setbacks he has encountered, including the loss of his initial publisher, as well as the determination required to reclaim and redirect his literary journey.
As a novelist and screenwriter with a background in business and economics, Ley offers a unique voice in both the publishing and film industries. His works often center on themes of governance, individual agency, and the complexities of American political life, brought to life through dynamic characters and plotlines. His goal is not only to entertain but to provoke thought and spark discussion on issues that impact contemporary society.
In describing his transition, Ley notes: “I never set out to be a novelist, but storytelling found me. It was a way to process what I’d seen in business and government—and to imagine what could be.” That same sense of purpose now drives his efforts to bring his narratives to film, with a focus on heartfelt, uplifting stories designed to resonate with broad audiences.
While the literary world may be unfamiliar territory for many former CEOs, Ley has embraced it fully. His career stands out for its combination of analytical insight and creative exploration. As he continues to navigate the evolving landscape of Hollywood, his professional resilience and commitment to his craft remain central to his work.
Rick is also an active member of the North Hills Toastmasters Club, having joined in 2007. In 2013, he was awarded the Distinguished Toastmaster Award, a recognition of his dedication to communication and leadership development.
For more information about Richard P. Ley and his projects, visit richardpley.com or follow him on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and his Amazon Author Page.