So, who is Rick Bell?
As far back as I can remember, I’ve had the privilege of calling Richardson, TX my hometown, ever since my family moved here in 1971. Other than 3 years in New Orleans, LA & a couple of years off of Lower Greenville after college, not only has Richardson been home, but I have even lived on the same street. Since 2000, or "Phase 2" so to speak, me and my family have been 2 doors down from where I grew up. My wife and I knew each other at RHS. Our children went to RHS. Some of my classmates were their Teachers. Some of my Coaches were their Principals. My siblings went to RHS, as did my Sister-in-Law and Brother-in-Law. All in all, our family has run 16 kiddos through the RISD, and one nephew now teaches at Heights Elementary, where I started. Sounds crazy, right? Richardson is a special place, make no mistake.
It goes back to Heights Park and that often lauded rocket on the playground. At 6 years old I went to a birthday party there, and it is the first time I recall having that feeling of 'community'. What I didn’t know then was how that rocket represented one of the key virtues of this city: it is a great place from which to launch, and it is a great place to land as well. From here I went on to study Engineering at Texas A&M, then Music and Business at UNT, where I am still a Guest Lecturer in the Marketing Department. Richardson prepared me for that. I am a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church, serving in leadership and volunteer roles, and where I learned to stay grounded in both good and tough times. Richardson prepared me for that. Professionally, working in Information Technology wasn’t on my radar. Yet I’ve had the good fortune to work for some of the greatest companies in IT: Yahoo!, Oracle, Salesforce; and for some of the greatest leaders in business: Cuban, Ellison and Benioff. Richardson prepared me for that. At these companies I also learned more about the value of giving back. I became a company coordinator for volunteer events with Habitat for Humanity, the North Texas Food Bank, and others. Richardson prepared me for that.
In my spare time, I’m passionate about music and sports. I studied trumpet for 15 years, love guitars, and sing. My wife and I have been Gold Patrons for the RSO and our daughters participated in the Deb program. Newcastle United is the best football club ever, at least in my view, and the Dallas Cowboys, Mavericks, Stars and Texas Rangers always have my loyalty. Striking a balance between work & play is important. Richardson prepared me for that.
But above all else, what is most important is my wife and our family. No-one compares to my wife, hands down. I have learned so much from her over time and her support is endless. Two daughters, a son-in-law, three grandchildren. It can’t be beat, and all from the same streets and neighborhoods of my youth. And you guessed it: Richardson prepared me for that, and continues to do so.
