- Born October, 1945 in St. Joseph’s Hospital, Houston, Texas; oldest of 7 children (6 living)
- Parents: Rev. A. Leonard Smith (1921-1985) and
Betty Murray Smith (Syrell) (1925-2001)
- Graduated Spring Branch High School, 1963
- Attended University of Houston
Graduated, Southeastern Bible College (Birmingham, Alabama), 1983
(BS Theology)
- Family: Married to Lindy Hander (1967); one son, Cary
- Named to Outstanding Young Men in America list, 1981
- Community Service
- Board member, Houston Chapter of Credit Unions 1973-1975
- Board of Advisors, Westland YMCA 1977-1980
- Credit Union Executive Society 1972-1980
- Board of Trustees, Southeastern Bible College 1987-1996
- Board of Deacons, Minnetex Community Church (now Fellowship Bible Church, Pearland, TX) 1974-1979
- Board of Deacons, Evangelical Free Church of Arlington (now Faith Bible Church of Arlington, TX) 1985-1989, 1993-2003
- Board of Elders, Faith Bible Church 2004-2006
- Career
- Credit Union General Manager, President (1970-1979)
- RadioShack (1980-1996, 2000-present), Store Associate, Customer Service, Technical Support, Training and Support, Regional Management, Director of Merchandising Services (Computer City Division), Training and Development
These are facts about the candidate. They tell what he’s done, where he’s been, reveal his servant attitude. They do not reflect the heart of the man, nor his passion to help people.
Richard Michael’s motivation is rooted in his deep concern for the country and where the country is going.
You need to meet the man. See, hear and feel his passion for America’s real people. America needs him to lead our nation at this time.
Richard Michael and Ronald Reagan – 1967
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Of course, there is a story behind this photograph.
That fall (October 1967), Richard Michael was president of the Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity chapter at the University of Houston. Ronald Reagan was governor of California, and a member of TKE fraternity. When the local chapter heard Governor Reagan was coming to town, they contacted city hall in Houston and explained that Reagan was a TEKE, informing them that there was a local chapter in town. The city contacted the governor's office and was told, "by all means, include TEKEs in the receiving line at the airport." So Richard Michael was invited. As chapter president, he was allowed on the tarmac at Hobby airport and stood beside Mayor Louie Welch in the receiving line. He wore his fraternity blazer with the crest prominently displayed.
When Governor Reagan came down the ramp of the airplane, he was led over to the receiving line. There were about 20 people ahead of Richard Michael in the receiving line. Governor Reagan was gracious and smiling, chatting with different people as he continued steadily along the line. Then, as he approached Richard Michael, he noticed the crest on the blazer and exclaimed with enthusiasm, "Why, Frater!" and halted his journey up the line. Richard pointed out a contingent of TEKEs over behind the fencing, where everyone was waving and hollering. Governor Reagan broke ranks, leaving the reception line to go over and shake hands with his young fraternity brothers. The U of H Daily Cougar photographer snapped the picture as Reagan was shaking hands with the TEKEs, and captured Richard Michael just over the Governor's shoulder.
After shaking hands with the TEKEs, Reagan walked back to the receiving line, patted Richard Michael on the shoulder, then shook hands with Mayor Welch and continued on down the line. Others in the receiving line looked at Richard Michael like they were thinking, “who in the world is this guy, that the Governor of California goes out of his way for him?”
It was a very special moment.
Taking a Hit and Bouncing Back
Richard Michael followed his grandfather's footsteps into the Credit Union industry in 1970. By 1973, Richard Michael's leadership skills were recognized and he was elected to the Board of the Houston Chapter of Credit Unions. Still in his 20's, Richard was a favorite among many and served with distinction. When his three-year term expired, he accepted re-nomination to the position. At the same time, he was moving from one Credit Union to another. Perhaps he was naïve concerning the politics of that situation. At the election meeting, the nominating committee presented their recommendations, including Richard's nomination. In an unprecedented and abnormal move, a nomination from the floor was made offering a candidate against Richard. It was a stunning move, but one that was well-orchestrated and one that completely blind-sided the young man. Ballots were distributed and counted. The results were announced and the floor nomination prevailed. The very next order of business was the introduction of the speaker for the evening, the distinguished Credit Union Commissioner of Texas. As program chairman, Richard had the responsibility to introduce the speaker. Without hesitation, Richard Michael rose, went to the lectern and expressed his sincere gratitude for the opportunity to serve the chapter. He congratulated the victor and wished him well. Then he introduced the speaker with composure, flair, and grace.
The next day, Richard Michael received phone calls from key leaders in the Houston Chapter. One of these leaders, Bessie Heard of Schlumberger Credit Union, told him, "My admiration for you grew last night. You took a tough blow and reacted with honor. You are a fine young man and will go far in life. You have earned my respect."
Even as a young man, Richard Michael demonstrated the character and fortitude needed to lead a nation. He has remained undeterred by setbacks, unaffected by circumstances. He is able to coolly and skillfully navigate through troubled waters.
He's just the kind of leader we need, especially now.
Answering a Call
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While serving in Credit Unions, Richard Michael had the opportunity to provide financial counseling to various members. Active in church, he took a public stand regarding his faith in Jesus Christ. While providing professional financial counseling, he observed that often people asked questions about the deeper things in life, including reasons for his faith and eternal destiny. Richard Michael took seriously the admonition recorded in I Peter 3: 15, the challenge to "sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence…" (NASB). He felt the need to be better prepared to share the Good News with those who would ask him for a reason for the hope that he has. After much prayer and wise council from respected men, Richard moved his family to Birmingham, Alabama and enrolled in Southeastern Bible College. He completed his degree requirements in 1983.
His leadership was evident in this context as well. Within four years of graduation, he was invited to serve on the Board of Trustees of Southeastern Bible College. He served in that capacity for 10 years.
Richard has demonstrated an innate ability to respond to a calling, to take up a mission that will have an impact on others, despite the hardships and disruption to his own life and circumstances. He feels the call of the nation very deeply right now. It's a call born of anguish, apprehension, disappointment, and dissatisfaction. There is a great need for Richard Michael Smith, a visionary who demonstrates character, commitment, and communicates openly with honor and integrity.
Rewards for Diligence
Richard Michael's career at RadioShack is marked by many highlights. He helped bring about the largest single sale in the history of RadioShack Business Products and directed its implementation. He represented the company at the 1988 Republican National Convention at the SuperDome in New Orleans after the company landed the computer network setup, the first time a national political convention utilized that technology. Again, he represented the company at the opening of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in 1993, when RadioShack won the gift shop point of sale system contract. His diligence earned him promotions to the Director level in the company's Computer City division. He developed and managed a program that procured special order technology products for education and business. Under his leadership, this support function grew until it was processing nearly a hundred million dollars annually. Richard Michael was recognized for his integrity and diligence. When the decision was made to expand the department, Richard was replaced with a director, a senior buyer, an assistant buyer and an expensive custom-designed, integrated computer program. Until that time, Richard performed all those functions and developed the data base that tracked the multi-million dollar business.
Richard Michael continued to devote himself to company business at all levels. When he left to pursue an executive opportunity outside the company, the Vice-President of Merchandising said, "Richard embodies the spirit we want here. Richard, you are welcome back anytime."
Diligence, dedication, and a fierce commitment to do what's right is a characteristic possessed and demonstrated by Richard Michael Smith all his life. This would be a refreshing change for leadership in our nation, wouldn't it?
Richard Michael Smith . . . one Of the People . . . elected By the People . . . working For the People.
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