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Richard Young
Shreveport, LA
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LSUS Degree: Bachelor of General Studies - Social Sciences, 1977
How I got to LSUS: Returned to finish my education after starting a family. Worked nights and attended LSUS days.
Fond Memories of LSUS: Being in my late 20s married with children and working nights, I was not into campus life so much. At the time, there was not much campus life anyway. I thoroughly enjoyed my Political Science class with Dr. Marsala and Psychology course taught by Dr. Bob Benefield.
LSUS faculty who helped me: Dr. Marsala was my advisor (he had hair over his ears!) and counseled me in such a way that was extremely helpful to me. His help came at a very critical time in my life and I am eternally grateful to him for propelling me to a successful business career.
How LSUS helped me succeed: LSUS was where I needed it when I needed to finish my education. It challenged me academically and helped me be confident in my ability.
What I do now: I own a manufacturer's representative business that represents 20 manufacturers of commercial restaurant equipment in 4 states. We set up distribution for the companies we represent. We have offices in Shreveport, Little Rock, Memphis, Hattiesburg, Nashville and Mandeville, LA. Our manufacturers supply all types of equipment and furnishings for commercial and institutional feeding facilities. We employ 8 people.
About my job: I work with schools, hospitals and restaurant owners to provide solutions for their specific application. We must stay up to date on equipment trends, visit factories for training, attend and participate in trade shows for our industry nationally and locally. We stay abreast of legislation affecting our industry and support organizations that work on behalf of the industry.
Advice to college-bound students: Focus on learning the skills that the University environment will provide to develop your skills in the business world.
Advice to someone who wants to enter my field: Small business is the foundation of this great nation. If you wish to own your own business, you must let it evolve. Be patient. Prepare a plan. You must provide a service that is needed. Find a void and fill it. Be prepared to work harder than you ever have. Be prepared to invest twice as long as you think it will take. If at all possible, finance the business with your own money and avoid borrowing.
Tips on choosing a major or career: If you are not sure what career you wish to pursue, don't force a decision. Work with your advisor and with agencies that can help you determine a career field. Enjoy the academic environment and the social environment that university life offers.
My toughest professional challenge: Understanding the dynamics of the corporate culture of multiple companies and successfully navigating those cultures to the benefit of my employer.
My toughest personal challenge: Balancing family obligations and job responsibilities.
Successes in my life: I climbed the corporate ladder to become Executive Vice President of a $1 billion worldwide corporation, president of 2 companies and owner of a small business. I was fortunate to travel the world and have friends in many places around the world.
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