Rick, thank you for all the years of hard work and dedication.
In April Rick celebrated his 65th birthday. This milestone allowed him to reflect on his journey alongside family and friends, and the path that he helped blaze with Fareway.
At the age of 5, Rick started sacking potatoes and sweeping floors for his Dad at the Vinton store. Growing up with Fareway he learned that in the grocery business customer service is the key to success. By the time he was a teenager, he was putting his customer service skills to good use as he helped Boone Fareway customers to their car, and took charge of the produce section. He always strove to do a better job than the day before. While attending Buena Vista College, Rick continued to work part time in the Storm Lake store. He returned to Boone to marry his wife Cindy and work full time in the warehouse before completing Basic Training.
Rick's career with Fareway continued from there. He served as assistant manager in Storm Lake, Winterset and Cherokee. While in Cherokee, Fareway promoted Rick to manager. Over the next nine years, Rick and Cindy completed their family and became an integral part of the Cherokee community. In 1985, Rick became supervisor and moved to the Corporate Headquarters in Boone. While living in Boone, Rick was elected to the Board of Directors, promoted to vice president in 2002, first vice president in 2005, and CEO in 2007. In 2010, Rick came into his current title as CEO and Chairman of the Board for Fareway Stores, Inc.
Together, Rick and Cindy have raised five children and have welcomed 14 grandchildren into their family. They are proud of the tradition that continues in Fareway. Their son, Richard P. Beckwith II, serves as manager, two son- in- laws work for Corporate HQ and their oldest grandchild waits on customers, just as her Grandpa Rick did so many years ago. In his down time, Rick enjoys spending time on the water or traveling north to Canada. There he likes to fish, hunt and complete projects around the cabin. Most of all, he enjoys family gatherings with good food, laughter and fond memories of days gone by.
Rick, thank you for all the years of hard work and dedication.