Record details
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I have been very fortunate to have grown up in Tyler, Texas. My family, education, and career have all been centered here. In fact, the two organizations that have enabled my education and career were both founded in Tyler in the 1920s. Tyler Junior College, which began in 1926, was created to provide Tyler residents with affordable access to higher education. And, Brookshire Grocery Company was founded by Wood T. Brookshire in 1928 when he opened a small store on the downtown square in Tyler.
Mr. Brookshire saw the grocery business as a way to serve others by providing fair-priced products of the highest quality in a work environment that paid competitive wages and treated employees with dignity and respect. I know firsthand about that philosophy, and now as president and CEO I do my best to keep it as a vital part of our business. We always strive to put our people first. Other members of my family have worked at Brookshire’s through the years and the company has been a tremendous part of our lives.
I received a great education at TJC and, even more importantly, came in contact with people that cared about me and my future. Emma Lou Prater did more than just help make a schedule that allowed me to work full time while going to school. She encouraged me and was a huge influence in my life. Sometimes it is hard to express your gratitude along the way, but I sure want her to know how much she meant to me.
Other teachers that were an influence were my English teacher, Mary Burton, my economics teacher, James Barnes, and my history teacher, Stanley Watson. What has impressed me about all of these wonderful educators is that none of them seemed to feel successful unless their students were. They understood that some students must juggle many things to stay in school or to be able to afford a higher education. I appreciated teachers that pushed me to be successful in college and in life after college.
After graduating from TJC, I attended Texas Eastern University which is now UT Tyler, a premier institution for our region. There, I also had a great experience with fine teachers and a great facility. I am very proud to have graduated from both of these schools and continue to be impressed by the opportunities they provide.
Started more than 80 years ago, these two organizations—Brookshire’s and Tyler Junior College—are both going strong and getting stronger! TJC is approaching its 85th anniversary and has so much for us to celebrate. Soon after, Brookshire’s will be celebrating its own milestones. I hope you join with me in recognizing two great foundational organizations in our hometown.
- Biography
- TJC Hero and Friend Rick Rayford is President and CEO of Brookshire Grocery Company headquartered in Tyler, Texas. A 40-year veteran of the company, Mr. Rayford has worked in many capacities and now oversees more than 150 supermarkets located in Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas operating under four banners: Brookshire’s Food Stores, Super 1 Foods Stores, Olé Foods, and ALPS (Always Low Price Store). Brookshire Grocery Company currently employs approximately 12,500 people who are proudly referred to as “partners.” Tyler residents will soon be able to enjoy the new “FRESH by Brookshire’s” concept store set to open on Old Jacksonville Highway in February 2011. The Louise Brookshire Community Tennis Complex at TJC is another demonstration of the Brookshire family’s commitment to East Texas.
