Rick Rigsby - Lessons from a Third Grade Dropout

You will only have a few minutes to be in the presence of Rick Rigsby before you are deeply impacted by this wonderful man. His sense of humor, sense of purpose, and sense of place is immediately obvious, and before youre aware; youre drawn into his orbit, and youre on the ride of your life. At some point as you listen, you cant help but raise the question, either to yourself or to Rick: Whos your Daddy?

You dont become the kind of person Dr. Rigsby has become without a significant voice in your life, and while there are many voices that have spoken into his life, there is one voice that rises above all of the others and of course this is the major thesis of the book. The template of success for the Rick Rigsby model is clearly described in this wonderful primer of life lessons. Passion is the result of an imprint upon ones life and Dr. Rigsbys passion for life and purpose is clearly the fruit of his fathers example.

Dr. Joseph L. Garlington,
Senior Pastor, Covenant Church of Pittsburgh,
Presiding Bishop, Reconciliation Ministries International

Dr. Rick Rigsby is a warm and compassionate human being who genuinely cares about other people. He also cares deeply about our country, and is concerned about the slippery slope we have been on as a society, with many of our traditional values deteriorating right before our eyes. Hes on the front line, and hes out there making a difference. As one of the most powerful communicators Ive ever seen, he has spoken to audiences all over the country, delivering an important message on why its important to live honorably and do the right thing. And, people are paying attention! Dr. Rigsby was rated a top speaker, and received a standing ovation, at the 2006 National Character and Leadership Symposium at the United States Air Force Academy, for which I was personally responsible in organizing.

Rick has now taken things to the next level and continued his important work by writing this wonderful book. It is chock full of practical wisdom and timeless lessons on how all of us can and should live our lives. I strongly endorse the many important messages in Ricks book. Furthermore, I highly suggest his book be read by parents, educators, coaches, young people, and anyone who genuinely cares about the future of our great country.

Joseph W. Mazzola, Colonel, USAF (retired)
Former Director of the Center for Character Development
United States Air Force Academy

I love Rick Rigsby. My friend is a big man with a big heart whos learned a ton of lifes hardest lessons. Here are some of the best wrapped up in unforgettable form.

Dr. Stu Weber,
Best-selling Author and Speaker,
Senior Pastor, Good Shepherd Community Church,
Boring, Oregon

Dr. Rick Rigsby is spot on target with his new book that addresses the root issues of youth attitudes of the day. Providing advice and explanation to developing young people is strong medicine and will help educate them about the good of todays world with lessons from yesterday. Lessons from a Third Grade Dropout is a must read for todays young person.

John M. Keever,
Vice President Marine Programs and Student Development,
California Maritime Academy
Commanding Officer, Training Ship Golden Bear

Many of us had dads that loved us enough during our growing up years to set a bar of character. Dads who worked hard, loved our families well and finished the race with honor. Rick and I both had those kinds of dads... and are thankful. If you did, your heart sings, if not, perhaps, you are ready to have a dad speak into your heart. My friend, Rick Rigsby, is just the kind of dad to speak into your spirit today. He has taken the message his father has carved in his heart and character and penned it in this book. My encouragement is to read it with a teachable heart, allow it to penetrate your soul and be willing to allow God to move in you to become the man God intends for you to be. Rick has the ability in his communication style to encourage, humor, stir and move you to conviction. If you are open to becoming the man of character God designed for you to become you are reading the right book. You will never be the same.

Dr. Gary Rosberg,
President and Founder, Americas Family Coaches,
Speaker, Author, Radio show co-host, Americas Family Coaches Live

Rick Rigsby has not only hit the nail on the head but he has driven the point all the way home. As only a man of integrity and character can. Lessons from a Third Grade Dropout has made me a better husband, father, coach and man. It should be required reading in all freshmen orientation classes. I will recommend it to all of our rookies before they get their careers started.

Mike Clark
Strength and Conditioning Coach
Seattle Seahawks
2005 NFL Strength Coach of the Year

Rick Rigsby, with blunt honesty, pulls us into his experience dealing with pain and loss. He then levels the playing field by engaging his readers in a quest for wisdom that we each can join. He suggests and models looking to those who have passed this way before to gain insight. Rigsby, a skilled life coach, offers the challenge to move from making an impression to making an impact. His book merits not only a thoughtful read, but a renewed and enlarged commitment.

Dr. Tom Fortson
President and CEO of Promise Keepers

Ricks ability to present a clear message using his personal life experiences enables everyone to understand and relate to him in a unique way. His ability to inspire and motivate go beyond the norm; he speaks about how companies can change to achieve more by going back to the basics of honesty, loyalty, trust, and character. He definitely made an impact when he came to visit us and everyone was very moved by what he had to say. His message still resonates as we try to make a difference in our business everyday for our customers, partners and internal team members.

Mark Pyatt
Director, Strategy and Cross-Industry Solutions
Global Industry Solution Marketing, SAP Labs, LLC

Rick Rigsby is one of the greatest communicators I know. In his book, Lessons from a Third Grade Dropout, he shares six powerful truths destined to make a lasting impact in the life of each reader. Theres something special about Rick, his life and this message. I sincerely believe Gods hand is on him to impact this generation with truths from a previous generation. Let these Lessons lift and lead you.