Today we’d like to introduce you to Richard Bonnin.
Hi Richard, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My career began at Lamar University in Beaumont. Majoring in Mass Communication, I started as a sportswriter for the Lamar University Press. As a senior, I served as editor-in-chief, while interning as a reporter at the Beaumont Enterprise — a Hearst-owned daily newspaper. The Enterprise hired me full time after I graduated from Lamar.
After covering a variety of beats, I was assigned to report on state and federal courts. Two national stories shaped my career. On Christmas Eve night in 1983, I was sent to the scene of a head-on collision between a church bus and a tractor-trailer, about 50 miles northeast of Houston. Ten people were killed, and 20 were injured. The first words I heard when I got to the scene were, “We found the bus driver’s foot.”
That haunting experience made me welcome being assigned to cover courts. However, in 1989, I reported on a three-month-long capital-murder trial I will never forget. Michael Lee Lockhart was executed for the brutal slayings of 2 teen-age girls, and Beaumont Police Officer Paul Douglas Hulsey Jr. Hulsey was a friend whom I knew from my days at Little Cypress-Mauriceville High School in Orange. His sister was my classmate. Every day in court, I would see the family’s grief. I had to view the gruesome crime scene photos, which were sickening.
Even worse, during jury selection, Lockhart ran right past me during a courtroom lunch break in an attempted escape. He leaped through a window of a three-story Bexar County Courthouse building, landing on a second-story roof ledge. He injured his ankle and was captured by bailiffs.
Not long after, I moved to Austin and transitioned to public relations work. I spent 16 years at the University of Texas at Austin, finishing as Director of Internal Communications in the Office of Public Affairs. From there, I moved to Houston, where I spent nine amazing years working to promote the University of Houston and Chancellor/President Renu Khator. I retired after serving a long tenure as Executive Director of Media Relations and Digital Programming and, finally, as Associate Vice Chancellor/Associate Vice President of the University of Houston System. One of my career highlights was escorting Matthew McConaughey across the UH football field prior to his giving the University Commencement speech. Alright, alright, alright.
I stayed retired exactly two weeks. I then joined Emerus Holdings Inc., the nation’s first and largest operator of micro-hospitals, as Director of Communication. Having gained valuable corporate experience, I stepped down from that role, but remained with the company as a PR consultant. I then formed my own company, Rich Content Consulting, LLC, where I help businesses grow by creating strategic content to enhance their image and reputation.
While at Emerus, I pursued a dream of becoming a songwriter. Having no experience in music and not knowing how to play any instrument, I focused on the craft of writing lyrics that tell stories in a cinematic way. Though my main interest is country music, I opened myself up to exploring different genres. The first rap song I wrote led to a three-year publishing contract with Music of the Sea. Based in Chicago and Los Angeles, it operates as a hybrid publishing and licensing company with the highest quality in music including songs from major and platinum-selling artists.
That led to me being hired as the sole songwriter for Bring My Song to Life/Tunedly – which creates personalized songs for the public. I continued in that role until recently, when Tunedly was sold. I’m affiliated with BMI, and I’ve been fortunate to win or place in several national and international songwriting contests. I’ve found songwriting to be a great outlet for my creative side.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My first newspaper job paid $12,000. Even with increased responsibilities and experience, the pay never rose to a comfortable level. And I could see media corporations making cutbacks and tightening budgets. While I loved journalism, I believe I got out at the right time.
I’m a caring person. Witnessing and reporting on horrific incidents like the bus crash and the capital-murder-trial take a toll. Crisis communication is a difficult, but rewarding job. Given the leadership positions I’ve held, it’s ironic that I’m a bit of an introvert. So, being on the other side of the communication spectrum, one in which I’m the interviewee, not the interviewer, has been interesting and an opportunity for personal and professional growth.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m proud of the lasting business and personal relationships I’ve formed over the years that continue to serve me well. Mentors and executives have changed jobs, hiring me multiple times as they embrace new opportunities. I believe this is testimony that I have added value to their organizations, and it speaks to trust and loyalty.
No one is without mistakes, but I believe I learn from them quickly. I welcome new technology and innovation, and I try to be a life-long learner.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Trust, loyalty and attitude. If you embrace these three traits, there are no bad days. When things look bleak, don’t focus on the negatives. Find solutions.
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Image Credits
Photo by Tom Shea
