10 Questions ...

Profession: Owner/founder, senior-asset manager for a regional real-estate brokerage and developer

Dog-sport involvement: Breeder of Merit, owner-handler, judge, officer and active club member for a number of breed and all-breed clubs. Additionally, I am show chairman for Maryland Sporting Dog Association, Mid-Atlantic Non-Sporting Club of Virginia and hospitality chairman for the Crab Cluster shows.

Hometown: Born and raised in Miami, Florda, and I now call La Plata, Maryland, home

Astrological sign: Aquarius

1. Do you have any dog-show superstitions?  

No.

2. TV-show guilty pleasure?

“Law and Order” or any legal drama show.

3. If you were president of AKC for one day, what would you do?  

First, I would get a better understanding of the role; however, I do have a few ideas: To promote youth and family participation in our sport, require that the fee to participate in Junior Showmanship be either free or at a greatly reduced cost.

Ask that judges steward at least twice a year in any event of their choice (conformation, obedience, rally, etc). I am not suggesting a requirement, simply a real effort to promote stewarding.

Ask clubs to return to holding matches and/or training classes.

4. Most valued material possession?

As far as material things, I treasure our home and art collection.

5. What is something no one would guess about you?

I love Queer House and Club music. The louder the better.

6. Who would you compare yourself to?

I don’t think it is productive to do a comparison of myself and someone else. My time is better spent working on my weaknesses and highlighting my strengths. I have had more success following this path. In the end I only compare the improved me to the person I once was.      

7. What are you “famous” for?

Well dressed and always a gentleman. A modern-day Renaissance man who’s interested in all breeds but mostly famous for treating every person with kindness and respect.

8. What websites do you visit most often?

The Root, Men’s Health, and numerous home and design sites.

9. What was more memorable, your most satisfying win or disappointing defeat? And what was it?

I never accentuate a loss or defeat, so I’m going to share a fantastic win with you. I will never forget the weekend my Chow Chow “Lincoln” won back-to-back Group 1s and a Best in Show from the Bred-By Exhibitor class.

10.  What do you wish someone would ask you?

“Richard, can we talk about the straight rear assembly on the Chow Chow and its stilted gait?”