About Me
My Background...
- Over 20 years experience in the newspaper industry.
- More than 15 years spent in print advertising sales.
- Over 30 years as a working writer and journalist.
- Nine years as a high school teacher (social studies); two years as a coach.
- More than seven years as a healthcare writer and publicity specialist.
- Over 40 years experience as a public speaker in Christian ministry
- Several years as a small business owner and entrepreneur.
Why Choose Me?
My Empathy – As a former teacher I am familiar with public education, particularly the secondary level (grades 7-12). I know the challenges and pressures faced by educators, both administrators and teachers. Because I've been there, I have a good grasp of their needs, desires, and how to relate to them. My background provides a solid foundation of knowledge and experience on which to build a bridge to your customer base through effective copywriting.
I also connect to today's online learners, whether they are students in school or corporate employees in search of more training. I'm a good listener and I'm aware of the changes affecting the modern learning environment. I also appreciate the value of the virtual classroom and online education.
My Experience – As a journalist and former technical writer and publicity specialist in the healthcare field, I have many years of experience as a writer, speaker, and presenter in the public forum. I've conducted 100s of interviews and know the right questions to ask. I've published 1000s of articles and written millions of words over my career, and I'm eager to share my knowledge and skills with you to reach your marketing goals.
My Expertise – As a member of American Writers & Artists, Inc. (AWAI) I've received a thorough education in B2B copywriting from such industry legends as Steve Slaunwhite, Ed Gandia, and Gordan Graham. I also have nearly unlimited access to AWAI's complete library of copywriting courses and training materials, providing a vast pool of information, resources, and best practices at my disposal.
My Education – I hold a bachelor's degree from a nationally respected private institution, Ouachita Baptist University, located in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. I also completed more than three years of post-graduate work to become certified as an educator, and afterward to further my career aspirations. Besides engaging in over 500 hours of professional development as a teacher, I also passed more than 40 hours of online instruction while pursuing a master's degree in educational leadership.
Summary – As your copywriter, my educational and journalistic experience allows me to "hit the ground running" regarding your marketing project and promotional goals. I can be a difference maker for your business. So, after browsing through the testimonials below, check out My Services next.
Testimonials:
"I worked with Rick for over seven years, five of those as his supervisor. I found him to be highly competent, dependable, cooperative, trustworthy, and a person of good character. He is a talented writer, speaker, and presenter. His writing and media experience generated many thousands of dollars in free publicity for our organization in newspapers across Arkansas. His writing style is straightforward and clear. He wrote hundreds of articles and press releases for statewide publication and created PowerPoint presentations for use in our outreach efforts to the public. I enthusiastically recommend him both as a person and potential freelance writer for your company or organization."
Sally Johnson, Beneficiary Relations Director, Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care, Fort Smith, Arkansas
"I have worked with Rick for over 15 years as part of our website and print media coverage for our football team. He has interviewed me many times, and I've always appreciated his professionalism. He is on time, prepared, well-informed, and is someone I trust with sensitive information. He's easy to get along with and conducts his responsibilities in a consistent fashion. He works hard and takes pride in doing his best. Rick also has a great gift to write in an informative and concise way."
Coach Rick Jones; architect of nine state titles in football at Edmond (OK) Memorial High School (1) and Greenwood (AR) High School (8); 2012 National High School Coach of the Year; member of the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame; currently serving as special assistant to Head Coach Eli Drinkwitz, University of Missouri Tigers.
"Our readers enjoy Rick's sports writing. His storytelling ability gives life to his articles about our local athletes and teams, in a town known for its sports excellence. His words add flavor and realism. He is dependable, well-informed, honest, factual, and insightful in his reporting and writing. His accuracy and attention to detail reflect well upon our publication. He's never missed a deadline nor provided us with a story of inferior quality. We've relied extensively on his service to our readers, and his sensitivity to our needs and expectations and those of our customers is above reproach. I highly recommend him."
Ken Edwards, Former mayor, Greenwood, Arkansas; Publisher, The Greenwood Tradition newspaper
"Rick has authored many articles about Greenwood athletics. He is prompt, professional, and has always been well-prepared and very detailed in his writing. He is determined to get the story right, and he always promotes our kids, teams, coaches, and their successes. He is easy to work with and always respects my time and that of our coaches."
Dr. Dustin Smith, Athletic Director, Greenwood (AR) School District; Former AD, University of Arkansas, Fort Smith
"With pleasure I recommend Rick White. I was his supervisor for three years. As a new educator, he was a history teacher, student council sponsor, coach, assisted the athletic director, and did an excellent job in all assignments. He managed student behavior well and was always engaged and prepared for classes. He was receptive to suggestions for improvement and showed growth in his professional skills. He's also a man of integrity and high morals."
David Lee, Principal and Curriculum Coordinator, Hartford High School, Hartford, Arkansas
"It's a privilege to endorse Rick White, who worked for three years in the Hartford School District. He was a great asset to our high school. He taught all upper level social studies courses, including advanced placement classes, and demonstrated great expertise. He also served as our head baseball and golf coach for two years. He had no discipline issues with students and showed outstanding classroom management skills. His lesson plans and teaching style also held the interest of his students. You will be well served hiring Rick in whatever capacity he is seeking."
Grant Hall, Principal and Athletic Director, Hartford High School, Hartford, Arkansas
"I'm writing to recommend Rick White, with whom I worked for two years at the Mansfield Juvenile Treatment Center. I found him to be a very capable teacher, knowledgeable and effective, and an asset to our program. Our students included a wide range of needs, and Rick had to find and implement learning strategies to increase student understanding. He was also a positive role model and helped prepare students for life after leaving our program."
Stephanie Jeffrey, Teacher and Education Coordinator, Mansfield Juvenile Treatment Center, Mansfield, Arkansas