Rick Bragg

Profile Updated: August 17, 2016
Residing In: Gardena, CA USA
Occupation: Wine Specialist for Whole Foods Market
Comments:

I've been married and divorced 3 times, but who's counting? None had any lasting hostility or financial ruin. There have been 3 distinctly different careers that change when market conditions create the need to move on. Early years as GM for swimming pool builder in San Diego and during the last two years I learned I could sell the product and actually speak to people. But, the building market crashed so I moved on to 15 years as the first So Cal salesman and business consultant for Aveda salon products. What fun that was! I got to wear funky fashions, wear the latest weird trendy haircuts and be around beautiful creative people. During that period I became a public speaker and seminar leader. When a big corporation bought them out and offered me 1/3 my previous earnings I left that industry and then spent 10 years, mostly very successful. as an independent rep selling (manufacturer to retailer) home furniture. That industry crashed 2 years before the banking and housing market did so when 80% of my clients had declared bankruptcy I left that industry.
When the economy stayed low in So Cal I finally decided to give up my solo careers and go for the benefits package. For the first time in my life I punch a time clock. Now I work in the Specialty Department for a local Whole Foods Market and host the wine-related events.
***News flash! I left Whole Foods after 6 1/2 years and am back to working as an independent rep selling a line of contemporary furniture. The company's based in Canada and I set my own schedule again. More travel, lots more freedom.

During all that time I managed to stay in great shape and maintain a positive attitude. Sports and hobbies pursued: distance running, mountain climbing, tennis, wine collecting, cooking, politics, jazz and blues music, reading, gardening.
Health update April 2014: Just got a hip replacement; doing fine. I'll be ready to dance at the 45th reunion!

School Story:

I guess I had mostly very good memories of school, though I lacked the motivation to push myself, whether athletically or scholastically. I had enough natural talent to semi-coast and do well. Sure wish I'd have really tried!
A few things do standout. Mr Lawrence introduced me to some fine old blues tunes as well as making literature and writing fun. Mr Figenshu had a dry sense of humor and made learning science interesting. He once set up an experiment showing lung capacity and used me (6' tall and 130 lb skinny kid who smoked cigarettes) against John Ryan, the all-state wrestler and decathalete. I beat him twice in a row and spoiled Fig's lesson.
Perhaps no teacher taught me more than Mr Foster, whose free-form, open-thought art classes were more about life and honest dialog and inner exploration than learning art for those of us less talented. He allowed and encouraged open discussions about everything hormonal teens were curious about. He encouraged John Allen to bring us the latest in rock music from his So Cal connections and they were played regularly during his classes. I still remember listening to Alice's Restaurant for the first time while trying to learn about stained glass!
I loved all sports and managed to get some letters in the only sports that had no followers. Wrestling, bowling and cross country are the least known and watched.

My two closest friends were on the wrestling team and seem to have disappeared. Where are John Achermann and Steve Dietrich?
And, having my first girlfriend, finally, entering my senior year. We ditched class together just once and I got caught, she didn't. Her note forgery was better than mine so I got busted. No more cutting classes for me!

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May 11, 2024 at 1:33 AM
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Mar 20, 2024 at 10:07 AM
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May 11, 2023 at 1:33 AM
Rick Bragg has left an In Memory comment for Bob Sorrels.
Oct 27, 2022 at 11:37 AM

I represent the "lower"  Lloyd Lane contingent.  Like the rest of y'all, I've know him forever.  We were ony really close during 5th grade when we were constant companions - I think I wanted to be around him because he wasn't afraid to talk to girils like I was.  Mostly we were friendly rivals.  Dirt clod battles, fort invasions, etc.  Rest in peace, bro!  

 

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Rick Bragg has left an In Memory comment for Profile.
Mar 04, 2018 at 1:33 PM

I knew Rick mostly from P.E. classes and cross country.  I was the worst of the 8 varsity runners, he was by far the best.  He was humble and encouraging, especially on those few occasions when I kept up with him for awhile.  I know he always hoped I'd catch or pass him in a race.  Nice guys finish first and last!

 

Rick Bragg has a birthday today.
May 11, 2017 at 1:33 AM
Rick Bragg has left an In Memory comment for Alan Dankman.
Jan 22, 2017 at 5:33 PM

Alan and I ran in different circles and had only passing but friendly communication.  Until the 45th reunion when we talked and drank for quite awhile.  I enjoyed drinking Scotch with him at the after party and sharing stories.  One sharp dude - he'll be missed by all!

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Aug 17, 2016 at 12:40 PM
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Rick Bragg posted a message on Daren Lance Prouty's Profile. New comment added.
Jul 26, 2019 at 10:04 PM

Posted on: Mar 07, 2015 at 9:21 PM

Hey Lance,

Happy birthday once again. Basically, I guess this means you were either much younger than the rest of our class...or nearly a year older. Not that it matters but 63 or 64? I thought the recent 45th was the most fun yet (for me anyway) and hope to see yo ass at the 50th! Stay well, old friend.

Rick

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Sep 23, 2014 at 9:10 AM
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Posted: Dec 16, 2013 at 8:38 PM
Maui road to Hana
spring 2009
Posted: Dec 16, 2013 at 8:38 PM
Forgot the swimsuit
Maui spring 2009