Richard King

Owner of The Blue Note/Mojo’s and partner of Thumper Productions LLC

>>Age: I stopped counting at 50.

>>Job description: Event promotions

>>Original hometown: Dunmore, Pa.

>>Education: Still learning

>>Community involvement: Current board member of CID and vice president of the PedNet Coalition

>>Professional background: Production manager, promoter, marketing coordinator

>>A favorite recent project: Producing the Lucinda Williams show in Stephens Lake Park

>>A Columbia businessperson I admire: There are quite a few actually, but I’ll only name a couple. The owners of Murry’s, Bill Sheals and Gary Moore: Their marketing skills are impressive. Rolando Barry, the founder and current director of the Missouri Highsteppers: For more than 30 years he has been directing young kids down a very rewarding path. He might be Columbia’s best-kept secret.

>>Why I’m passionate about my job: Every day is different, and I love the challenges my profession presents.

>>If I weren’t doing this for a living, I would: Spend more time with my family traveling.

>>Biggest career obstacle I’ve overcome and how: Being able to recognize my mistakes and learn from them.

>>What people should know about this profession: It may appear glamorous from the outside, but it still has its fair share of pitfalls. No matter, I still love being involved!

>>What I do for fun: I watch Family Feud and American Greed.

>>Family: My wife, Patty; my two sons, Patrick, 16, and Nick, 13; and two dogs

>>Favorite place in Columbia: My home

>>Accomplishment I’m most proud of: Helping launch the Boone County National Bank Roots N Blues N BBQ Festival. And, oh yeah, making payroll every month.

>>Most people don’t know that I: Was an alter boy until I was 18 years old.