From Polio to Philanthropy

When Richard Crocker beat polio, the disease that almost killed him as a child, he discovered two truths. One, there wasn't much left in life to fear. And two, there was an awful lot more left to live. Hellbent on finding as much adventure and success as he could, Richard spent the next seventy years living life to the fullest. By fifteen, he had one of the largest paper routes in the region. By nineteen, he bought his first home. He went on to build his real estate development company into a multimillion-dollar enterprise. All by embracing his singular motto: Have no fear. Follow Richard every step of the way as he worked hard, played hard, traveled the world, and met the love of his life. Learn about the deals he made, why he made them, and, ultimately, why he believes success isn't just about making money—but knowing when to give it away.

When Richard Crocker beat polio, the disease that almost killed him as a child, he discovered two truths. One, there wasn't much left in life to fear. And two, there was an awful lot more left to live. Hellbent on finding as much adventure and success as he could, Richard spent the next seventy years living life to the fullest. By fifteen, he had one of the largest paper routes in the region. By nineteen, he bought his first home. He went on to build his real estate development company into a multimillion-dollar enterprise. All by embracing his singular motto: Have no fear. Follow Richard every step of the way as he worked hard, played hard, traveled the world, and met the love of his life. Learn about the deals he made, why he made them, and, ultimately, why he believes success isn't just about making money—but knowing when to give it away.

A polio survivor at only eight years old, Richard Crocker was given a second chance at life. His journey from collecting soda bottles for pennies to developing subdivisions and commercial properties for millions will be a profound source of inspiration for anyone with an entrepreneurial dream. Today, Richard's philanthropic foundation supports charter schools, helping many young men and women become the first in their families to attend college. Richard and his wife, Theresa, feel strongly that students who imagine a better life for themselves will create a better world for us all.