Rick Millard didn
’t always want to work in the manufacturing industry, but when the opportunity arose, he didn’t hesitate. Born in Petaluma and raised in Santa Rosa, Millard worked in the family grocery business before joining Rohnert Park’s Trinity Engineering in 1988. He’s the president of the company now, but his journey there began at a local golf course, when he met Trinity’s founder, Bruce Omholt, who saw Millard’s potential. According to Millard, Omholt asked him if he wanted to change careers. “I had some idea what Trinity did, and told Bruce I hadn’t built anything since shop in high school,” Millard says. Omholt didn’t promise a high wage, but guaranteed Millard could learn and grow with the company. “I was so intrigued, that after talking it over with my wife, I took a 30 percent pay cut and gave the opportunity a chance. As they say, the rest is history.” A resident of Hidden Valley Lake in Lake County, Millard enjoys playing golf and traveling with his wife of 38 years, Linda, in their travel trailer. He lists his greatest achievement in life, along with Linda, as his four children and seven grandchildren.
How many American states have you visited? Do you have a favorite and if so, why?
I used to travel and install for Trinity, so I’ve been in all but two states, Nebraska and Alaska. If I had to pick a favorite, it would probably be Utah. I read all of Zane Grey’s novels as a young man and there’s something about the romance of the old west and the beauty of the high desert.
What do you find appealing about being on the road with your travel trailer?
I’ve always loved to drive. There’s just so much beauty here in America that people never take the time to see. When I see a sign that says ‘Stop and see the world’s biggest ball of string’, I can do just that, with no restrictions.
If you could hang a motto in every home, what would it say?
“Live every moment, who knows what comes next!”
If you were going to a costume party next week, what would you wear?
I’m kind of an old stick in the mud (as my wife says). Not much for costumes, so I would probably show up as a golfer in shorts and a polo shirt.
Growing up, did you have a favorite comic strip?
Not so much a comic strip, but DC Comic books featuring all the super heroes of the ‘50s and ‘60s: Superman, Batman, Aquaman, Wonder Woman, the list goes on.
What’s your favorite style of music, and how often do you listen to it?
I listen to music all the time. I even have a Bluetooth speaker in my golf cart. One of my friends often says I have the most eclectic taste of anyone he’s ever met. Blues, Rock, Country, Americana, Classical—they come out one after the other on my playlist.
What do you do when you want to relax?
I like to sit with my wife in the evenings on our back deck with a double Crown on the rocks close at hand. We look out over the golf course, soft music playing close by and just talk about what we’re going to do next.
If you could give advice to all parents, what would it be?
Try to choose your battles wisely. It’s not so important that we control everything our kids do, as much as giving them enough guidance ahead of time that when control is necessary, they already know the right thing to do.
