From the opening moments when Charles "Ranger Rick" Burroughs reveals his childhood abuse at the hands of his stepfather, to the triumphant reunion with his son after a 45-year separation, this conversation captures the extraordinary resilience of a man who repeatedly built something from nothing.
Born in Detroit and growing up between Michigan and Iowa, Rick's journey begins with his decision to leave home at just 14 years old. His remarkable ability to survive on his wits emerges immediately as he describes cleaning restaurants, sleeping in garages, and working in factories while still a teenager. The story takes a fascinating turn when Rick joins the Army during the Vietnam era, where his entrepreneurial spirit flourishes in unexpected ways – sneaking out to buy food from catering trucks to resell to fellow soldiers, working angles in typing classes, and becoming the go-to guy for hard-to-find items like jump boots.
After military service, Rick's business acumen leads him through multiple ventures, most notably becoming one of Michigan's premier gun dealers with multiple shops. His detailed account of losing everything to eminent domain, facing organized crime threats, and rebuilding from scratch demonstrates a persistence that defines his character. Perhaps most moving is his decades-long search for the son he lost contact with when his pregnant fiancée left him at the altar, a search that finally ended in a joyful reunion just weeks before this interview.
Throughout the conversation, Rick's philosophy shines through: "Don't quit when there's still daylight." His father's advice to never stop working while there's still light in the sky became his mantra for success. Despite setbacks that would have crushed many spirits – from physical abuse to business losses to death threats – Rick's determination to keep moving forward ultimately led to his current contentment.
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