We had the good fortune of connecting with Richard Gallion and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Richard, how do you think about risk?
Honestly my entire life I’ve taken risk. We could start just by me growing up in Chicago. Going outside or sitting next to a window is a risk. With knowing that everything you do in life requires a risk it made me look at everything as an opportunity to grow with nothing to lose. If I’m okay with the worst case scenario is a good risk for me. But even when you play everything safe and don’t act on risk, you are still unconsciously taking them. Because sitting around doing nothing is a risk. The risk of failing at life, hating yourself later, and never reaching your full potential.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Richard Gallion Entertainment was founded in May 2017. It once upon a time was called R&J Productions which was created in 2012. RGE is more than just an entertainment company, but an outlet for anyone that ranges in the age of 5-70 to grow in the arts, everyday life, as well as education. RGE’s main focus is to service children from 5-18. As the founder and CEO of RGE is a former educator, he understands the need of SEL. So every Production he creates comes with an activity guide which is nothing short of a curriculum. RGE has serviced over 80 different schools across the states with Virtual Theater as well as in person theater. Please see website for more www.richardgallion.com/fieldtrips

RGE has a youth department where he teaches eleven children everything he knows. Richard has a saying “Your gift is not proven until you can reproduce it”. There’s an understanding in RGE that shapes people’s mindset. The understanding is that your gift doesn’t belong to you but to the rest of the world. These children are being taught skills that will prepare them for the world and not just exist but make a difference. They learn to write, act, produce, direct, and invest.

It was not easy getting here. Starting your own company is never an easy task. It took a lot of studying, financial loss, sleepless nights, and relationships. Studying because you want to be the best and well versed in what ever it is you’re doing. Financial loss because it comes with the territory. Sleepless nights because you are responsible for everything going on and making hard decisions is a must. Relationships because everyone will not stay on the boat with you. You have to discern ones season. If someone is only to be in your life for a summer season and you try to bring them over to the winter, it will be uncomfortable and full of tension.

Lessons I’ve learned is to build your team and know the animals in your zoo. It’s not a problem to have snakes in your zoo. It’s only a problem when you can’t tell which animal is which.

The world need to know I will always present my best at everything I do.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Honestly it all depends on the season. Summer time Chi has a lot of festivals and outside events. So the food is good here and rarely disappoints. But one of my favorite spots is Redz Belizean Cuisine.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Honestly first are my children. They helped me grow up and develop into the man I am today. I’ve had basketball coaches and trainers that helped me understand the reward from hard work. Then it was John Ruffin that trained me in theater and helped me understand what being a creative really takes.

Website: Www.richardgallion.com

Instagram: @richardgallion

Linkedin: Richard Gallion

Facebook: Richardgallion

Yelp: Richard Gallion Entertainment

Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/RichardGallionEnt

Image Credits
Tyren

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