Richard Hawkins

My first real job out of college at MU was in the wholesale carpet business in Chicago. I stayed in that industry for over 25 years, holding various positions in marketing and management with manufacturers and retailers. Besides Chicago, I have lived in Rockford, IL; St. Louis, MO; and Lafayette, GA (just south of Chattanooga, TN) since graduation. I have been back in the KC area since the early 80's. Patricia, the mother of my children, and I divorce in 1979. Susie and I got married in 2000 after a 6 year courtship. I started Side Pockets with a partner in 1994. In 1997 we founded Side Pockets Franchise Systems, Inc. and now have 6 locations in the Midwest. Side Pockets is a Restaurant, Sports Bar and Upscale Billiards Parlor. Each location has 25 to 35 pool tables in an 11,000 to 18,000 square foot space.

Our family lived in Philadelphia for a few years when my father got transferred back to the Midwest. In November of 1959 I enrolled at NKCHS and my first class was in Dagg. My second class was in the main building and my third was back in Dagg. We had a split period: Lunch at the main building halfway through the lesson each day. The very first day, the teacher assigned Dennie Winfrey the obligation of showing me where the lunch room was and teaching me how to use the cafeteria. Coming from an all boys school in Philly, I was amazed at all of the pretty girls in line for lunch. I particularly remember commenting about one such female and the dress she was wearing and how the sunlight seemed to shine through the fabric. Well, at that point, Dennie informed me that was his girlfriend I was gawking at. I was sooooo embarrassed, but he forgave me and we have been friends ever since.