I ran track while attending college in Pittsburgh.  My Father’s advice to me was simple, “Make sure you graduate from high school in order to provide for yourself.” College officials doubted my skills as the Chairman of a nascent campus organization called the Black Action Society, and countless politicos and bureaucrats underestimated my survival skills.  Most of my life consisted of clearing the bar of low expectations others set for me.  With hard work and determination I managed to become one of the highest-ranking and most well-known members of the Pennsylvania State Government.   Not bad for a skinny kid from the Homewood section of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Perseverance, formidable people skills and innate intelligence triggered my rise. I leveraged those strengths and became a successful Political Operative, Motivational Speaker, Entrepreneur, Author, Recording Artist and Entertainment Promoter.

I have added “Publisher” to these accomplishments with the publishing of the 2009-2010 Black Business Directory. In 2010 the “to be inserted” Life Esteem award was given to me as a result of the work of the directory. More information about Richard can be found at www.utley-associates.com.

When people ask me about my life’s lessons my response is this, “You should always believe in yourself, even if no one else does.”

This directory is in it’s 12th year and was first published in 1999 by Renaissance Publications.  The 1999 edition became a valuable resource in our community.  Many of you may still refer to your copy today.  After retiring from state government at the end of 2008, Richard discussed reviving the directory with the publisher and received her blessing.  Richard knew a critical piece to make the directory successful was to work with someone in the publishing business.  Nate and Pat Gadsden highly recommended the services of Marsha Blessing and Orison Publishers, Inc. She brings to the directory 30+ years of publishing experience.  In 2014 we increased our capabilities to include an flipbook directory.