Dear Rush

Dear Rush,

I had been wanting to write to you telling you how much of an impact you’ve had on my life and thus starting Pride & Joy. But then COVID hit and I had to temporarily shut down my company. I didn’t want to write to you before I had it back up. I wanted you to see what I created—much from your inspiration. Unfortunately I didn’t get that opportunity but I am writing anyway.

I was introduced to you by my grandfather over twenty years ago when I was in my late teens. He gave me his copy of “The Way Things Out To Be,” which I kept for many years until I returned it as a memento when he passed away. He was one of the many Japanese interned during World War II yet this experience nor anything because of his background changed what he believed in. He was an avid listener of your show and when I was young I was amazed how he could just sit there listening to the radio. It seemed so antiquated. Later in life I was doing the same.

Listening to your show was as routine as my morning coffee and it was something I looked forward to every day. I was excited to hear your take on whatever was going on and I always ended up learning something. You had the ability to take any issue and break it down to its most fundamental level of basic humanity. I was essentially learning about life. I was learning about values and in the process I was also developing a firm sense of gratitude for the life I have here. I didn’t really realize the impact you had on me until I started Pride & Joy. I would often wonder how I got the passion for wanting to start a brand based on pride and gratitude for family and country; based on the motto “taking pride in one’s self, one’s family, and one’s country.” You had a tremendous impact on shaping who I am and I want to say Thank You.

R.I.P.