Turning 40 in the Rose City

If you don’t know who I am I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Rick and I’m the Founder of Grafletics. This month I turned the big 4-0. I don’t feel my age because I’m a kid at heart. For example…on a scooter ride today with my daughter I tried to jump a tree stump. I failed and went flying to the ground. When I looked up a guy passed by and said “nice dad-move buddy”. For a second I thought…”am I too old to be doing this sorta thing” followed by the thought “age ain’t nothin’ but a number.”

40 is a milestone and there is a lot i’m grateful for. Good health, family and friends, where I live and the work I do. It’s an amazing place to be. Seven short years ago I moved to Portland with not much more than a duffle bag and my dog. Presently, I’m sitting on the couch in my beautiful home in Sellwood writing a journal post for an apparel company I started from scratch. This may seem self congratulatory, but I promise you it’s short lived and won’t survive a moment past this journal post. I’m too hungry, and if I’m honest feel like I haven’t even started yet.

The photos below were taken by the talented - Brian Crippe. I decided to shoot these by the White Stag Sign on March 5, 2018…the day I turned 40. I chose this location because on this day a thought occurred to me and it was that I want nothing more than the opportunity to keep building this brand right here in Portland. Grafletics has given me a creative outlet, challenged me to become a better writer, business man, graphic designer and overall better human being.