An executive lifestyle assumes a certain level of respectability, a level of class. Windstream Communications Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Ric Crane has both, but what really gives him his edge is experience. “I’ve been in the telecommunication space for 30 years now,” Crane said. “I’ve held positions from chief bottle washer to chief marketing officer and almost everything in between, including network, finance, sales and operation roles. There is not an issue, problem, situation or decision that I haven’t faced before.”
Crane has certainly made his mark in the world of communication: a former manager for GTE (Gran Tierra Energy) and vice president of strategy for Alltel, he has serious rapport in the communication business. Although Crane may be the experienced, respectable vice president walking the halls of Windstream, this Florida native has more to offer than a suit-and-tie façade.
“I grew up surfing in Florida… Destin was very beautiful in the 1960s and ‘70s prior to condominiums. It was a commercial fishing village,” said Crane. “My dad was in the Air Force, so I’ve lived numerous places, including Japan at three different times. He retired in Destin/Fort Worth Beach when I was in third grade, and that was my home until leaving for college.”
Crane is a jolly mix of corporate savvy and Florida beach charm. A graduate of Florida State University and Auburn University, he started his career with tenacity for good business and calculated personal life decisions. “I majored in marketing at FSU and then decided to pursue an MBA,” he explained. “Coincidentally, AU was introducing an MBA program at the time and had monetary incentives for out-of-state students, thus I attended and received a great, affordable MBA.”
The businessman in Crane always kept his eyes open for opportunities. He was not afraid to start at the bottom and learn as he worked toward the top. He understood that you do not head straight to the peak of corporate America right after graduation.
However, reaching the heights of corporate America is not his greatest pride. He revealed that his greatest life achievement is his marriage to his wife, Sue. They met at a small college in Alabama, Wallace State, while he was teaching economics and have been married for 29 years. “Moving 11 different times in corporate America…and still being married to my wife—she is an amazing lady—is my greatest life achievement,” said Crane.
Crane’s father, also a family man, has been an influential force in his life. He considers his dad one of his heroes. “He was an example of giving and of unconditional love. When we were kids, my brother and I played just about every organized sport available,” said Crane. “I don’t think my dad ever missed a practice or a game during our entire childhood. That left a significant impression on my life.”
That unconditional love motivated Crane to become involved with the American Red Cross of Greater Arkansas three years ago. “I became involved with the Red Cross because I simply wanted to give back something,” he said. “The Red Cross always impressed me because of their volunteerism and the passion of their volunteers and employees to help others in dire need without expectations of anything in return.”
The American Red Cross, as an institution, has influenced the country for decades. It provides aid and assistance to people during disasters, runs blood drives and raises funds for special projects in addition to its operations. “Most people don’t realize that the American Red Cross is not funded by the federal or state government or, for that matter, any organization,” Crane explained. “We are completely self-funded.”
Crane’s involvement with the Red Cross of Greater Arkansas is based not only on his desire to help others and support one of the oldest organizations in America; he also wants to bring his business savvy and connections to the table to better serve and advance the organization. “I try to add value by serving on the board,” he said, “and drawing upon my business experiences to help us grow and serve.”
Each year the American Red Cross of Greater Arkansas hosts several fundraisers, and this year the organization is throwing a unique event to give guests a different experience. This year the Cranes are co-chairing the sensational Red Hot Party on Thursday, May 12, at the Clear Channel Metroplex, and it is sure to be a glamorously sizzling time.
“We are trying something totally different this year. Rather than having a typical sit-down dinner with silent and live auctions, we are throwing a big party for Little Rock,” said Crane. “The Red Hot Party will feature two tremendous bands, Memphis Soul Review and Tragikly White, dancing, hors d’oeuvres and liquid libations. It will be an evening to kick up your heels and have fun while supporting a great organization.”
The Red Cross of Greater Arkansas is powered, not only by the fundraisers and board members, but also by the volunteers and employees; they give life and energy to the organization. “They all work tirelessly and passionately to help others in need,” said Crane. “But with no expectation of receiving anything in return.” And it is that selfless giving that defines Crane and the organization he is passionately committed to.