by: Richard Erschik

Just turned 80! Not at a full stop by any means—hopefully it’s just another green light.

What I know for sure is that I’m not pulling over. I’m not parking. I’m just checking the mirrors, cleaning the windshield, adjusting the seat, and easing back into what’s left of a full tank of curiosity and a destination called What’s Next …

Let’s take a ride together—through the streets of my life, the roads I’ve traveled, and the stories that still fuel my engine. There are many more such stories, but these are some of those that immediately come to mind.

In the Rearview Mirror, I see that I…

  • Ate lunch at the “Top of the World” restaurant atop the World Trade Center when those towers stretched up into endless possibility.
  • Stood inside Graceland, absorbing Elvis’ life and world. Yep, the Jungle Room is real, and the staircase to his bedroom still gives off a ghostly vibe.
  • Toured the USS Midway submarine in SanDiego.
  • Shared stories with a Pearl Harbor survivor, then paid my respects at the USS Arizona, standing in peaceful silence and gratitude.
  • Owned 21 cars–some fast, some flashy, none were boring.
  • Walked the streets of Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Canada, Mexico, Austria, and South Africa–soaking in their cultures and different foods
  • Flew over 2 million miles with American Airlines. My company was featured in their ATTractions magazine, and my voice was heard in an in-flight Sky Radio interview on 78,000 flights around the world.
  • Was the only passenger in the first-class cabin of a 747 from San Francisco to Chicago–five hours of leather seats and sky-high solitude.
  • Been to all but four U.S. states–and each one left its mark. Missed WV, NM, VT. RI.
  • Rode the Bobs rollercoaster at Riverview Park in Chicago.
  • Watched stock cars race around historic Soldier Field and O’Hare Stadium. 1950’s.
  • Got strapped into a Richard Petty NASCAR and hit 137 mph.
  • Rode five Harley models over 300,000 miles, including trips to Sturgis where the stories are as wild as the Full Throttle Saloon’s legend (and yes, it’s all true).
  • Scuba-dived in the Caribbean and 125 times in the clear waters of Key Largo.
  • Dropped anchor on 12 Princess Cruises, even stepping up as an invited speaker onboard.
  • Sank the 9-ball on the break. (That deserves its own line.)
  • Teed off at the legendary Kemper, Doral and Medinah Country Club Course #3–because life’s too short for boring golf courses.
  • Owned one of the fastest and loudest speed boats on the Chain-o-Lakes in Antioch, IL.
  • Fished in Lake of the Woods Kenora, Canada, and pulled in a 48-inch muskie–still mounted on my office wall, still making me grin.
  • Was responsible for the firing of one of the largest weapon systems in the Army.
  • Spoke onstage at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas for 18 straight years. The lights, the energy, the message–it all mattered.
  • Became a certified handgun and archery instructor.
  • Shared the speaker podium with Rocky Bleier.
  • Performed close-up card magic behind the bar at the New York Lounge in Chicago–where the only thing stronger than the drinks was my sleight of hand.
  • Was the very first passenger in the outdoor elevators at the Peach Tree Plaza tower in Atlanta.
  • Had beers with Ray Nitschke of the Green Bay Packers.
  • Listened to live jazz in the Underground of Atlanta. I can still hear it.
  • Hunted “Skype” (wink) on Chicago’s lakefront.
  • Dined at Skomo’s on Fisherman’s Wharf, a meal that still lives in my memory.
  • Conquered (ate) the Don Shula 48-ounce steak–and lived to brag about it.
  • In Austria, pounded a beer spigot into an 8-foot diameter barrel, just like the locals (and just as messy.)
  • Met Pete Rose and have an autographed baseball.
  • Ate in the Citroën automobile plant executive dining room in Paris, rubbing elbows with legacy and luxury.
  • Wrote and published 9 books, pouring my memories, knowledge and experience onto each page.
  • Flew just once in a helicopter. Straight up and immediately down.
  • Founded a business from a single idea and ran it for over 20 years as a self-employed entrepreneur–no boss, no parachute.
  • Was on a first-name basis with Walter Payton.
  • Met Mike Ditka and played on his golf course in Michigan.
  • Touched home plate at Wrigley Field. Also sat in the infamous bleachers.
  • Shot pool at the legendary Benzinger’s, in Chicago where legends like Minnesota Fats and Willie Mosconi hustled and whispers echoed.
  • Met the love of my life Laurie online–proof that technology and timing make one heck of a match.
  • Served my country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Became NCO SGT E5 and was referred to as “SGT Bones” by my brothers in arms.
  • Survived four surgeries, melanoma, and prostate cancer.
  • Was (and am) a dad to two incredible kids, and a grandpa to two more–they’re a beloved part of my life and legacy, and I hope part of my story inspires theirs.

Now Looking Through the Windshield…

Here I am at 80 — Looking like I’m 70 – Moving like I’m 60 – Eating like I’m 50 – Working like I’m 40 – Acting like I’m 30 – and Wishing I was 20 knowing everything I have learned and know now.

Am I done? Not a chance! I’m still rolling–with more experience, more wisdom, more laughter, and yes–still chasing what’s around the next bend.

I’m not just aging–I’m evolving. Learning, Creating. Teaching. Exploring. Wondering. Loving. Laughing …

My “Bucket list” is now more of a “Been-there, Done-that” list–but that doesn’t mean my journey’s over. No way! It just means the road ahead looks a little different now, with slower traffic and more detours I’m willing to take, and more scenic routes I’m eager to explore. Because the truth is, I’m not living in the past–I’m just powered by it.

Still rolling… Still dreaming… Still driving… as The Journey Continues.