Commitment Award Recipient: Richard ( Dick ) Enrico

Commitment Award Recipient: Richard (“Dick”) Enrico

For his efforts over the last six years in building relationships for ADA’s signature fall walk event where he has raised over $500,000

Richard “Dick” Enrico is the Chief Executive Officer of 2nd Wind Exercise Equipment, a retail fitness company he founded in 1992. Upon graduation of Chisholm High School in 1958, with a borrowed investment of $18.00, he began selling Wear Ever Pots & Pans on straight commission to the single working girl market. In a short time, the early success of his Wear Ever sales efforts enabled him to start his own direct sales organization, Kitchen Craft of Minnesota. A relentless risk taker with an accelerated imagination coupled with charismatic leadership skills; he quickly became recognized as the “Top Gun” in that industry.

Having been raised on the Iron Range in northern Minnesota, he was the oldest son of a first generation Italian father whose family of 12 limited his education to that of the 8th grade. Having quickly grown up in an environment whose values emphasized a “hard work… can do” approach to life, Dick attributes this behavior to his pursuit of over 20 different business endeavors. Many of these attempts were marginal at best and several fell into the category of “financial disasters”. Unfortunately as these “lack of successes” were for Dick at the time, reality, necessity and personal pride motivated him to continue.

In addition to other business interests, he is instrumental in the marketing of 2nd Wind and oversees all development and future expansion activity. Consistent with his personal values in giving back to the community, Mr. Enrico is currently a spokesperson for the Minnesota American Diabetes Association, a supporter of Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Youth Frontiers, along with may other local charities.

Dick has given of his time and resources over the last 6 years to the American Diabetes Association through our fall walk event. In addition to his financial support, Dick has sponsored air time and promotion of our activities. He has reached out to his peers to educate them about this chronic disease and also to raise additional funds to support our mission activities. He has served as a spokesman and corporate sponsorship chair for walk and because of his reach and visibility on air and through his stores, has helped reach people, educate and raise awareness about diabetes. Over the years of his involvement, Mr. Enrico has donated money, air time and encouraged his network of associates to give to the ADA and in total has contributed over $500,000! He continues to support the organization and our walk event, Step Out Walk To Fight Diabetes.