“If we’re gonna do this, let’s make it incredible. I don’t want anything you and I do to be normal” – Rich told me when I first approached him to propose this interview.
It quickly became clear to me that it would be impossible to find a spot in Vegas where the two of us could sit down for a quiet, editorial conversation; There’s always someone who gets up and rushes to greet Richard Crighton when he steps into a restaurant, hotel or just about any establishment In his home town of sin city.
I had been wanting to interview Richard ever since I first started following his real estate transactions at the helm of the Rothwell Gornt Companies, a popular Las Vegas brokerage that Richard and his brother Ryan grew from virtually unknown to full blown deal-making powerhouse.
While I must admit that part of me wanted to pry inside the mind of the successful businessman – given his impressive rags to riches story and track record – as I got to know Richard, it was his human side that caught my full attention, earned my respect and my sincere appreciation.
Over cocktails overlooking the strip we talked for hours…about life, about love and family, friendship, travel and what it means to live a truly extraordinary life. I insisted on the importance of structure and planning, and he rebuked my arguments in the most spontaneous way possible, by proposing that we got a plane and flew to Arizona to do some bar hopping. I had to go back to Austin the next morning and still needed to finish my interview for this magazine.
Rich answered my questions generously. We said goodbye, and the next evening he texted me some photos from a random bar in Arizona, where he and one of his pals were grabbing drinks and reminiscing about life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
The following is a full transcript of my conversation with Richard Crighton, a man who I regard as master in the subtle art of adventure hunting:
What is the meaning of life for you? What drives you?
As a young person, I used to dream about a better life. When I was a child my entertainment was putting popsicle sticks in the gutter and following them down the street.
When I was a teenager I bought a bunch of dry erase boards and wrote all my goals on them. I would stare at them all night; My current existence exceeds anything I even knew existed. Now I have very simple goals… to establish generational wealth for my family. To travel all over the world. To be a good person. I am a simple man.
What brings you joy and fulfillment?
Everything! I love to be nice to strangers. I love to be nice to my friends. You will find me smiling just sitting down looking around. I came from nothing. I consider myself an artist and my life will be my masterpiece.
Share with us one failure that you learned a lot from.
During the 2007 period real estate crash… everyone at my office was suffering. I was the main money earner. Even though I was the only one with a wife and kids I decided to share my earnings among all the people that worked for me. I even did meal prep for them so they had good food. This period took a very hard toll on me mentally. But it is only when you are forced to deal with hard times you find out what type of person you are.
Have you ever battled depression or anxiety?
Yes. Actually both. And this is not something you can deal with by yourself. I went to a psychologist for several years starting at 18 to find ways to conquer my issues. I am proud of myself for taking action so I did not live my life in fear or negativity.
How were you able to overcome those obstacles?
Have you met me? I am living proof that anything is possible.
If you had to choose a last meal, what would be on your plate?
Anything as long as it is with my friends.
Do you have friends who helped you when you needed it?
My brother Ryan Crighton and I are inseparable. No matter what.
Have you helped friends in need?
On countless occasions. However, I prefer to keep this private.
