Rich Popham was born and raised in Cleveland, the youngest of three children. He grew up in a typical midwestern family, which included little league baseball, boy scouts, and family vacations by car throughout the country.

Attending The Ohio State University, Rich met Cindy, the love of his life. They were married their senior year, and after graduation, he began his career in the transportation industry in over-the-road semi-trucks as rental manager with Lend Lease Trucking in Columbus. After their first son was born and his first corporate promotion to general manager, he relocated the family to New Orleans. In New Orleans, their second son was born. He was then relocated to Denver and welcomed their third son and only daughter.

During this time, the transportation industry was transformed, with deregulation of freight rates. The industry in turmoil, Rich moved to a truck manufacturer, Volvo Trucks-North America, and using his expertise, opened a new full-service truck leasing business at the company dealership. Two years later, the family moved to Salt Lake City with a corporate transfer to the regional office. He held several management positions, including national accounts, with responsibility for large truckload fleet customers located throughout the country. This assignment required extensive travel, keeping him away from family. After a few years, he lost interest in more promotions. He loved the position, but both he and Cindy sought a warmer climate. So, in 1998 they relocated to Ahwatukee, and they reside there today.

Rich continued his career, traveling every week. He’d return home for weekends to relax and play golf. As an Ahwatukee resident, he had good courses to play, and he did, simply for his enjoyment. He continued this path for years until the children completed college. Then retirement began to loom closer. Soon the Ahwatukee golf courses were struggling, so in 2014 Rich began playing Oakwood on Sundays. He enjoyed the courses and the people so much, the next year he purchased a punch card. Now he felt like a member, getting to go online to reserve tee times. As a single player, he was paired with several different people and groups. In 2016 he was paired with one player several times, Ken Baker—enjoying his wisdom and companionship. Ken played in a Monday-Wednesday-Friday group and asked Rich if he would join. Without hesitation, he signed up. Rich retired in 2017 and still plays in the same golf group, which continues today with 29 members—Rich managing and scheduling tee times.

Rich was introduced to Ironwood through his golf group, which plays here once a week. Thoroughly enjoying the course, he joined IMGA in 2018 to play more often and meet new players. He is a regular, playing nearly every Tuesday, year-round. He enjoys the ABCD games where he meets someone new almost weekly. Expanding his IMGA involvement, Rich has agreed to share his knowledge and experience by becoming the vice president for the IMGA Board.