Earl Ricker's Schools

• Northern Michigan University , Class of 1981 Bachelors Received a Bachelor of Science in Business

Earl Ricker's Publications

• The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, Earl Ricker December, 2010 A gifted musician and socially conscious individual who utilizes his talents to better the lives of others, Earl Ricker commits a great deal of time and energy to a number of worthy philanthropic pursuits. Garnering accolades for the heartfelt, moving songs he composes, performs, records, and produces, Earl Ricker offers both financial and creative support to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), a charitable organization dedicated to assisting families affected by the death or injury of a loved one currently or formerly working in the law enforcement profession. Passionate about music from an early age, Earl Ricker recognizes music’s incredible healing capacity, employing themes such as religion, love, friendship, and unity to draw attention to worthy social endeavors such as the cause championed by NLEOMF. A longtime member of the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), Earl Ricker recently penned a song called Not Coming Home, a ballad he wrote specifically to draw attention to NLEOMF’s work. Established in 1984, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund oversees a number of initiatives to raise awareness of the sacrifices our country’s law enforcement officers make every day. Maintaining an extensive database of officers killed or injured in the line of duty, NLEOMF also organizes National Police Week, a commemorative event that takes place each May to honor fallen officers. With a focus on raising public awareness of the selfless sacrifice these brave men and women make, NLEOMF also boasts distinction as the driving force behind the construction of the National Law Enforcement Museum (NLEM), a venue located in Washington, DC. Slated to open its doors in 2013, the National Law Enforcement Museum aims to preserve the memories of all those who have given their lives to protect the public. Additionally facilitating research regarding various fatality trends and related issues, the National Law Enforcement Museum will serve as a poignant reminder of the thanks we all owe to the social servants who choose to risk their personal well-being for the purpose of creating a safer society. To discover more about the meaningful work NLEOMF undertakes with the assistance of generous individuals such as Earl Ricker, visit www.nleomf.org.

• Gdirect, LLC, Earl Ricker January, 2011 As the Director of Human Resources at Gdirect, LLC Earl Ricker utilizes his extensive professional knowledge to support the company in numerous capacities. An organization dedicated to championing spiritually meaningful business practices, Gdirect, LLC collaborates with churches throughout California, Arizona, Texas, Georgia, and Illinois, employing its resources to facilitate relationships between the religious community and local business leaders. Employing his skills to hire and train a committed ministry sales team, Earl Ricker strives to promote the Gdirect, LLC concept in the commercial arena, holding a strong commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity through God’s word. With a primary focus on propagating spiritual awareness outside of the church, Earl Ricker views his work as a unique opportunity to reach out and form new relationships, sharing his faith with others in an actionable manner. Through its printed directory and online database of churches and businesses, Gdirect, LLC assists both small and large companies in advertising products and services, improving client retention, increasing revenue stream, and developing strategies for future growth, all within a context that celebrates religious devotion and the church’s foundational teachings. Creating lasting partnerships between members of the spiritual and business communities, Gdirect, LLC also oversees an array of outreach efforts designed to bolster both commerce and religious activity in equal capacities. Stepping into his role as Director of Human Resources at Gdirect, LLC in 2009, Earl Ricker demonstrates notable management ability and enthusiasm for all facets of his professional pursuits. Successfully building new Gdirect sales teams in Los Angeles, Phoenix, Dallas, Atlanta, and Chicago, Earl Ricker continues to devote his energy to advocating for biblically based business principles.

• Tips for Beginner Songwriters, Part 1 March, 2011 by Earl Ricker 1. Study Music Writers enjoy books, while actors and directors appreciate movies. Therefore, it stands to reason that if you want to write music, you must listen to as much of it as you can. You must study the lyrics, the tempo, the melody. What makes the song a success or failure? Did you find yourself feeling a particular emotion at a certain point? Go back to that point and try to discern what it was about that moment made you feel specific emotions. 2. Carry a Notebook Buy a pocket-sized notebook and a pencil, and carry them around with you. As you go about your day, write interesting observations, snatches of conversations, and ideas for lyrics. At the end of the day, leaf through your notebook and examine what you wrote. Do the ideas gel together into something unique? Or maybe each idea works better on its own than with others, or perhaps you are not yet ready to do anything with any of your scrawls just yet. Add to your notebook each day and make sure to look back at old entries and see if any previous ideas mesh with new ones. 3. Craft Melodies You have found a specific phrase that carries the weight of just the right words, but you have yet to determine how it should sound. Such problems remain a constant in the life of any songwriter. In order to hammer out a melody, repeat the phrase out loud, sticking different melodies to it each time. What sounds good? As you apply melodies, think about common habits related to speaking: as people say words, they speak in different cadences and tones. Try drawing out or biting off words with different melodies. continued at Tips for Beginner Songwriters, Part 2

• Choosing a Christian Speaker, Earl Ricker March, 2011 by Earl Ricker of Phoenix, Arizona At Gdirect, I am in charge of hiring decisions, and one of the most important features I look for is the ability to give effective motivational talks that are rooted in the Bible. The elements we look for in a Christian speaker are essentially the same elements any group should consider before engaging someone to give a Christian-themed lecture. The difference between a Christian lecture and a sermon revolves around the use of the Bible. In a sermon, the Bible forms the center of the discussion. All points come from and relate back to developing a deeper understanding of the Bible. A motivational Christian lecture, on the other hand, usually relates to the experiences of the speaker. He or she might relate a spiritual journey, such as the transition from non-belief to Christian faith. Another common theme is how Christians can reconcile the challenges of modern life with the teachings of the Bible. All Christian speakers need to possess three essential characteristics. First, they must have a strong and impassioned personal relationship with Jesus Christ. For the speaker to come off convincingly, he or she must radiate faith and enthusiasm. Next, Christian speakers need to be strong communicators. There are many passionate Christians who contribute to their communities and live their lives in Christ, yet they cannot communicate that faith to others. Public speaking forms a skill set completely separate from faith, and a good speaker needs both. Finally, a Christian speaker must possess a strong knowledge of the Bible. Telling a motivational Christian story is one thing, but Christian audiences want to see how those stories connect to the message of the Gospels. The ability to quote from the Bible at will allows the speaker to engage with the audience dynamically, answering their questions, and tailoring the presentation to their specific concerns. If you are looking for a fulfilling career that utilizes your skills as a Christian motivational speaker, visit the Gdirect website and check the Employment section for any upcoming vacancies. About the Author: Located in Phoenix, Arizona, Earl Ricker holds the position of Director of Human Resources at Gdirect. He is currently leading an expansion into several other cities across the United States.

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