Rick’s Story:
Rick Akam left Seneca High in the spring of 1973 and was a 4 year letterman on BOTH the Track & Field and Cross Country teams. When Rick finished his senior year he left with 4 Seneca Best records. One in particular was a 1973 State Record in the 880 yard/ half mile event which is STILL a Kentucky State Record after 51 years. His CC times times would finish 8th in the 1972 CC Championships bettering his previous 1971 State Final finish of 11th. Leaving his mark.

He would continue his running career with an Athletic Scholarship at the University of Louisville JB Track & Field along with C.C. teams. He would letter all 4 years and was awarded in 2022 the Universities Letterman Award for Excellence. In his four year career at Louisville he would be the most valuable in the Mid to Long distance events. There is one 2 mile event that was a University best time of 7:43.7 is still sixth best all-time.

Like many young people in 1978 he would seek out his career opportunities with his Bachelors degree in Biology upon graduation. He would decide not to persue Dental School as originally planned and strike out for a new exciting career AND what a story to tell. He would step into a new realm: The Food and Beverage service industry and Restaurants. He experienced firsthand the transformative power of capital investments directly impacting lives in profound ways, while engaging with a diverse portfolio of companies across the nation.

That sounds so cliché, almost nauseating, but it's True. As CEO/COO of several National organizations he would transform the food and beverage business and was on the frontline of innovation and a Visionary in the groundbreaking Sports Bar/Restaurants.

What evolved is nothing short of amazing: Becoming CEO of HOOTERS -America (HQ - Atlanta Ga) in 1993 he would take over the reins of a Southeast regional restaurant chain after the death of the original owner/founder in a tragic plane accident. Rick served as CEO for the growth years of Hooters Inc. by taking it to another level, expansion of store fronts grew from 190 to 344 during his tenure. The organization during the height of his career employed over 25,000 employees and generated over 1.2 Billion annual revenue. Restaurant & Institutions ranked HOOTERS as the 11th in Casual Dinning segment and 75th largest food-service chain in the United States, AGAIN leaving his mark.

He would followup with similar results and initiatives at MOE’S SOUTHWESTERN GRILLS (Atlanta, Ga) in 2004 taking them from 60 stores to 185 as chief operating officer. He would be highly sought after within the Food and Beverage Industry. He would join yet another regional restaurant chain in the leadership position within FIRST WATCH Inc. (Bradenton, Fla) the company stores expansion would grow from 52 stores in the southeast to 200 stores nationally. Rick worked to secure a Connecticut Investment firm to infuse 35 Million for the growth and potential ownership of the company’s expansion plans.

Many others restaurants will follow in his 40 year career : Twin Peaks (Dallas, Tx), Dicks Wings (Jacksonville, Fla), Ancient City Brewing (St Augustine, Fla), Tilted Kilt (Tempe, Az), Wilmer Brothers Brewing (Portland, Ore), Ker’s Restaurants (Largo, Fla.) Opening over 750 plus store fronts Nationally during his colorful career. These are all popular and well known national restaurants outlets with that Akam Brand.

He is still an active runner and member of a Southeastern running club participating in several regional runs per year. He is presently (2023) Head Coach for the St Joesph Academy High School Track Team in St Augustine, Florida. He continues to leave his mark.