January 12. Richie Parker. Richie is a mechanical engineer. About his life, he says, “I’m thankful that I don’t have arms.” And he means it. Without arms, he’s earned a Masters of Business Administration and Engineering degree. Without arms, he became a star in auto-racing design. Without arms, he’s now using his education and his experience to help others with disabilities.
In his shop working on cars in various states of repair, he says, “We have to be thankful for what we don’t have because a lot of times that’s what shapes us into what we are.” Here’s his story.
Facing a challenge? Embrace it, and count on God.
He slid into the front seat of his car and kicked off his shoes. Inserting the key into the ignition and turning it with his toes, the engine in his 64 Chevy Super Sport roared to life. Leaning over he slipped the seat belt clip in place with his mouth and nudged the gear shift into drive with his shoulder. It was time to go.
Armed with his freshly printed Mechanical Engineering degree from Clemson University and his relentless drive to achieve, Richie headed out for one of the most important meetings of his young life.
Growing up without arms, Richie was surrounded by a chorus of doubters telling him what he couldn’t do without hands — they had said he couldn’t ride a bike, drive a car, or find a good job.
But Richie never listened, and he did all that. “You either embrace the challenges and find a way, or you let the obstacles get the best of you.” He developed solutions and overcame every obstacle that stood in the way of achieving his dream—a career in automotive engineering.
Pulling out of the driveway, Richie’s ever-present smile was a little bit bigger that morning as his calloused feet artfully used the special steering wheel on the floorboard—a steering wheel he had designed.
This was going to be his day.
He had been selected as a candidate for a ten-week NASCAR Diversity Internship Program with Hendrick Motor Sports, the most winning organization in NASCAR.
Richie entered Hendrick’s headquarters for his interview with the company’s engineering manager Rex Stump, and a lot of people were looking on. They had no idea what he could do or what he was going to do there. But they were about to find out.
“I think I had about 20 resumes that I went through before I settled on Richie’s,” Stump said. “I knew he could do the things that I needed him to do; it was more a question of how.”
Rex and Richie sat at the computer, and Richie took his shoes off and put the keyboard and mouse on the floor. Stump’s question was immediately answered as Richie flew through the design challenge. He could type faster with his feet than most people could with their hands.
It was just the crack in the opportunity door Richie needed.
What was to be a ten-week internship working with the likes of NASCAR legends Jimmy Johnson, Jeff Gordon, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. turned into a twelve-year position as a Vehicle Design Engineer … designing engine and chassis components with his feet.
Ultimately, Richie became the Group Manager, contributing to over 100 wins and 7 NASCAR Championships.
But his dream didn’t stop there!
While working fulltime, he earned his Master of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Now his dream of owning his own consulting company designing tools to improve the quality of life of people with physical challenges became a reality.
Richie’s dream continues to grow because he never forgets how he got there. “My faith in God has been a part of my life since day one. God made me the way I am, and as I have gotten older —the man that I am today—I am able to help other people realize that a big part of life is understanding God’s plan, accepting his plan, and then embracing his plan. When times are hard, and my back is against the wall, I grow closer to God.”
“But there is [a vital force] a spirit [of intelligence] in man, And the breath of the Almighty gives them understanding” (Job 32:8 AMP).
Facing a challenge? Embrace it, and count on God.
“Throughout his life, Richie Parker has found a way.” Published April 16, 2014. Salisbury Post. https://www.salisburypost.com/2014/04/16/throughout-his-life-richie-parker-has-found-a-way/.
Blair, Leonardo. “Man Born Without Hands Is Engineer for NASCAR’s Most Winning Organization.” Published August 6, 2013. Christian Post. https://www.christianpost.com/news/man-born-without-hands-is-engineer-for-nascars-most-winning-organization.html.
Scar, Ken, “DRIVEN: Clemson MBAe grad Richie Parker embraces life.” Published August 29, 2017. The NEWSSTAND. https://newsstand.clemson.edu/mediarelations/driven-clemson-mbae-grad-richie-parker-embraces-life/.
Story written by: Thomas Mitchell, http://www.walkwithgod.org/