Mr. Howard was born and raised in Jacksonville. He grew up on the Westside, where he attended public school. His family worked hard supplementing their income with some small annual crops. During his high school years, he had to milk a cow before going to school. In short, a hard work ethic was instilled in Rick from an early age.

Rick was raised in a Christian home. At 7-years-old, The Holy Spirit began working in his hear, and two years later, he experienced salvation and followed through with Baptism.

His career began by working part-time in a sheet metal shop while in high school. He went to work for Sawyer Air Conditioning, Inc. in 1970. He began his tenure as a duct fabricator and installer at $2.50 per hour. In a few years, he progressed from installer into upper management. Since that time, he enjoyed a 23-year course in air conditioning and business management.

In January 2002, Rick opened Air to Air, Inc., an air conditioning contractor. A loyal customer base followed him and would be the impetus for success. Among the principals that would guide this new company would be honesty, integrity and fairness.

Rick met his wife, Carol, at Robert E. Lee High School and married his high school sweetheart in 1971. They recently celebrated their 51st anniversary. They have two sons and five grandchildren. Three of those grandchildren are enrolled at Covenant, where he serves of the board.

His heart for the Lord and His kingdom, coupled with his expertise and wisdom, is a blessing to our Covenant Family.

Rick says that he and Carol have been blessed beyond their expectations and that they owe it all to The Lord Jesus.