Richard Willich

Richard Willich, head of MDI Holdings Inc., in Ponte Vedra Beach, is matching a $9,000 donation from another foundation to provide new computers and kid-friendly furniture in the school’s revitalized computer lab. The old lab computers will go to classrooms to replace non-working computers.

PTO mother Jaimie Green remembers when her daughter began first grade at Ketterlinus Elementary School and used the computers.

“(The computer) was from 1971,” Green said. “We love being a historic school, but not that historic.”

Her daughter, Sarah, is entering the fifth grade and when she goes to the computer lab this year, she’ll be using a new computer thanks to a businessman and a principal who asked for help.

Ketterlinus also will use some of its money to buy three SMART boards. It has only one of the interactive boards. that help engage kids and have a direct impact on learning.

“This is the kicking off of our technology initiative,” said Ketterlinus Principal Kathy Tucker. “He just took care of Phase I.”

Tucker knew how Willich’s foundation had helped schools in north St. Johns County and contacted him. “He told me to come on up and talk to him.”

Willich agreed to help provide computers and on Thursday morning he was at Ketterlinus to meet the teachers.

“A great beginning is half the task. You certainly have made it a great beginning for us at Ketterlinus,” Tucker told him.

Tucker said teachers kept coming to her throughout the day to talk about the donation.

“He made teachers feel great, saying he’s in the business world and he’s standing up for public education,” she said. “They really appreciated that.”

Crookshank Elementary School is also benefitting from Willich standing up for education. There, he’s donated 25 iPod Touches and six iPads to the third grade class led by Stephanie Keating.

Willich, who was “a government lunch kid,” stopped by to visit that classroom later Thursday and to talk with Keating and Principal Jay Willets.

He took in the colorful classroom, but wanted to know where the machines were. When he found out that hadn’t arrived yet, he got on the phone to track them down.

“They need to be here before classes start,” he told the man on the other end. “What do we need to get that delivered tomorrow?”

Each child in Keating’s class will get an iPod of his own for the school year, using it to read books and explore various school-related applications. And they’ll be able to take them home.

“It’s going to be a difference maker,” said Willets, noting many of the children in his school don’t have access to computers. Both Crookshank and Ketterlinus serve areas with large numbers of low-income families.

Willich has promised to replace any lost iPods, Keating said, “but we hope that won’t happen. We’re going to invite the parents and show them how the iPods work … and we’re going to talk to the children about responsibility.”

Keating said the iPods won’t just be something to play with, but will help students learn in the new ways that technology is bringing.

“We haven’t told anyone about this. But the secret must be getting out. … someone called the principal and asked if their child could be in the technology room,” she said.

The school plans to compare the learning rates of kids in Keating’s class with those of other third grades. If it’s a success, they hope to expand the technology level to others in the third grade with Willich’s help.

Willich will be providing a monthly fund to pay for applications and grade-level books for the iPods. But, he pointed out, he won’t be choosing any of that; it’s up to the principal to make those decisions.

Keating said a group of volunteer mothers from the Ponte Vedra area who have worked at the St. Augustine area school apparently are responsible for letting Willich know of the need for technology at the school.

Willich has donated more than $1 million to St. Johns County schools providing everything from SMART boards to an orange grove to schools including PV-PV/Rawlings Elementary School, Nease High School and Ponte Vedra High School. This past year he was named St. Johns County outstanding business partner of the year by the school district.

“Maybe one of the boys or girls in your class will be the one donating money (for schools) 30 years from now,” Willich told Keating.

He picked up a pencil and began tapping the eraser end on one of the desks. “This is how you’ll know them … They want something to happen.”

Courtesy of Marcia Lane, St. Augustine Record

August 7, 2010, St. Augustine, Florida: When Richard Willich, CEO of MDI Holdings in Ponte Vedra heard the British Royal Marines were docked at Mayport Naval Station for repairs and a little R&R, he began thinking of a way to thank them for their service and support of US Military efforts in both Afghanistan and Iraq. The original plan was a reception for over 80 Royal Marines assigned to HMS Ocean, to be held at his home. However it was quickly replaced by a spirited attack on the Castillo de San Marco. The Brits and 22 US Marines seized the Black Raven pirate ship at the St. Augustine Municipal Marina to the traditional war sounds of the bagpipes. After capturing the ship and raising the Union Jack they found the Raven completely furnished with spirits, a full board of food and “wenches”.

The ship sailed north and launched an attack on the fort which was defended by an intimidating 12-pound muzzle loader on the upper banks. The Royal and US Marines aimed the captured Pirate ship’s breach-loader back at it and the two guns exchanged a ferocious volley. The entire entourage joined in to give the command to fire! After the 2 hour expedition, the group returned to enjoy a swim and further festivities as guests aboard Richard’s boat, the R&R, docked at the city pier.

On August 17th, in a gesture of thanks and military camaraderie, the Officers and crew of the HMS Ocean invited Richard and his guests on an outing to their real war ship. At 11:30 the party was picked up by an amphibious troop deployer whichdelivered them dockside. Here they were outfitted withlife jackets and switched to a front loading landing craft for transport to the HMS Ocean. At ship side, the landing craft was hoisted to the receiving deck and the party greeted by Commanding Officer Captain Keith Blount Royal Navy. Captain Anoy Pugsley, Royal Marine Commandos and his men gave a thorough tour of the ship, hovercrafts, helicopters and supporting gear all executed in perfect British style.

Following a luncheon in the Officers mess, the ship’s Executive Officer gave a heartfelt thanks to Richard for his generosity and presented him with the HMS Ocean’s Insignia plack, a print of a drawing of HMS Ocean at sea and the Captain’s own coffee cup with the Ocean’s logo. In a highlight of the trip Richard, a retired Lt. Colonel who served in the US Marines in Vietnam, spoke briefly to the collected men and officers. He reflected on the many cultural contributions Britian has made to the US, the duty of warriors and his gratitude to the Royal Marines and Navy for their continuing support of US troops in difficult war theaters.

A new arrival at Picalata Farms – “Sophie” is enjoying her lunch.

“Picalata cows are happy cows” or at least that is the goal of Lt. Colonel Richard Willich United States Marine Corps, retired.  As Chairman and CEO of MDI Holdings, Inc., Richard “unwinds” on his 120 acre farm in Picalata, Florida, just north of St. Augustine and watches his cattle graze.

When Richard first saw the acreage in Picalata, he had a strong feeling that this was the place for his cattle ranch.  The timing was right.  A developer had purchased the 120 acre tract of land, planning to build homes on it.  Richard bought it for ½ the price paid by the developer, pointing out to the bank that a wetland ran right through the property, cutting the property in half.  In reality, the wetland was perfect for Richard’s purposes, as it was tailor-made for his cracker cattle.  “I can run my crackers in that 20 acres of wetland … that’s where they live – it’s their natural habitat.”  Richard acquired three authentic Florida Cracker Cattle in 2009.  Now with the birth of two calves, the newest, Sophie in the picture above, his herd of cracker’s is rapidly growing.

Florida Cracker is one of the oldest breeds of cattle in the United States, descending from Spanish cattle brought to the New World beginning in the early 1500s. As the Spanish colonized Florida and other parts of the Americas, they established low input, extensive cattle ranging systems typical of Spanish ranching. The Florida Cracker and other breeds which developed under these conditions are called criollo cattle, which means “of European origin but born in the New World.”

Since The Florida Cracker breed was shaped primarily by natural selection in an environment that is generally hostile to cattle, they have resulted in a breed that is heat tolerant, long lived, resistant to parasites and diseases, and productive on the low quality forage found on the grasslands and in the swamps of the Deep South.

So while the natural wetlands on Picalata are what the cracker cattle are accustomed to, Richard’s herd of cracker’s are as pampered as his Registered Black Angus.  He has planted shade trees, built run-in buildings with rubber flooring, fresh wood chips and fans.  His feed is the highest quality to provide the maximum nourishment for both his valuable Angus and his Florida Crackers.

Employees and friends are beginning to enjoy the fruits of Richard’s labor.  He continues to develop the property at Picalata Farms adding a horse ring for kids to ride  his 4 horses; spring fed lakes with a 20 foot dock for swimming; 2 miniature donkeys that love to be petted and of course the cows and bulls.  It is truly a wonderland for children and adults alike.

So why wouldn’t the cows be happy?

Pictured above is Richard Willich with “a few of his friends”.   Included in the picture are Captain Aaron Bowman, Commanding  Officer of Mayport Naval Station, his son Blaise, wife Debbie and Retired St. Johns County Circuit Judge Robert Mathis and his wife, Theresa.  The picture was taken after a tour in his truck of the 120 acre Picalata Farm Richard owns on CR 208 in St. Johns County. Everyone had a great time Saturday at a “Richard Willich” style BBQ!  The menu, while unusual, was enjoyed by all.  Roast beef sandwiches with “real butter” and gravy…..french fries…..and lamb on the spit!  When asked what he was serving for dessert Richard said “Nothing!…if you want dessert…..go on home and eat Jell-O!”….. and with all the delicious food, dessert was certainly not missed! With a mariachi band and piñata’s for the kids, there was something for everyone.  The children especially enjoyed the two newest additions to Picalata – Jose and Rosita, two miniature donkeys.  “They are so friendly, they love for the kids to scratch them behind their ears” David Wainer and his wife Catherine said after taking their kids out to pet the two new little burrows. Richard began development of Picalata Farms in November of last year.   He has taken 120 acres of Florida scrub brush / swampland and with amazing vision, is turning it into a beautiful farm property. Picalata is home to a growing herd of registered Aberdeen Black Angus cattle, and has some of the few authentic cracker cattle remaining in the State of Florida.  The farm is slated for completion in 2011 and will include numerous cow pastures,  two spring fed deep-water ponds, a fenced-in horse riding trail, several custom-built cattle and horse barns, and a planned 6,000 square foot Cypress Log Cabin Lodge. Everyone is looking forward to the grand opening!

Richard Willich, Chairman and CEO of MDI Holdings Inc. accepted the award as the 2009-10 St. Johns County Outstanding Business Partners of the Year at the 23rd Annual Commissioner’s Business Recognition Awards, Thursday, June 17, 2010 in Tampa Florida. The event highlighted the contributions of honorees selected from each school district and was hosted by the Florida Department of Education and the Florida Education Partnership. During the past year Richard and MDI Holdings have donated more than $1 million to St. Johns County schools.  An on-campus orange grove for an elementary school’s Healthy Initiative, high school athletic equipment and academic support for college-bound students are among their contributions. In addition, they have made technology-related donations including Smartboards, computers and Classroom Response Systems.  “Education translates to opportunity for our children and the most important thing we can do for them is to give them opportunity” said Richard.  He and MDI are currently working with a high-needs elementary school to provide iPads for students. Overall, Richard and MDI Holdings have provided the largest private donation the school district has ever received, said St. Johns County School District spokeswoman Margie Davidson. The picture above is of Richard receiving the award from Dr. Eric Smith, Commissioner of Education.

The reopening of the “Willich” Kids Bridge Visitation Center was celebrated on the porch of the newly remodeled structure in St. Augustine Florida on Tuesday night, June 15, 2010.  Richard Willich, Chairman and CEO of MDI Holdings, Inc. received a plaque in remembrance of the occasion from Judge Robert Mathis.  (Pictured above). The center was closed in March of this year and the services were moved to temporary quarters at Cyprian Center while a total renovation, thanks to Richard and MDI, was completed.  Kids Bridge is a visitation center to which courts can refer families involved in cases such as divorce, domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, and problems with substance abuse or mental health difficulties.  It provides much needed support to the St. Augustine community Richard’s dedication and financial support to this project went far beyond his original commitment to the Junior Service League of St. Augustine.   His philanthropy is truly a blessing to those recipients in need. For further information on Kids Bridge please click here http://www.kidsbridgefl.org.

LET’S GET TO WORK!

Gubernatorial Candidate Rick Scott (R-Naples) took time on his campaign trail through North Florida last week to pay a visit to MDI Holdings, Inc. in Ponte Vedra, Florida.   Scott, a successful businessman whose career has been focused on healthcare, met with MDI Chairman and CEO Richard Willich, whose national healthcare technology company recently won acclaim as a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner. As the two businessmen spoke of their mutual concerns for Florida’s future and their individual roles as leaders in the healthcare industry, Scott and Willich were on common ground. “Rick Scott is a refreshing political leader who is not a political lifer,” Willich observed.  “We are lucky to have him as a candidate for Florida’s Governor.  We need a business man who knows the meaning of hard work.” Scott, a resident of Naples, Florida, has strong ties to North Florida through his business partner, Karen Bowling, with whom he co-founded Solantic Urgent Care Walk-in Centers in 2002.  There are now 34 Centers throughout Florida. “I’m not surprised that Rick has Richard Willich in his corner,” said Bowling, upon hearing of the meeting at MDI.  “They are both business builders.  I toured MDI Holdings, Inc. during THE PLAYERS Championship and was impressed.” As for Rick Scott, Bowling is thrilled with the prospect that he may have the opportunity to create opportunities for the citizens of Florida, just as he has for the thousands of people he has employed in the healthcare field over the years. “I’ve worked with Rick since 1995,” said Bowling.  “He is willing to make tough decisions.  He’s a man who raises the bar and sets stretch goals.  When he says, ‘Lets get to work,’ I know that means he is planning to roll up his sleeves and do what it takes to make things better.  I’m glad he has strong supporters like Richard Willich in North Florida.”