My name is Rick Franco, and my life has been a tapestry of international upbringing, military service, and a profound dedication to preserving hunting traditions. I hope my journey is a testament to the enduring spirit of adventure and the importance of legacy.
Early Life and Family Heritage
My story begins in an unconventional setting for a future hunter. Born into a family entrenched in the global oil industry, I spent my formative years overseas, absorbing a rich mosaic of cultures and landscapes. My father, an immigrant whose own story embodies the American dream, rose through the ranks of the oil business, achieving remarkable success. Despite his accomplishments, my father was not a hunter. It was my mother, a doctor from Bayous of South Louisiana; she carried with her the vivid, rustic tales of my grandfather, a man who was an avid hunter, outdoorsman, and conservationist. These stories, filled with the romance and challenge of the hunt, planted the seeds of curiosity and passion in me from a young age.
The Call to Serve
As life will often do, it took a turn at the early age of sixteen when my mother passed away. This passing changed something in me, and I sought a life of service, protection for others, and duty to my country. I decided to join the United States Marine Corps. Driven by this deep sense of duty and adventure, I served my country. My time in the Marines was marked by rigorous training, discipline, and a brotherhood that shaped my character and future endeavors. The skills I acquired, particularly in marksmanship and survival, later became instrumental in my hunting pursuits and instructional roles.
Protecting Others and Honoring Friends
After my military service, I transitioned to a role that continued my commitment to protecting others. As a CIA protective contractor, I operated in some of the world’s most volatile regions, ensuring the safety of American interests and personnel. This period of my life not only honed my tactical abilities, but also reinforced my appreciation for the fragility and value of life.
During this time, I faced the profound loss of a close friend from the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) that would shape a new mission and calling years later.
Four Branches: Honoring Tradition through Bourbon
Four Branches’ journey began with a commitment to honor fallen comrades through bourbon. In the bourbon world, Four Branches stands out for its exceptional award-winning spirits and origin story rooted in American military tradition. We were founded by four veterans from different branches of the military: Marines, Air Force, Army, and Navy.
I initiated the idea after losing my VMI classmate Greg Wright Jr. in 2005. This tragic event inspired me to commemorate Greg’s heroism and the bonds forged in service. I gathered fellow veterans Michael Trott, Robert “RJ” Casey, and Harold Underdown to embark on a new mission: crafting a bourbon that embodies our military experiences.
Despite our lack of experience in distillation, we were deterred. We drew on our collective decades of service and military values to enter the competitive spirits industry. Through extensive research and partnerships with seasoned consultants from companies like Brown-Forman, we laid the groundwork for our venture.
Our journey was not without challenges. We faced a critical moment when a friend and fellow serviceman’s suicide gave us pause. Reflecting deeply, we reaffirmed our commitment to responsible consumption and supporting veterans’ causes, which are integral to our brand’s ethos. We believe that everyone serves a community, regardless if they served in the military, law enforcement, or first responder communities. Therefore, we ask that everyone “Serve Honorably”. When it comes to drinking, we ask everyone to “Drink Honorably,”; lastly, we ask that we all stop drinking to forget and rather “Sip to Remember.”
Beyond bourbon, we at Four Branches aim to inspire fellow veterans and first responders to pursue passion-driven careers collaboratively. We actively support charities like Folds of Honor, the CIA Officer Memorial Fund, and many other non-profits embodying our belief in giving back to the community.
For us, failure is not an option. Our brand symbolizes resilience, pride, and a commitment to our veteran roots. As we continue our journey, we strive to set an example for others in our community: to never quit and to always strive for excellence.
A Passion for Hunting and Conservation
Despite my global experiences and professional achievements, my heart has remained tethered to the stories of my grandfather’s hunts. As my life has progressed, I have immersed myself in the world of hunting, finding solace and purpose in the pursuit. Unlike many who hunt for sport alone, my approach was deeply philosophical. I saw hunting as a means to connect with nature, understand the cycles of life, and engage in a practice that has been integral to human existence for millennia.
My passion extended beyond personal gratification. I became an ardent advocate for conservation, recognizing that the sustainability of wildlife and natural habitats was crucial for future generations. My dedication to preserving the hunting heritage was not just for my own children but for all who would come after. I envisioned a world where my boys and their peers could experience the same thrills and lessons that hunting offers, grounded in respect for nature and ethical practices.
A Legacy in the Making
My life has been a blend of service, adventure, and dedication to a cause greater than myself. From my upbringing in a globally mobile family to my military career and work as a CIA protective contractor, I have consistently strived to embody the virtues of courage, resilience, and commitment. My foray into the world of bourbon is a heartfelt tribute to a friend, showcasing my ability to find meaning and purpose in every endeavor.
Above all, my passion for hunting and conservation stands as a beacon for those who value heritage and the natural world. In a time when modernity often distances us from our roots, I hope my story is a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving traditions and passing them on to future generations.
As members of the Houston Safari Club, we are privileged to share these values and commitments. I hope my journey is an inspiration, reminding us that hunting is more than a pastime—it is a way of life, a connection to our ancestors, and a promise to those who will follow. In honoring this legacy, we honor the very essence of what it means to be a hunter: a steward of the land, a protector of traditions, and a guardian of the future.
