Optimism Outweighs Adversity: Celebrating Richie McPeak

Founders and Philanthropists

Issue 7

Richie McPeak's extraordinary life continues to shine through his family and philanthropy, even after his passing. Before the battles with cancer, before the heartbreak of losing a brother and a son, there was Mimi—the one person who truly understood the rough childhood that shaped Richie into the resilient man he became. Enduring a challenging childhood at the hands of his stepdad, Richie emerged not broken, but stronger. From those dark times, he learned two invaluable lessons: a capacity to endure immense pain and a unwavering commitment to never inflict it on others.

Richie and Mimi's love story began at a restaurant where they both worked. Richie’s magnetic personality drew people in, and Mimi was no exception. Mimi joyfully remarked, “After a night out with coworkers, everyone had gone home but us. We went to a diner and talked for five hours! From that moment on, we were inseparable for the next 29 years.”

Richie’s eternal optimism continued to shine, even in the darkest times. When his brother was tragically murdered, Richie and Mimi moved to Port St. Lucie, Florida to support his grieving mother. Their young son, Conner, became a source of healing for his grandmother. The McPeaks later welcomed two more children, Troy and Sydney, into their close-knit family.

While in Port St. Lucie Richie began helping at the family’s health food store, where his thirst for knowledge quickly turned him into an expert in supplements. This expertise led to a job offer from a company eager to have Richie promote their products. The McPeaks moved back to Orlando, where Richie’s golden touch helped the business thrive.

Richie’s dedication to health extended beyond his professional life. While having lunch with Conner at his school, Richie was appalled by the lack of nutritious food options. Driven by a desire to make a difference, Richie and Mimi set out to create a line of gummy supplements that would ensure children received essential vitamins and minerals. Their hard work paid off—they developed the world’s first USDA certified organic, EU certified organic, and non-GMO Project verified gummy supplements, outpacing much larger companies.

But as their business flourished, Richie faced a devastating diagnosis. At 44, he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, Leiomyosarcoma. Yet, Richie’s smile never faded. He endured hundreds of hours of chemo, radiation, and even a painful amputation—all while keeping those around him laughing. Mimi recalls, “He only wanted the nurses and doctors to laugh. He would come home from chemo and joke around with the kids. There was no complaining or dwelling.” True to his nature, Richie founded a nonprofit, "Every Step is a Finish Line," to raise funds for a cure.

Even as Richie battled cancer, built a company, and raised his children, life dealt the family another devastating blow—the loss of their beloved son, Conner. What has torn many families apart only brought the McPeaks closer together. They leaned on each other, finding strength in their unbreakable bond.

Today, Richie’s legacy lives on through Mimi and their children. Troy, a self-starter who is teaching himself to code, works alongside his mother in the family business. Sydney, currently studying in Tallahassee, also contributes to the business while focusing on her education.

Richie McPeak's life is a testament to the power of optimism and resilience. His spirit continues to inspire those who knew him and those who are touched by the work he began. To learn more about his foundation, check out his site: https://everystepisafinishline.com/