The only child of Sidney E. and Effie Irene Gage Rich, Sid is a fourth-generation resident of Austin, Texas.

The son of a professional artist, Sid inherited the talent, which was nurtured by his dedicated mom. He worked in oil, water color and charcoal and exhibited at art shows alongside his talented mother, selling a number of his creations. Sid studied art at The University of Texas at Austin before changing his major to business administration.

As a young man, Sid excelled in sports: swimming, baseball, softball and basketball. He and cousin Don broke wild horses as well -- not exactly a recognized sport, but a great deal of fun for two energetic youngsters. He played organized football and was a member of the sport's first teams at both Baker Junior High and McCallum High School in Austin.

As an adult, Sid continued participation in athletics, playing softball in church leagues and becoming an accomplished tennis player. A serious weightlifter since his late teens, he continues to be a dedicated "gym rat". He also loves to hunt the white-winged doves that populate the Texas Hill Country. Today, he is a loyal fan and avid supporter of The University of Texas' Longhorn athletics -- particularly football -- and is a Longhorn Foundation member and season-ticket holder.

For nine years, Sid was a non-commissioned officer in the 149th Military Police Company, 49th Armored Division. Later, after serving as an executive in the insurance business, Sid went to work for the Texas Nursing Home Association, where he created the nation's first continuing education program for long-term care.

Beginning with a small staff and a modest budget, as well as less than 20 percent of the industry as members, TNHA grew into one of Texas' most powerful trade groups -- a multimillion-dollar operation, experiencing 20 years of continuous growth and reaching more than 80 percent of the licensed care facilities in Texas. As the organization's president and chief operating officer, Sid was active in negotiating with state and federal agencies and in lobbying Congress and the Texas legislature. He crafted many amendments to existing law as well as authoring new state and federal legislation.

After a three-year stint as president of a firm which developed and managed assisted-living facilities for the elderly, Sid founded Dar-Rell Enterprises, a firm specializing in consulting work, market analysis and lobbying. He also served as chairman of the board of The Autumn Hills Corporation, which owned and operated assisted living facilities and nursing homes in the Houston area, and was involved in the founding of two trade groups: the Texas Risk Retention Association, and the Texas Association of Residential Care Communities.