Early Life and Formative Years
Born in 1950 in Cleveland, Ohio, Rich Paul Sr. emerged from a working-class neighborhood marked by economic challenges and rising urban crime. As the eldest of four siblings, he demonstrated entrepreneurial instincts from an early age:
| Year | Age | Milestone |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 | 0 | Birth in Cleveland, Ohio |
| 1965 | 15 | Graduated middle school |
| 1968 | 18 | Enrolled at a local vocational program |
| 1970 | 20 | Began managing small food stands |
By 1975, at age 25, he pooled savings with a friend to launch R & J Confectionery, a corner store serving the Forest Hills neighborhood. His commitment to community welfare became evident as he extended informal credit lines to families in need and organized quarterly block clean-up events, attracting over 200 volunteers per session.
Impact of R&J Confectionery on Community
Rich Paul Sr. transformed R & J Confectionery into a neighbourhood hub. Key operational metrics show growth:
| Metric | 1980 | 1985 | 1990 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Revenue (USD) | $75,000 | $120,000 | $180,000 |
| Weekly Customer Visits | 400 | 650 | 900 |
| Community Events Hosted/Year | 2 | 4 | 6 |
| Number of Employees | 1 (owner) | 2 | 3 |
- Location: East 125th Street & Arlington Avenue
- Hours: 6 AM – 10 PM, 7 days/week
- Offerings: Beverages, bakery items, school supplies, local artwork
By May 1987, R & J Confectionery became the first neighborhood store to partner with Cleveland Public Library to host monthly reading sessions for children aged 6–12, drawing an average attendance of 50 per session.
Family and Personal Life
Rich Paul Sr. married Minerva “Peaches” Martin in 1978. Their union produced two sons:
| Name | Birth Year | Notable Facts |
|---|---|---|
| Rich Paul | 1981 | Attended Benedictine High School; future sports agent |
| Meco Paul | 1984? | Limited public information; presumed educator |
The couple faced personal challenges, including Peaches’ struggle with substance dependency (1989–1992). During this period, Rich Paul Sr. assumed dual roles of parent and guardian, supported by his mother, Clara Paul, who moved into the family home in 1990.
Children’s Education
- Rich Paul: Enrolled at Benedictine High School (1995), graduated 1999 with a scholarship in literature.
- Meco Paul: Records indicate attendance at Cleveland Heights High School (2000–2003), majoring in social sciences.
Battle with Cancer
In February 1998, at age 48, Rich Paul Sr. received a diagnosis of intestinal adenocarcinoma. His treatment timeline:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Feb 12, 1998 | Initial diagnosis confirmed |
| Mar 20, 1998 | Surgical resection procedure |
| Jun 15, 1998 | Commenced chemotherapy (6 cycles) |
| Dec 1, 1998 | First remission |
| Sep 10, 1999 | Cancer recurrence detected |
| Nov 3, 1999 | Passed away at age 49 |
Throughout his 21-month fight, he documented treatment costs totaling $220,000 USD and maintained daily journals to counsel fellow patients in local support groups, meeting weekly at Cleveland Oncology Center.
Influence on Rich Paul
The lessons imparted by Rich Paul Sr. molded his eldest son’s trajectory. Key principles passed down:
- Work Ethic: Averaging 80-hour weeks managing the store, he demonstrated persistence.
- Financial Literacy: Introduced day-to-day bookkeeping, teaching revenue-versus-expense analysis.
- Community Engagement: Modeled partnership with local institutions, later mirrored in Klutch Sports Group philanthropic efforts.
By age 18, Rich Paul Jr. was running weekday morning operations, handling inventory for over 120 stock-keeping units (SKUs). This responsibility bolstered his negotiation prowess, later leveraged in contract discussions worth over $100 million in athlete endorsements.
Timeline of Key Events
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1975 | Foundation of R & J Confectionery |
| 1978 | Marriage to Minerva Martin |
| 1981 | Birth of son, Rich Paul |
| 1984 | Approximate birth of son, Meco Paul |
| 1987 | Inception of monthly children’s reading sessions |
| 1990 | Integration of grandmother Clara as co-resident |
| 1998 | Cancer diagnosis and commencement of treatment |
| 1999 | Passing of Rich Paul Sr. on November 3 |
| 2003 | Rich Paul Jr. begins entrepreneurial ventures post-college |
| 2015 | Establishment of Klutch Sports Group community outreach programs inspired by early lessons |
The Paul Family Today
Rich Paul Sr.’s legacy extends through the next generations:
| Family Member | Relationship | Birth Year | Current Role/Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rich Paul | Eldest Son | 1981 | Founder/CEO of Klutch Sports Group; industry leader |
| Reonna Paul | Granddaughter | 2002 | B.A. Psychology, Clark Atlanta University (2024) |
| Richie Paul | Grandson | 2005 | Private student; maintains low public profile |
| Zane Paul | Grandson | 2008 | Youth sports enthusiast; local league participant |
| Adele (fiancée) | Partner to Rich Jr. | 1988 | Recording artist; co-parent in blended family |
| Angelo | Step-grandson | 2015 | Child of Adele; aged 10 |
Notable family metrics as of June 2025:
- Total number of direct descendants: 5
- Combined college degrees earned: 2 (Rich Jr., Reonna)
- Philanthropic initiatives founded: 4 (Klutch Cares, Youth Entrepreneurship Program, Reading Circle Fund, Scholarship Endowment)
FAQ
Who was Rich Paul Sr.?
Rich Paul Sr. was a Cleveland-based entrepreneur who owned and operated R & J Confectionery from 1975 until his death in 1999, mentoring his community and children in business and resilience.
What lessons did he teach his children?
He instilled a rigorous work ethic, financial acumen through daily bookkeeping, and the importance of community engagement via local partnerships and events.
When did Rich Paul Sr. pass away?
He passed away on November 3, 1999, at age 49, after battling intestinal cancer for over 21 months.
How many children did he have?
He had two sons—Rich Paul (born 1981) and Meco Paul (circa 1984)—with public records primarily outlining Rich Jr.’s life path.
What was R & J Confectionery known for?
R & J Confectionery was renowned for its 6 AM–10 PM service, credit extension to families, monthly children’s reading sessions, and hosting over 200 community volunteers per clean-up event.
Has his legacy affected Klutch Sports Group?
His early teachings in negotiation and community service shaped Klutch’s athlete-focused representation model and philanthropic arm, which now manages contracts exceeding $500 million.
Who are his grandchildren?
His grandchildren include Reonna (b. 2002), a 2024 Clark Atlanta University graduate, Richie (b. 2005), and Zane (b. 2008), all carrying forward his values in education and community involvement.
What community programs were inspired by him?
The Youth Entrepreneurship Program, Reading Circle Fund, and Scholarship Endowment demonstrate his focus on education, financial literacy, and neighbourhood improvement.
