We’re looking forward to introducing you to Richard Dahome. Check out our conversation below.
Richard, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: Have you ever been glad you didn’t act fast?
Yes, I recently had two job opportunities. One that paid more but demanded more time from me and the other provided more flexibility. The first choice offered me the job and demanded and answer in 24hrs. I wasnt quick to act and turned it down. Now I got the second offer and have no regrets
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Rich Dahome, and at the heart of everything I do is a love for people, community, and faith. I currently serve as the Athletics and Facilities Manager at the Hoffman Estates Park District, where I help design programs that bring families together and give kids positive outlets to grow through sports. Every day, I get to watch the power of teamwork, leadership, and encouragement in action—and it reminds me why I do what I do.
Outside of the park district, I’m the founder of Startletics, an early childhood sports enrichment company that introduces movement, confidence, and joy to children as young as 18 months. We partner with preschools and early learning centers to make fitness fun, while teaching life lessons about perseverance, kindness, and self-belief.
But beyond the titles and programs, I’ve always seen my work as a form of ministry. My faith has shaped how I lead, how I serve, and how I see others. I’ve been blessed to volunteer in youth mentorship, sports camps, and community outreach, anything that lets me pour back into the same kind of environment that once poured into me.
I believe true community is built through connection, consistency, and compassion. Whether I’m running a youth track program, coaching, or helping organize a local event, I try to bring those values into every space I’m in. What’s most fulfilling is seeing people come together families cheering for their kids, neighbors supporting each other, and children learning what it means to believe in themselves.
Right now, I’m focused on continuing to grow Startletics, building new partnerships in early education, and finding more ways to serve and inspire others through faith and recreation. My hope is that through every program, every class, and every interaction, people feel seen, encouraged, and empowered to keep moving forward, both on and off the field.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
Honestly, God saw me long before I saw myself. I’ve always believed that He had a bigger purpose for my life, and that as long as I stayed obedient and faithful, He would guide my steps, even when I didn’t fully understand where they were leading.
Along the way, I’ve been blessed with mentors who helped me see that purpose more clearly. One person who truly made an impact was Mark Plitzuweit, the CEO of Edkey, Inc. in Arizona. He saw leadership qualities in me before I recognized them in myself. Mark challenged me to think bigger and lead with confidence, giving me the opportunity to serve as Executive Director of Sports and Enrichment for all of Edkey’s charter schools. That experience changed my life, it gave me the platform to grow as a leader, build programs that reached hundreds of students, and confirm that working with youth through sports was exactly what I was called to do.
Since then, I’ve carried that same belief forward that when you trust God’s plan and surround yourself with people who believe in you, amazing things can happen.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I’d tell my younger self, “Be patient, God’s timing is perfect.”
There were so many moments when I wanted things to happen faster, success, recognition, direction but I’ve learned that every season has a purpose. The challenges, the waiting, even the disappointments were all shaping me for something greater.
I’d remind him that it’s okay to not have it all figured out, and that faith, consistency, and character will open doors that talent alone never could. Keep trusting God, keep working hard, and keep showing up with heart because everything you’re praying for is already being prepared for you.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
If you asked my closest friends, they’d say that family really matters to me. both my own and the communities I serve. I’m someone who prioritizes relationships, whether it’s spending quality time with my son and girlfriend, supporting friends, or investing in the lives of young people through sports and mentorship.
They’d probably also say that making a positive impact is important to me, helping others grow, celebrating their successes, and creating environments where people feel encouraged, supported, and valued. At the end of the day, my faith and my family guide everything I do, and that shows in how I show up for both my personal and professional life.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m with my family just spending time together, laughing, and knowing they’re happy and safe. Life can get busy between work, coaching, and building programs, but those quiet moments at home or simple days together remind me what truly matters.
There’s a certain peace that comes from seeing the people you love smiling and knowing they feel cared for. That’s when I feel closest to God when everything slows down and I can just be present with the people who mean the most to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.startletics.com
- Instagram: fnlyrich_
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-dahome-6a149597
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