Richard Mendenhall is the fifth generation of his family in real estate in Boone County since 1894, with 3 real estate offices and over 200 agents.

In 2001 he served as President for the National Association of REALTORS® and in 2004-2006 served as Co-Chair of the International Consortium of Real Estate Associations, representing over 28 countries

On the afternoon of Sept 11, 2001, the day of the attack on America, he established the REALTORS Housing Relief Fund, which then collected over 8.5 million dollars and was paid to families of victims by funding 3 months of their mortgage and rental payments.

Mendenhall additionally established the national HOPE Awards honoring groups and individuals across America who has helped hundred of thousands of minority families become homeowners. 

He holds a bachelor and master’s degrees in education from the University of Missouri, and in 1968 he served, as a Green Beret military advisor in Vietnam.

Active in his community, Richard has served as president of the Columbia Missouri Chamber of Commerce, president of the Regional Economic Development Commission, Chair of the Flagship Council of the University of Missouri, and is a past board member of the Columbia Housing Authority.

He has received numerous honors including Council of Real Estate Brokers and Managers (CRB) Hall of Leaders Award, the University of Missouri Faculty Alumni Award, Columbia Public Schools Foundation-Outstanding Alumni Award, and the International Distinguished Eagle Scout Award.

From 1999 to Present Richard as averaged over 50 speaking engagements per year throughout the United States, Canada and selected foreign countries.  Topics are primarily “Leadership”, Real Estate Trends, and Strategic Planning.