Rich Trout, originally from LaGrange, Illinois, is a lifelong writer with degrees in English Writing, Professional Writing, and Journalism. His career spans roles at Business Insurance in Chicago and the Hobbs News-Sun in New Mexico, where he served as business reporter, assistant editor, and managing editor, earning multiple awards from the Associated Press and New Mexico Press Association.

Rich is a proud member of Hobbs Redeemer Church and enjoys mentoring students in writing and critical thinking. He’s the father of Evan Trout, owner of ET Cleans in Fredericksburg, Texas. A lover of dogs (and cats), and a dreamer since second grade, Rich hopes to travel the world with Evan by his side.