Rich Trout, a native of LaGrange, Illinois, is a seasoned writer and journalist with a lifelong passion for storytelling. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English writing from Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois, as well as master’s degrees in professional writing from Illinois State University and journalism from Roosevelt University in Chicago.

Rich began his journalism career at Business Insurance, a Crain Communications trade magazine, where he worked from 1994 to 2000. In 2001, he moved to Hobbs, New Mexico, where he became the business reporter for the Hobbs News-Sun. Over the years, he has also served as the paper’s assistant editor and managing editor, earning multiple accolades from the Associated Press, the New Mexico Press Association, and the New Mexico Medical Society for excellence in reporting and writing.

In addition to his journalism work, Rich spent time as an associate professor of English at the University of the Southwest in Hobbs. He is deeply committed to mentoring students, encouraging them to become strong writers, sharp thinkers, and purposeful individuals.

Outside the newsroom, Rich is an active member of Hobbs Redeemer Church and a devoted father to his son, Evan Trout, who lives in Fredericksburg, Texas. Evan runs ET Cleans, a car and truck detailing business, and plans to study business administration. Rich enjoys the simple joys of life—his dog Amore, his faith, and his disdain for partisan politics. A lifelong dreamer, he has aspired to write a book since the second grade. Always open to new experiences, Rich hopes to explore places like Germany, Ireland, Japan, and Kauai with Evan by his side.