Rising Stars: Meet Rich Linden of Overland Park

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rich Linden.

Hi Rich, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My story is simple. I have a deep desire to lift people up, to make them feel special, and to experience that amazing love and gratitude for all the gifts that drop around us every day. From childhood, my heart would hurt and I would feel anger at seeing people excluded, pushed aside, marginalized, As I got older, I realized I could take my musical talents, and later, my cooking talents, to create events where EVERYONE feels like they belong. Events that bring love, laughter, gratitude, and unity.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Growing up in a small town with an alcoholic parent might be the greatest obstacle a child can face. From an early age, I felt insignificant, never accepted, and always striving for attention and love. The home wasn’t a refuge, or even safe. There was always yelling, always lies, even violence at times. No matter how successful I became, there is always that voice inside that says “you are not good enough.” And I never felt like I belonged anywhere. For me personally, it wasn’t until I hit 50 years old that I began living in grace, for myself, and for others. And until you can let go and fully live in a state of unconditional love, and gratitude, you will never be wholly you.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At The Linden Group, our mission is to bring people together to feel loved, celebrated, and accepted. We call it “The Charlie Brown Principle.” Every event we do, whether it is for 30,000 people, or 300 people, we find that “Charlie Brown.” You know, the person who doesn’t feel like they fit in, the person who isn’t sure how to act, and we lift them up as if they were royalty. It has become not only our work, but our burning desire to celebrate the best of humanity in all things. Music. Food. Dance. Sports. Parties. I cannot think of anywhere I would rather be than the service industry. Service Above Self, in all aspects of work, and life. I want our clients to see how much we care, and how much we want them lifted up. Diversity and inclusion have been our banners for almost 30 years. And I feel like we are just getting warmed up! My favorite part of what I do, is breaking stereotypes. And bringing people together. There is nothing better.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I grew up on a farm in a small town. We had a strong work ethic in my family, and always had chores. My mother had a deep love of music and was a talented singer. And of course my aunts, mother, and grandmothers were spectacular cooks. I fell in love with music, and dancing, and farming, and connecting to the Earth, and cooking. As I entered adult hood, I realized the skills I built, and experiences I went through growing up, have given me a huge advantage in the line of work I chose. No matter where in the world I work, I can always find something in common with people. Through music, drumming, dancing, farming, and cooking. And once you find those things in common, the sky is the limit.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thelindenevents.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/linden.rich/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rich.linden.5
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-linden-54406639/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_qkFqQTAap0IBAXMaFODAQ?view_as=subscriber
• Other: https://www.thelindenevents.com/press-release-media-coverage