Ricky Dickson
11 min read ⭑
“The foundational principles that have brought success in my professional life remain at the foundation of my personal life and are just as important for me to be effective. These include discipline, vision and goal-setting strategies, yet now with the freedom to adjust to a new pace of life.”
Ricky Dickson spent 43 years at Blue Bell Creameries, climbing the corporate ladder all the way to CEO and president — and facing numerous challenges to his faith and career along the way. Yet through each obstacle, Ricky found God faithful. Now that he’s retired, you’d think he might kick back and relax. Instead, he’s been working hard speaking for crowds and writing about his experiences at Blue Bell in his debut book, “One Scoop at a Time: Stories & Lessons from Fear to Faith.” Today, he’s sharing about his love of deer hunting, his struggles with overcommitting and the practices that help him hear God’s voice. Come and join us for a lighthearted yet insightful conversation with Ricky about real life — from chicken-friend venison to daily accountability with Christian brothers.
QUESTION #1: ACQUAINT
There’s much more to food than palate and preference. How does a go-to meal at your favorite hometown restaurant reveal the true you behind the web bio?
I’ve been fortunate to have lived in nine different cities and three states working for Blue Bell Creameries. With each new town, I had the opportunity to enjoy a variety of memorable meals centered around joyous occasions.
As special as those memories are, the one that stands out the most to me took place at my home in Brenham, Texas, and my wife prepared it. I remember it had been an extremely long day at work, compounded by numerous challenges. Coming home late had become a pattern due to my position, but as soon as I entered the house, the aroma of this homemade dinner immediately washed away the fatigue within me. It was a smell I recognized from my childhood and was consistent with one of my favorite go-to meals: chicken-fried venison.
What made this standout meal so special is that it was my wife’s first attempt at this Southern delicacy. I admit I was skeptical at first, but after one bite, all the struggles of the day evaporated. My wife has always had the ability to read the room, and the tone of my voice from an earlier phone call was all the inspiration she needed to make this culinary attempt. I will never forget the masterful combination of creamy mashed potatoes, creamed peas, salad, crescent rolls and uniquely prepared chicken-fried venison and gravy and how it melted in my mouth with each and every bite. As unbelievable as this special meal was that night, the love and support from my wife truly made it my favorite meal.
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QUESTION #2: REVEAL
We’ve all got quirky proclivities and out-of-the-way interests. So what are yours? What so-called “nonspiritual” activity (or activities) do you love engaging in, which also help you find essential spiritual renewal?
From an early age, I learned there was nothing like escaping to the woods to go deer hunting. My passion for these getaway moments is not just centered around hunting itself but the combination of quality time with family or friends and the secluded intervals of hunting alone. Waiting patiently for an incredible experience to unfold has such a unique calming effect on me — and has helped me hit the reset button on life itself at times. I absolutely love getting up hours before the rooster’s morning greeting, packing up all my gear and making my way to the predetermined deer stand of choice.
Once in position, I settle into my “solitude oasis,” then drift back into a light sleep, allowing my mind to relax as I wait for the first rays of opportunity. On many occasions, I will sit until the cravings for lunch become more than I can handle, and then I retreat to base to refuel. After a quick bite to eat, I make my way back into position for the afternoon possibilities and wait with anticipation until darkness brings the hunt to a close.
As wonderful as those rare days of isolation are, quality time with friends and family around the campfire at night is equally rewarding and usually outranks the day’s experiences. I have found that taking time to leave all the pressures of the world and just relax can rejuvenate me physically as well as remotivate my attitude upon re-entering my day-to-day life. This opportunity to relax and rest also allows me a chance to clear my mind and spend time with the Creator of all my surroundings. There’s nothing more peaceful than remembering to be still and know that he is God.
QUESTION #3: CONFESS
Every superhero has a weakness. Every human too. We’re just good at faking it. But who are we kidding? We’re broken and in this thing together. So what’s your kryptonite, and how do you hide it?
Back in the 1980s, there was a catchy nationwide ad campaign centered around three simple words: “Just Say No.” Even though the campaign was focused on educating children in the war on drugs, the phrase became my constant reminder not to overcommit.
With the combination of my natural tendency to say yes and a mild case of OCD, I tend to overcommit, which then can lead me to underdeliver in all phases of life. Whether being asked to serve on a committee at church or a position in the community, I have always enjoyed being involved wherever possible. The problem is that too many extracurricular obligations, mixed with the normal daily responsibilities of life, can dilute my effectiveness in every area. It also can have a direct effect on my family.
Overextending has also produced additional stress and affected me physically. I have found that once I’ve overextended myself, anxiety creeps in, and I begin to make decisions from an emotional state of mind rather than a rational one. When I hold fast to my “just say no” decisions, I eventually end up with more productive outcomes for my “yes, I’d love to” choices.
QUESTION #4: FIRE UP
Tell us about your toil. How are you investing your professional time right now? What’s your current obsession? And why should it be ours?
I have found that transitioning to retirement after a lifelong career at Blue Bell Creameries is as challenging as it is rewarding. Instead of “retire,” I prefer the word “refire,” and I remain open to what God has in store during this next phase of my life.
The foundational principles that have brought success in my professional life remain at the foundation of my personal life and are just as important for me to be effective. These include discipline, vision and goal-setting strategies, yet now with the freedom to adjust to a new pace of life.
Writing my first book, “One Scoop at a Time,” became the perfect conduit for making this adjustment. The book has allowed me to reflect on some of my more memorable experiences, both good and bad, and relive how God was there each step of the way. It has also opened doors throughout the country, with opportunities to be interviewed on various media outlets, along with speaking engagements at churches, universities and other venues.
QUESTION #5: BOOST
Cashiers, CEOs, contractors, or customer service reps, we all need grace flowing into us and back out into the world. How does the Holy Spirit invigorate your work? And how do you know it's God when it happens?
We live in a world where numerous voices scream for our attention. From the moment we wake up until we turn off the lights at the end of the day, the shouts for our loyalty can reach dangerous decibels. To hear the voice of the Holy Spirit, I must first recognize his voice. This requires daily accountability, including prayer and time in Scripture. The more closely I walk with God, the more clearly I recognize his presence and direction. By devoting myself to following him, I also become acutely aware that my actions speak louder than my words.
The challenge is to practice what I say that I believe. And believe me, the world is watching. As I wrote in my book, there was a critical time in my career when I hit a crossroads where this type of situation came fully to light. I had transferred from San Antonio to Oklahoma, making the move in anticipation of being promoted. But when the time came for the pivotal promotion discussion, I was met with a negative and critical evaluation instead. Once alone, I remember praying, “God, why did you move me here? Didn’t I obediently come in response to your leading?” The Holy Spirit immediately reminded me that I was there for his purpose, not my promotion or title. I was there to bring him glory, not to elevate my self-esteem. If I hadn’t been able to recognize his voice, I would’ve totally missed his plan for my life at that moment, as well as his future plans. Those future plans included becoming the CEO of the iconic Blue Bell brand. Had I not moved, this position far down the road would never have been possible. Pride has a way of ensuring you miss the best plans for your life if it’s the loudest voice you listen to. Knowing that the Holy Spirit dwells within me, his voice will guide me on an incredible journey if I will just listen.
QUESTION #6: inspire
Scripture and tradition beckon us into the rich and varied habits that open our hearts to the presence of God. So let us in. Which spiritual practice is working best for you right now?
For almost four years, six men (including myself) have committed to collectively study the Bible, one book at a time. Once a book is chosen, we then take a chapter a week and text our observations to each other each day — usually a few verses at a time, depending on the length of the chapter. This practice not only provides deeper insight into God’s Word but also generates great discussion. Over the years, we’ve built transparency, vulnerability and trust with each other. Not only have these characteristics served as a strong foundation for the relationships within the group, but they also continue to keep each of us accountable individually.
Another part of my daily routine starts with a brisk walk in the morning and praying throughout the walk. Unlike my daily prayer life in the past, I now intentionally focus most of my time on listening to the voice of God instead of doing all the talking. My opening prayer is centered on asking God to speak to me through his Spirit and to lay upon my heart the things he has been trying to get me to pay attention to from the previous day’s activities. I have also prayed that he would remind me of others who need prayer and give me the strength to withstand whatever the day has in store. This daily process keeps me rooted in discipline, and when applied, it opens the door to a clearer vision of the events of the day. Success starts by looking up and listening. Doing these things can be extremely fulfilling, especially in this new phase of life.
QUESTION #7: FOCUS
Looking backward, considering the full sweep of your unique faith journey and all you encountered along the way, what top three resources stand out to you? What changed the game and changed your heart? What radically altered your life? What changed your reality?
Other than the Bible, the collection of writings by Max Lucado from the ‘80s and ‘90s had a tremendous impact on my spiritual life. He still is an incredible writer today, but during those years, I began truly maturing in my life, and Max’s illustrations and insight into Scripture in books like “On the Anvil,” “God Came Near” and “In the Eye of the Storm” helped me understand what it meant to truly walk with God. My all-time favorite is still “Six Hours One Friday.” The book takes you on the most beautiful journey past death’s door. It leaves you with the promise that pain will be replaced with peace, and it proclaims that death is an open door to everlasting life. I would add that Max Lucado’s books played a major role in inspiring me to write “One Scoop at a Time.” The simplicity of his writings was easy to identify with, yet he also challenged me to go deeper in my faith. Max’s message always brings me back to the cross and reminds me of this gift called grace that was paid for with Christ’s sacrifice.
Other areas of influence in my life when I was younger included the music of Steve Green and, more recently, of recording artist David Phelps. Both have incredible voices that make music come alive, but the message in their songs penetrates my soul and can prepare my heart for worship or help calm me when I just want to be alone with God.
We all have things we cling to to survive (or even thrive) in tough times — times like these! Name one resource you're savoring and/or finding indispensable in this current season, and tell us what it’s doing for you.
There are so many resources at our disposal today that can bring encouragement and uplift us during all phases of life. For me personally, there is nothing more powerful than immersing myself in the Scriptures, but I have also found a variety of daily devotionals on the Holy Bible app on my phone that have been extremely beneficial and rewarding.
While exploring the different options, I discovered the widely popular “Jesus Calling” devotional series written by Sarah Young. That has become a go-to for me. I also purchased the Jesus Calling 365-day devotional book to incorporate into my daily devotional time. These insights seem to always be relevant to issues going on in my life. Even though they are short, one-page readings, they are beautifully written and extremely thought provoking, leading me to a place where I can find peace in his presence, especially during difficult times. I vividly remember reading Sarah Young’s encouraging words during a difficult time in my life, and they were a great reminder that the battle is not mine; it is the Lord’s. When I am enduring any trial, the Lord is there to fight for me, strengthen me and encourage me. Simply put, in Exodus 14:14, “The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent” (ESV).
QUESTION #8: dream
God is continually stirring new things in each of us. So give us the scoop! What’s beginning to stir in you but not yet fully awakened? What can we expect from you in the future?
As I enter this next phase of life, I would have to say a strong dose of quality time with family, especially grandchildren, has been stirring in me, along with the desire to travel around the globe with my wife. Another goal in this next season is to maximize each opportunity to share my life’s journey with Christ as the center. There are so many life lessons I learned in the 43 years I was with Blue Bell, and I would love to share those experiences with others. That’s part of the reason I wrote my forthcoming book, “One Scoop at a Time: Lessons from Fear to Faith.” I’d like to mentor college students and be available for any advisory opportunities with companies. I would also like to continue to write both contributed articles or possibly another book. Writing “One Scoop at a Time” has already been such a blessing and has stirred those desires within me.
As much as I try to map out this next phase of life, I must remember, though, to listen to God’s direction and follow where he leads me until it’s time to go to my true home. I pray that when I enter heaven, I am greeted by the smell of chicken-fried venison and the appearance of a big bowl of Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla right next to the milk and honey. I hear that’s what they’re serving.
How do you usually study the Bible — alone or with others? There are certainly benefits to both. Studying alone gives us time to ruminate on a passage, listen for the Holy Spirit’s voice and search our own hearts in relation to the passage. On the other hand, reading and studying the Bible with others gives us the chance to hear fresh perspectives, listen to people’s stories, and get honest about our own struggles and hurts too. As Ricky said earlier, it’s a chance to build “transparency, vulnerability and trust.” And in our increasingly disconnected world, that’s a benefit we simply can’t afford to ignore.
This week, we encourage you to think about how you can get into God’s Word with someone else. It could be with one person or several. (We recommend keeping the group on the smaller side to help everyone feel comfortable to engage.) Then, take action. Call up that friend and ask them to explore a passage with you over coffee. Or invite a few neighbors down the street to dinner and a Bible study. We have a feeling you won’t regret it.
Ricky Dickson, former CEO and president of Blue Bell Creameries, graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing and journalism. He began his career with Blue Bell in 1981 as a territory manager in Dallas. In 2017, he was promoted to president, and in 2019, he was elected CEO and president of the company. In 2024, Ricky received the International Dairy Foods Association Laureate Award for his significant, prolonged contributions to the development and growth of dairy. He was also inducted into the Dairy Products Institute of Texas Hall of Fame. Learn more about Ricky at onescoopatatime.com.
