Richard Nguyen of Webster, NY, is a first-generation American born into a hardworking family who found refuge in Greater ROC. Inspired by his grandfather, an electrical engineer and lieutenant colonel in the South Vietnamese Army who trained American troops in the Vietnam War, Richard attended the US Naval Academy, then served as an active-duty officer in Charleston, SC, San Diego and Naples, Italy. When presented with the opportunity to relocate back to Rochester, he and his wife (also from here) didn’t hesitate. He completed his military service, joined a growing local fintech company, continues to teach at his family’s martial arts studio and regularly volunteers in the veteran community.
“From my grandparents, I knew that you have to earn everything that you do. I looked at them as role models and try to aspire to be like them.”
Richard’s grandparents lost nearly everything fleeing Vietnam. In Rochester, they found hope and opportunity, working at Kodak to support the family. Despite the language barriers and the contrast between their former lives and their new roles, they embraced their work with perseverance and pride. This resilience influenced Richard’s own work ethic.
The Naval Academy was the epitome of what Richard wanted to do for his future, family and country. He earned a bachelor’s degree and was commissioned as a naval officer. His military career spanned high-stakes positions, from serving as a nuclear engineer on a submarine to working as a NATO strategic operations officer in Europe and Africa.
During this time, Richard and his wife immersed themselves in new domestic and international cultures. Adventures aside, Rochester was always in their hearts. When Richard saw orders available to return home to finish his military commitment, he jumped at the chance. Coming back after 12 years, the couple saw the Greater ROC region in a new light.
“We saw how Rochester is extremely wholesome—the people, family and communities. It’s where our relationship began. And it's where our foreseeable future is going to be.”
Richard’s return to Rochester was driven by a desire to provide the same stability and opportunity for his own family, especially his daughter. The pillars of family, growth and health served as a measuring stick.
“I looked at Rochester, the whole capacity that it is. Can it meet each one of those pillars in my life? And it did. I'm super excited to be here. It’s a smaller town with a big heart where people can achieve really large things.” Bottom of Form
His final years in the military were spent working with Monroe County services. Richard oversaw recruitment efforts as the Director of Officer Programs and also worked closely with the local network Veterans Connect.
"Rochester gave me the fundamentals and the building blocks for the rest of my life, I wanted to help the community and do the same."
After being honorably discharged from the Navy, Richard turned his focus to Rochester’s tech corridor and was hired as a business development manager at Foundry Digital, leading B2B sales, strategy and operations. At his family’s martial arts studio, Roc Martial Arts in Fairport, he is a business consultant and instructor—an extension of his passion for leadership and personal development which he’s pursued since childhood.
In his “spare time,” Richard is the Vice President of the Naval Academy Alumni Association of Western New York, a volunteer with the Veteran Outreach Center and a keynote speaker. He’s also pursuing an MBA at Cornell University, which he sees as a path to further expand his impact on the community.
“Being the tech corridor for New York State, having my family business here, working at a cutting-edge technology company, it's amazing to see what Rochester was, where it is now, and where it's going.”
For Richard, Greater Rochester is more than just a place to live. It’s a region rich with opportunities to inspire others and build a legacy. He hopes to encourage the next generation to succeed and find personal fulfillment here like he has.