Being-Their-Ship™
Foundation
About The Founder
Rick Martinez is the Superintendent of Schools in rural West Texas and the founder of the Being-Their-Ship™ Foundation.
His journey began far from conference rooms, shaped in cotton fields, landfills, oil fields, classrooms, and locker rooms, where he learned that authentic leadership is quiet, faithful, and grounded in presence.
As a former coach, teacher, high school assistant principal, HS principal, assistant superintendent, and now superintendent, Rick has spent his career lifting others through education. His leadership philosophy, Being-Their-Ship,™ grew out of lived experience and the belief that authentic leadership is measured by care, constancy, and the willingness to carry others.
Through this foundation, Rick continues his life’s work: creating opportunities, building trust, and ensuring that students and communities are supported not only by programs but by people who show up with love and care.
Rick and his son, Aaron
Being-Their-Ship™ Foundation is built on a simple belief: leadership is about others; it is about presence. Our work is dedicated to lifting others through education by creating opportunities, providing support, and fostering trust in every space we serve.
Our Story
The foundation began as a personal reflection on leadership lived out in real-life places, such as schools, communities, and everyday lives. What started as a journal entry has grown into a much bigger love for others. Being-Their-Ship™ names a way of leading that has always existed: showing up, carrying the load, and being steady for others.
Why It Matters
Every student, educator, and community member deserves someone steady in their corner. Being-Their-Ship™ is about creating spaces where care, trust, and opportunity guide growth. Through scholarships, leadership development, and educational initiatives, we honor those who lead not for applause, but because they care.
About our Foundation
Mission and Vision
The mission of Being-Their-Ship™ is to celebrate and strengthen presence-based leadership that uplifts, supports, and connects people. Guided by the four dimensions, Caring-Ship, Loving-Ship, Load-Ship, and Being-There-Ship,™ we honor the steady care of educators, staff, and community members who lead through constancy, compassion, and commitment, creating trust and belonging in everyday moments.
Our vision is a world where leadership is recognized through presence, care, and shared strength. We strive to inspire schools, communities, and organizations to embrace leadership that is lived daily, quietly, steadily, and deeply human. Through the framework of Caring-Ship, Loving-Ship, Load-Ship, and Being-There-Ship™, Being-Their-Ship™ aims to highlight the leaders who foster stability, build trust, and nurture hope for the future.
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Building Leaders, Shaping Futures
Upcoming Events
Contact us to reserve your team or for more information about sponsorship opportunities
Zach Duncan @ (806) 620-7463
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