THE MAN BEHIND THE NAME
I’ve shared the rationale and inspiration in the name Mollerup Creative Strategies. It might feel obvious to some that I would name a company after my father, but sharing his story of grit and perseverance adds more depth to the reason.
My dad, Richard Mollerup, grew up in Caldwell, ID. When he went to college, his sole focus was to get away from his hometown, and there was little motivation or drive beyond that. Thus, his time at Idaho State University was, in a word, short-lived. He left Pocatello for Boise soon after and spent several years figuring out what he wanted to be when he grew up.
In 1979, he met an extroverted and outspoken woman who would go on to be his wife and my mother, Janet. In the early years of their marriage, she saw him hustle and struggle in his day job and knew he was destined for bigger and better things. He would tell her how he wished he could go to law school, and my mom finally started nudging him to go for it.
When I was four, he went to Boise State University and finished his undergrad in a year, taking 20+ credits a semester, all while working full time. In 1990, when I was six and my sister was eight, he left to attend the University of Idaho Law School, thus beginning three long years and several road trips to Moscow, ID. I remember him telling me we were “in the same grade” when he was an L1 and I was in first grade.
In 1993, he graduated from the University of Idaho School of Law as Suma Cum Laude and a job offer. During his years working in the title industry and with realtors and developers, he gained valuable insight into real estate and contracts. He started as an associate attorney at Meuleman Miller and Cummings and, in three years, became a partner.
Throughout his law career, he established himself as one of the most well-respected, hard-working, and knowledgeable attorneys in his field. Clients and organizations frequently called upon him to testify at the statehouse on pertinent legislation. Over the years, he had mentored dozens of attorneys who still practice in the Treasure Valley. In 2001, after some changes at his firm, he was made principle partner, and the firm became Meuleman Mollerup.
His example showed me the value of grit, taught me to treat others with respect regardless of their position or title, and showed me that it’s never too late to be who you want to be. It’s because of this example I named my firm Mollerup Creative Strategies - I hope to live by his philosophy and continue his legacy of hard work, strong principles, and respect.
