Remembering Pass Rick Wright (1963–2025): A Leader, Innovator, and Friend to Independent Grocers Everywhere Legacy Goes On!
By George Goodwin | Innovar Marketing Agency | July 1st, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we join the grocery community in mourning the passing of Rick Wright, CEO of Market of Choice, who died of natural causes at his home in Eugene, Oregon, on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at the age of 62. Our thoughts, prayers, and deepest condolences go out to his wife Debbie, his children and grandchildren, and the entire Wright family.
Rick was a trailblazer in the independent grocery space. After taking over his family’s grocery business in 1997, he rebranded and expanded it into Oregon’s largest family-owned independent grocery chain, with 12 locations across the state. Through Market of Choice, Rick championed a forward-thinking hybrid model — blending organic, natural, and conventional offerings under one roof — and helped elevate over 7,000 locally sourced products from Oregon farms and food makers.
His leadership extended far beyond the business: Rick was deeply invested in the community and supported organizations like Food For Lane County, Doernbecher Freestyle, Angel Hair Foundation, retailMetrix and Kidsports.
You can read more about Rick's career and community impact in The Oregonian’s full tribute and Hillsboro News Times coverage.
A Longstanding Friendship and Shared Legacy
Our connection to the Wright family spans generations. My father, Martin Goodwin Sr., founder of Goodwin’s Markets and MSS Global (a pioneering grocery point-of-sale company later rebranded as IT Retail and acquired), worked closely with Rick’s father, Richard Wright Sr., during the early days of independent retail innovation.
Carrying that legacy forward, Zach Wright Jr. and I — George Goodwin II — co-founded RetailMetrix (also known as BaskPOS) to support a new generation of grocers with modern, scalable retail tech. Rick believed in our vision and was a supporter in the early day of retailMetrix, helping us refine tools built for grocers by grocers. That vote of confidence meant the world to us.
Independent grocers are few, but we are strong when we stand together. And Rick’s Family showed will stand strong solidarity time and continue the family legecy.
Zach Wright III and George Goodwin III standing in one of the Market of Choice Store
When Crisis Hit, Rick and Zach Wright Showed Up
When Goodwin & Sons Market in Crestline, California, suffered a devastating roof collapse in 2023, it was a dark time for our family and business. The story made local news and shook our community. In the hours and days following, Zach Wright Sr. called and texted, George Goodwin offering support — including offered to send refrigeration trailers from Market of Choice’s warehouse.
That moment, more than anything, showed the heart behind family grocery business supporting other family grocery busineses. It wasn’t just grocery — it was community. It was family. And it’s something we will never forget.
Since then, we’ve rebuilt bigger, better and most for the community. The Shelby Report has covered the journey. But what gave us strength was knowing we weren’t alone — and that friends like the Wrights had our back.
A Final Word
Rick Wright leaves behind a legacy of business innovation, generosity, and family values. He led with humility and purpose, built bridges between local producers and everyday shoppers, and gave his time and resources to causes that mattered.
As the grocery industry evolves, we hope to carry his spirit forward — through thoughtful innovation, through our families, and through the kind of unity Rick always fostered.
To the Wright family: We pray for your strength in this season. Rick’s legacy will continue in the stores he built, the people he helped, and the lives he touched — including ours.
— George Goodwin & the Goodwin Family / Innovar Marketing Agency
Written by George Goodwin
Founder, Innovar Marketing | 4th Generation Grocer | GroceryPulse Podcast Host
