Contact Info
Contact:
Rico_thunderbird@yahoo.com
Current Residence:
Scottsdale, Arizona
Social Links
Rico Austin
Published Author & Screenwriter
Born and raised in Southwestern Idaho, Rico Austin, PhD, is the oldest of five boys, growing up in an area that was ripe for several adventures with his four younger brothers and numerous cousins. Rico grew up near farmland that produced potatoes, hay, hops, grain and corn. There were several fruit orchards and vineyards in the Snake River Valley as well, due to the extraordinary fertile soil. A few years out of high school he moved to (the big city) of Boise and enrolled at Boise State University as a student and walk-on football player. However, he could not escape the allure of traveling the world and began writing and storing his experiences in hopes of someday becoming a novelist and writer. He began reading every chance he had. From contemporary novels to classical literature, Rico’s love of storytelling was uncontrollable. He appeared occasionally at Boise’s former Comedy Club as a stand-up comedian, retelling his stories of growing up in a comedic fashion.
Rico earned an Associate Degree in Marketing and Sales from BSU. After a few years of low-level management positions, Rico moved to Hawaii for a short time, surfing the waters of Kaua’i and enjoying the outdoors. He then moved to back to Idaho. In 1991, Rico moved to the Phoenix/Scottsdale area and continued his education receiving a Bachelors of Business Administration in International Business at Grand Canyon University, named the “Outstanding International Business Graduate of 1995.” That same year he was also selected as “Mr. Future Business Executive” at the State Leadership Conference which included all universities in the State of Arizona. The summer before graduating, Rico went to Vilnius, Lithuania, and taught English (ESL). During fall semester of his senior year at GCU, Rico attended Staffordshire University in England where he also started on the American Football Team for the Staffordshire Stallions. Rico finished his Masters, an MBA in International Management at Thunderbird School of Global Management with a focus on the Latin American Region and the Spanish language. He did this while working full-time as a feature writer and freelance journalist at the T-Bird school paper, DAS TOR. Rico wrote a few of his articles at DAS TOR especially for the foreign students of Latin America. Former Vice President Dan Quayle served as an Invited Interim Professor by the Thunderbird School President, Dr. Roy Herberger for two semesters, and Rico was fortunate enough to be one of 16 students selected to attend his class. Special note, Rico received an A from the VP for the 2 credit elective class. Was it because of Rico’s performance on studies or VP Quayle was afraid of what Mr. Austin might write in the paper?
Hollywood has even had an encounter with Rico. Those who watched Baywatch with the beautiful Pamela Anderson and David Hasselhoff, might recall Rico Austin in a cameo appearance in the episode, “Night of the Dolphin” in 1997, where he played the role of a drug lord on a huge yacht with sexy chicks. He and his graduate classmates watched the aired episode in the “old clock tower hanger” in the TV lounge. He was invited back for another episode by casting director Susie Glickman, but declined due to a conflict with finals at Thunderbird. Rico chose education over stardom; when questioned why, he responded, “No one can ever take your education away. Everything else can come and go and, most likely will.” Rico also acted in a commercial for the local market in Boise, ID, as a construction worker in This Old House, sponsored by BMC West. In February 2026 Rico spent a week in Hamilton, Montana at Lost Horse Lodge being filmed at Rico, the Tequila Tycoon in the Horror Dramedy - SHARKTANA. Rico is an avid fisherman and has traveled far and wide to cast his line into many waters; including streams, lakes, ponds, rivers, seas and oceans. He has worked for a few international companies as both a sales manager and a marketing manager. In his spare time he has worked as a land developer and was a licensed Realtor in Arizona. Should you decide to visit Arizona, Rico would be more than happy to show you around his Great State of Arizona through his children’s book, ARIZONA Is Where I Live.
Rico is happily married to a graphic artist from Minnesota. They make their homes in the “Land of the Sun,” Scottsdale, Arizona, and San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico. He and wife Connie enjoy snorkeling, hiking, hanging by their swimming pool and traveling to the different beaches of Mexico while sipping on a cold cerveza or margarita blended with Rico’s favorite TEQUILA. Rico Austin first began writing seriously as a seventh grader at age 13. He was elected as reporter for the Eager Beaver 4-H Club in Marsing, Idaho, and started submitting weekly articles to the local newspaper. Rico then was elected reporter for the local FFA chapter his freshman and sophomore year, continuing to expand his writing ability. As a freshman, Rico took third place in the Marsing High School essay contest titled American Beef Farmers. He later would later become a professional freelance and feature writer for DAS TOR newspaper at Thunderbird Global School of Management from 1996 – 1998. Rico also won the first and only writing essay at DAS TOR in March 1997. The essay asked contestants to propose ways for Thunderbird to be improved. Rico used his humor, knowledge of several countries that he had visited and innovation to secure the winning essay. Rico earned his PhD in Tequila Studies in 2017 and co-founded his company - Tres Cabo Amigos, LLC in October 2020 of which his award winning BAJARRIBA Tequila brand came to life in December 2022 and won "Bottle / Packaging of the Year 2022" by Tequila Aficionado Media / Magazine and in 2025 Rico's BAJARRIBA Tequila won Double Gold at the Agavos Awards for the Reposado expression. To learn more about Rico and his tequila go to https://www.Bajarriba.com
PUBLICATIONS
What happens when a young man with too much ambition, too little caution, and an inexplicable relationship with tequila decides that Mexico is the perfect place to figure out who he really is?
Everything. Absolutely everything happens.
My Bad Tequila is the true story of adventure, consequence, and hard-won wisdom told with the kind of unflinching humor that only comes from someone who actually lived every single word of it. Rico Austin takes you from the sun-scorched landscapes of Mexico to unexpected corners of the world, through decisions that should have ended badly and lessons that somehow made everything worth it.
This is not a travel guide. This is a life guide wrapped inside one of the most entertaining and genuinely surprising memoirs you will read this year.
Part adventure. Part confession. Part philosophy. Entirely true.
From a Thunderbird MBA graduate, journalist who covered the inauguration of President Bill Clinton, BAJARRIBA Tequila brand founder, film actor with an IMDB credit, two-time cover of Tequila Aficionado Magazine, February 2026 cover of The Enterprise World Magazine, and author of 10 published books comes a story that proves the best education you will ever receive cannot be found in any classroom.
If you have ever taken a risk that terrified you, chased something that made no logical sense, or learned your most important life lessons in the most unexpected places, this book was written for you.
Readers say it is impossible to put down, filled with life lessons, and smooth as a perfect pour of tequila. No salt and no lime needed.
My Bad Tequila also inspired a hit country single of the same name available on iTunes and Amazon Music.
Grab your copy. Pour something smooth. And hold on.
Distributed by EIN Presswire
The International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP) will honor Rico Austin at their Annual Awards Gala in NYC at the Plaza Hotel
NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES, May 20, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ —
Rico Austin, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of BAJARRIBA Tequila and Best-Selling Author, was recently selected as Top Entrepreneur of the Year in Luxury Spirits for 2026 by the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP) for his outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment to the industry.
With close to two decades in the industry, Mr. Austin has certainly proven himself in the tequila and spirits world. As a dynamic, results driven leader, Mr. Austin is the Co-Founder & Managing Partner of BAJARRIBA Tequila. Rico Austin took ownership of the brand’s direction by forming Tres Cabo Amigos, LLC, and included his co-founders, Michael Hill and Jay Nance. This step defined the cultural and operational foundation of BAJARRIBA Tequila, guided by craftsmanship, ethical decision-making, and respect for process.
This perspective guided decisions rooted in personal standards and cultural respect, positioning BAJARRIBA with a clear sense of purpose within the global spirit’s market.
Mr. Austin is known as a modern-day renaissance man who is also an award-winning author, blogger, film actor, former collegiate football player and a tequila connoisseur. The epic, award winning, mystery and adventure novel “MY BAD TEQUILA” has won 7 National Awards in 2011, 6 National Awards in 2012 & 1 International Award in 2012. Rico Austin’s story “DOG” took first prize in Short Story at Arizona Authors Association 2021 Literary Contest which was open to all US and International Authors.
Areas of expertise include, but are not limited to product service and management, import/export operations, customer service management, sales and marketing, business administration, strategic thinking, and leadership development.
Throughout his illustrious career, Mr. Austin has received many awards and accolades and has been recognized worldwide for his accomplishments. He will be honored at IAOTP’s annual awards gala at the iconic Plaza Hotel in New York this December for his selection as Top Entrepreneur of the Year in Luxury Spirits for 2026.
The President of the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP), Stephanie Cirami, stated, “Choosing Mr. Austin for this honor was an easy decision for our panel to make. He is inspirational, influential, and a true visionary and thought leader. We cannot wait to meet him and celebrate his accomplishments at this year’s gala.”
Looking back, Mr. Austin attributes his success to perseverance and mentors he had along the way. When not working, he enjoys traveling and spending time with his family. In the future, he looks to expand his business.
For more information, please visit: https://www.bajarriba.com
Rico Austin's "DOG" won first place in the Arizona Authors Association Literary Contest - 2021
The Vision that Set BAJARRIBA Apart
BAJARRIBA was born from a leadership vision grounded in authenticity, shared experience, and cultural respect. Rico shaped the brand to celebrate real moments and a genuine sense of place, allowing it to stand out through meaning rather than mere momentum. Inspired by his time in Cabo San Lucas, Rico envisioned BAJARRIBA Tequila as an embodiment of the Baja Peninsula, reflecting friendship, exploration, and reverence for the region. This “Baja in a Bottle” philosophy speaks to those who embrace the Caboholic mindset—a love for Baja’s winding roads, coastal routes, and the thrill of discovery.
At its core, BAJARRIBA is about connection and presence. Rico positioned tequila as a symbol of shared moments with friends and loved ones, making human experience central to the brand. Even the name—Bajarriba, combining the words BAJA, which means – low or below, and ARRIBA, which means – up or above, which loosely translates to “Bottoms Up!”—captures the optimism, camaraderie, and free-spirited energy of Cabo, conveying motion, freedom, and exploration. The phrase “Sip out of Cabo” was coined by Rico Austin to describe the unique experience of drinking from a Bajarriba Tequila bottle.
Rico Austin prioritized authentic storytelling over constructed lore, drawing from real experiences and the rich history of Mexico and Baja. As he explains, “A daily drink of good tequila taken responsibly brings forth contentment, health, and one big ass smile.” Responsibility, both social and environmental, forms another pillar of BAJARRIBA, with initiatives supporting Baja communities and using recycled glass in production.
Throughout the brand’s journey, Rico’s leadership has been tested by challenges that ultimately shaped BAJARRIBA’s character, reinforcing a philosophy where authenticity, connection, and respect for place guide every decision and product.
- Bajarriba Tequila Interview with Rico Austin and The Legend of El Viejito by Mike Morales
- Espresso Tequila Martini Recipe by Rico Austin with Bajarriba Tequila
- Tequila Cold Brew Recipe by Rico Austin with Bajarriba Tequila
In this Special Issue of Tequila Aficionado Magazine: Cinco de Mayo as explained by a Tequila Doctorate Interview with Rico Austin of Bajarriba Tequila Interview with Jay Nance of Bajarriba Tequila Interview with Connie Austin of Bajarriba Tequila Interview with Carlos Chacon of Bajarriba Tequila Jim Riley joins Bajarriba Tequila Mark Nuessle Michael Hill Tom Chambers Bajarriba Plata Review by Bryce Taylor Rico's Cocoa Loco Recipe Bajarriba Plata Review by Lisa Pietsch How to Sip & Savor by Rico Austin Bajarriba Tequila and The Legend of El Viejito by Mike Morales
Source: Publisher
Tequila Aficionado Magazine, January 2023
Bringing consumers and craft agave spirits like tequila, bacanora, mezcal, sotol and raicilla together since 1999 through www.TequilaAficionado.com and social media, Tequila Aficionado is now also available as a print magazine!
The electronic (PDF) version is always FREE for Subscribers. Visit bit.ly/subscribeTAMag to subscribe today.
Tequila Aficionado Magazine is the ONLY direct-to-consumer magazine specifically for tequila, mezcal, sotol, bacanora and other agave spirits.
In this issue of Tequila Aficionado Magazine: January 2023 Nom ListWho's Who in Agave Spirits: Roger and Alisa Clyne - Cancion TequilaOur Latest Reviews888 Tequila Pecan Pound Cake RecipeCantera Negra Tequila Launches Joint VentureLessons Learned in a Mezcal Blind Tasting by Alvin StarkmanTequila Aroma WheelMezcal in the Global Spirits MarketCarrera Anejo Tequila Review by Araceli SharpOfficial MerchandiseWho's Who in Agave Spirits: Ruben Lopez - Sunora BacanoraPerros y Palenques by Anna BruceOur Upcoming Reviews1921 La Crema Tequila Scones Recipe Limited Edition Don Julio PrimaveraTequila Tasting Sheet Consumer Catador CourseBooks by Mike Morales Who's Who in Agave Spirits: Celia Maestri - Casa Maestri Save The Date - Monterey Bay Tequila and Cuisine Upcoming Podcasts De La Tierre Maple tequila Scones Recipe Maestro Dobel Latinx Art Prize Rico's Cocoa Loco by Rico Austin PhD Horizontal Flight Tasting Sheet Special Thanks from Bajarriba Tequila and Tres Cabo Amigos Vertical Tasting Sheet How to Get Paid to Drink Tequila Don Vicente Blanco Tequila Review by Araceli Sharp What our Team Members are up to
Source: Publisher
