It’s relational.

Why I Wrote Relationship Equity

“The stories we leave behind matter less than the understanding they awaken in those who come after us.”

An Author’s Reflection

People occasionally ask me why I decided to write Relationship Equity. The answer has evolved over time, but it has always begun in the same place: gratitude.

This book was never intended to be a celebration of my career or a catalog of accomplishments. It was my opportunity to thank the countless people who shaped my life. My family gave me the values of hard work, integrity, compassion, and keeping my word. Friends, mentors, business associates, educators, volunteers, and community leaders added to that foundation, one relationship at a time.

As I reflected on more than five decades of experiences in business, technology, education, nonprofit organizations, public service, and international work, a simple truth became impossible to ignore. The greatest investment I have ever
made was not financial. It was in people.

Every opportunity I experienced, every challenge I survived, and every meaningful accomplishment could be traced back to relationships built without expecting something in return.

That realization became the foundation of Relationship Equity.

As I continued writing, I discovered an even deeper reason for the book. I realized my life had been shaped by moments when I encountered possibilities I never knew existed. Time after time, a relationship opened a door that I could not have imagined beforehand. Those experiences taught me that
curiosity often leads us toward worlds we cannot yet see.

“I didn’t know this world was available to me.”

That sentence captures much of what I hope readers will discover. I want them to recognize that opportunities often arrive disguised as conversations, friendships, mentors, and acts of generosity. Relationships expand our view of what is possible.

Ultimately, I wrote this book for my family, my grandchildren, my friends, my colleagues, and anyone beginning a journey of their own. I hope the stories demonstrate that character, trust, curiosity, and service have a remarkable way of compounding over a lifetime.

If readers finish the book believing that investing in people may be the most valuable investment they will ever make—and that a life lived with curiosity can uncover worlds of unexpected wonder—then I will have accomplished
exactly what I set out to do.

Overview: Richard V. Lowney

Richard V. Lowney is a distinguished technology executive, entrepreneur, and non-profit leader with more than 50 years of experience in computer science, business innovation, and community service. His career began in 1969, following his service in the U.S. Army as a Noncommissioned Officer and Computer Technician. He quickly advanced from roles as a computer technician and systems analyst to Director of Management Information Systems at Communications Satellite Corporation (COMSAT).

As a serial entrepreneur, Mr. Lowney has founded Computer Management Dynamics, Clearview Software International, and Blue Ivy Solutions, and co-founded and served as CTO of MiEdge.biz. As CEO of Clearview Software International for over 35 years, he developed pioneering bridging technology used by over 250,000 computer users globally. His companies have been recognized with awards such as the New Hampshire Global Business of the Year Award and the TechOut 2012 Winner from the NH Tech Alliance.

Beyond his business success, Mr. Lowney is deeply committed to public service and youth development. He has held numerous leadership positions on non-profit boards, including serving as board president for the Boys & Girls Club of Nashua, the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley, and the NH Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs. He has also served as vice president for USO New England and as board president for the NH International Trade Association. His volunteer efforts have been recognized with the U.S. Presidential Award for Non-Profit Volunteer Leadership and national and regional leadership awards from the Boys & Girls Club of America. He is also a founding board member of the Wellheart Charter School.

Mr. Lowney holds a master’s degree in information technology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, a bachelor’s degree in management information systems from Southern New Hampshire University, and an associate degree in computer science from Bryant & Stratton. He has also shared his expertise as a college instructor in computer software. His extensive international experience includes leading trade missions to countries across North America and Europe. He has been featured in the books “Portraits of Sacrifice and Bravery” and “Winning Leadership” by author Sherry Winn. Mr. Lowney resides in Amherst, New Hampshire.