Former NFL player Elston Ridgle had an interest in structures and buildings since he was a young child growing up in Inglewood. His father, James Ridgle, owned an appliance servicing business in the San Fernando Valley, inspiring his son with the poise and kindness he would show to his clients.
As Ridgle grew older, his passion for structures and the lessons about business he inherited culminated when he started his own business in the construction field.
Ridgle found a niche in safety management and the home construction area; he now works as an Environmental Health and Safety Manager at Turner Construction.
Ridgle uses his love for his career to aide newly retired NFL players find work in construction after they leave the world of football.
In order to help the former players find work, he uses technology to discover the interests of the player and contacts those with an interest in construction.
“Coming away from football when you first retire, you’re so identified by that profession,” Ridgle said. “They need to know that they are not alone and there are other players out there who made the transition.”
The transition out of NFL football is tough for players, it can be difficult to realize how they can use the skills they gained in other professions. With the NFLPA, former players can take training to learn about their transferable skills. They then are placed into opportunities that will challenge and engage them, according to Ridgle.
For players that are interested in starting their own business, Ridgle advises how they should educate themselves in the field of their business and learn how to be their own accountant.
“A lot of guys go to other guys for advice and for references and that’s great and fine, but you need to manage finances on your own,” Ridgle said.
The entrepreneurial efforts of his father taught Ridgle the importance of being fair and equitable. Ridgle mentioned how James’ ability to gain the trust of his clients taught him how to be both a good entrepreneur and good man.
“My dad has the first black owned business in the San Fernando Valley,” he said. “He had it for 35 years.”
During his time in the NFL, Ridgle played for the Seattle Seahawks, Buffalo Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals, and the San Francisco 49ers. In his final season, he played for the then Los Angeles Raiders, which gave his family the opportunity to watch him play without having to travel.
“There’s nothing that can compare to you coming back to your home town as a high school or a little league player, coming back and playing professionally,” Ridgle said. “I think it’s the dream of every player to come back home, play professionally on a team they grew up with.”
