R D Hubbard

He began his corporate rise in 1959 as a salesman with a small company, Safelite AutoGlass. Within nine years, he was president of the company, increasing revenues from $7 million to $100 million, making Safelite the nation’s largest auto glass replacement company. Hubbard acquired two other glass companies, transforming the business into AFG Industries, which later sold to a foreign manufacturer. Passionate for racehorses, Hubbard turned his focus to horse breeding, racetracks, and casinos. “There is no greater thrill than seeing one of your racehorses run and win,” he says. “It is the excitement and thrill of the race. The horses are absolutely beautiful.” Hubbard, who owns a large breeding farm and has turned out world-champion studs, bought Ruidoso Downs Racetrack in the late 1980s. Later, he and Joan established the Hubbard Museum of the American West in Ruidoso Downs. One of eight children, Hubbard says his family had no money to pay for education. He and Joan are ensuring that families in similar circumstances have learning opportunities. “Helping young people get an education is the most important thing we can do,” says Hubbard, who with his wife established the R.D. and Joan Dale Hubbard Foundation in 1986. The Hubbards’ belief in the Coachella Valley has led them to give to California State University, San Bernardino; McCallum Theatre; The Living Desert Zoo & Botanical Garden; Palm Springs Art Museum; Marywood Palm Valley School; Xavier College Preparatory; and countless other local organizations.