Richard Read covers technology, social media, advertising, legal issues, and other auto industry topics for High Gear Media. With a background in marketing and development, he's particularly interested in branding, public relations, and new media, as well as pop culture and, of course, cars. He's written for Gawker, Fodors, and other outlets, both on the web and in print. In his spare time, Richard is a marketing consultant, with a focus on small companies and nonprofits. Born in Laurel, Mississippi, he holds degrees from Millsaps College, Tulane University, and the University of New Orleans. He lives in New Orleans, Louisiana.