He was previously involved in the banking and aviation industries for 20 years. He graduated from the University of Colorado, Leeds School of Business. Rick is an avid aviation enthusiast who started flying at age 13. He is a licensed commercial pilot with ratings for both multi-engine and single engine aircraft and has his instrument rating. He joined Civil Air Patrol in 1966 as a founding member of a cadet squadron which eventually became Boulder Composite Squadron. He rejoined as a senior member in 1997 serving in various positions with Boulder Composite Squadron, Group 1, and served on the Colorado Wing Finance Committee. He joined the Colorado Civil Air Patrol Foundation Board as Treasurer in 2012.