Rick graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree, and a Master of Science in Mathematics, from Pittsburg State University. He taught Mathematics and Physics at the secondary level and Mathematics at the university level. He has worked as a manager in computer science fields, and as a project manager, for over 10 years. He served in the USAFSS.

Rick and his wife, Judy, have fostered 30 children, adopting three of them. They also have two biological sons and two grandchildren.