Rich earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Rensselaer, N.Y. He commenced his career as a Technical Sales Representative at Trane Technologies but soon found himself drawn to a burgeoning startup contracting firm poised to revolutionize the utility industry.

Joining Precision Pipeline Solutions (PPS), a fledgling enterprise comprising five individuals, Rich immersed himself in a multifaceted role. He undertook the challenge of mastering various services offered by PPS, transitioning from learning on the job to spearheading marketing efforts and ultimately managing service offerings. Through dedication and grit, Rich ascended the ranks from Working Supervisor to Manager and eventually Director of Operations, overseeing a workforce of over 200 employees.

Under his leadership, the division flourished, boasting a roster of over 30 active clients and generating $30M in revenue, characterized by some of the highest margins in the company. Rich's tenure at PPS exemplified his ability to drive growth and success through hands-on leadership and strategic vision.