Our Founder

1931 - 2023

Dick Rich wasn’t just a pioneer in the parking industry — he was its heart and soul for nearly seven decades. From humble beginnings as a college student parking cars in Milwaukee, Dick built a career that shaped the very foundation of modern parking design.

With a sharp engineering mind and a deep respect for how people move through cities, he helped turn parking from an afterthought into a critical part of urban planning. Founding Rich & Associates in 1963 was more than just a business decision; it was a declaration of his commitment to doing things the right way — with vision, integrity, and an eye toward lasting impact.

What made Dick truly special wasn’t just his groundbreaking work — though he had plenty of that — it was his fearless, hands-on approach and his passion for solving problems in unexpected ways. He tested his ideas not just on paper but in the real world — once even driving a car into a wall to prove it would hold. His life was filled with stories like that: flying his own aerial surveys, surviving a hijacked flight, and bringing parking solutions to places as far-reaching as Colombia, Russia, and the Middle East. Through it all, he never lost his curiosity, his creativity, or his belief that design should serve people — especially those often overlooked, like individuals with disabilities.

Above all, Dick valued the people around him. He often said the most rewarding part of his career was working with the incredibly talented team he built — many of whom stayed by his side for decades. He was a mentor, a leader, and a friend who inspired loyalty and respect through his example. As the world of parking continues to evolve with technology and new challenges, Dick’s fingerprints remain on nearly every aspect of the industry. His legacy isn’t just in concrete and steel — it’s in the lives he touched, the careers he launched, and the standards he raised. He didn’t just build garages. He built a better industry — and he did it with humility, humor, and heart.