Rick’s story didn’t start with privilege or connections. He grew up in foster care, moved through five foster homes and thirteen schools, and spent time living in the Techwood Homes projects in Atlanta. He never knew his father and was raised by a mother struggling with alcoholism. From an early age, Rick learned that nothing would be handed to him — and that survival required resilience, responsibility, and hard work.

He worked his way out. When he couldn’t afford to stay in college, Rick bet on himself, took a straight-commission sales job, and later bought the company he worked for.

Today, his businesses serve all 50 states, help provide care for more than 20 million patients each year, and generate over $3 billion in annual revenue. Rick doesn’t share that to brag — he shares it because his life has always been about action and impact.

When China threatened to cut off antibiotic supplies during trade negotiations with President Trump, Rick stepped in and saved the last major antibiotic manufacturer in America — increasing production and sacrificing millions to ensure American lives came before profits.

When COVID hit Georgia, Governor Brian Kemp called Rick directly to help supply doctors and nurses. Rick delivered — making sure Georgia came first, even when it would have been more profitable to send resources elsewhere.

And because Rick grew up in foster care, he fought the political system to deliver real change for children without a voice. Working with leaders across Georgia, he helped pass legislation that now allows former foster youth to attend college tuition-free — at zero new cost to taxpayers — giving hundreds of young people a real chance to break the cycle of dependency and poverty.