Richard was Educated at Gisborne Boys High School followed by a BBS at Massey University. Richard commenced at work in Wellington at Hogg Young Cathie & Co in 1982 and then moved to Richardson McKissock. He became a Chartered Accountant in 1984. Richard has travelled extensively overseas gaining experience with chartered accountants in Perth, Australia and companies in London. Richard returned to Gisborne and joined Graham & Dobson in 1990 and became a principal of the firm shortly thereafter. 

His client base consists of a number of long standing farming clients and investment planning service. He advises on the structuring of business operations to best suit each client's situation.

Outside of work, Richard is married with three adult daughters and is a keen follower of the various sports that they partake in. He also participates in swimming, tennis, skiing and laser sailing, and is an armchair rugby fan.