Who We Are

About Us

Established in 1983, Ricky Richards is a family-owned business and one of Australia’s leading distributors of technical textiles, sun control fabrics, and print media. With locations in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane—and sales support nationwide—we deliver strong stock holdings, personalised service, and fast, reliable distribution.

Who is Ricky?

Ricky isn’t a person; it’s our way of doing business. It reflects our passion, industry knowledge, and commitment to integrity, transparency, and exceptional customer service. It’s the people who embody these values—our team, customers, suppliers, and partners—that make up the Ricky family.

Our customers are at the centre of everything we do. We focus on long-term relationships, expert support, and solutions that go beyond the products we supply. As industry leaders and problem solvers, we’re here for our customers and their projects every step of the way.

Our vision is to be a company that makes people happy, held equally in the highest regard for our commercial success and the spirit of community we foster.

Our Values

At Ricky, our values aren’t just words on a wall—they guide everything we do.

  1. We bring a Passion to Deliver, ensuring every interaction and product reflects our commitment to quality and care.
  2. We Do What We Say, building trust through consistency and integrity.
  3. Our Desire to Win fuels our drive to succeed, not just for ourselves but for our partners and customers too.
  4. Being Easy to Deal With means we prioritise clear communication, helpful service, and genuine relationships.
  5. And with a constant Strive to be Better, we’re always evolving—innovating, improving, and aiming higher to support those who #RelyOnRicky.

History

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1983

Set up

Norman Gottlieb sets up Ricky Richards with a couple of staff members in Pitt Street, Sydney. He has a small amount of rented space at Rozelle to carry some stock.

1984

Ron joins

Norman Gottlieb sets up Ricky Richards with a couple of staff members in Pitt Street, Sydney. He has a small amount of rented space at Rozelle to carry some stock.

Our Charity Partners

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Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation
Australian Skin Cancer Foundation

Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation

29 Years

Australian Skin Cancer Foundation

5 Years

Queensland Children's Hospital Foundation

1 Years

Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation (SCHF)

Supporting SCHF since 1996. Our flourishing partnership with the Sydney Children’s Hospital Randwick began as a humble donation in the December of 1996. Almost three decades and $343,000 later we continue to support the exceptional work of the Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation. Each year, we donate to the Foundations greatest area of need, aiding in the purchasing of new equipment ultimately supporting revolutionary technologies. Annually, on the first Friday in December our team and customers gather to raise funds for the SCHF. On this day, our customers place orders to contribute to the sizeable donation we make, helping us support a foundation close to our hearts. Our customers receive a certificate of thanks from the team for you to display proudly.

Australian Skin Cancer Foundation (ASCF)

Supporting ASCF since 2021. The ‘Melanoma Man’, Jay Allen and his team are the extraordinary people behind Australian Skin Cancer Foundation. Their mission is to assist in facilitating one-on-one support along with their Melanoma Mates initiative, education to raise awareness of the importance of early detection and prevention, fund melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer clinical trials and research, and to ultimately drive advocacy for melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers through making skin checks more affordable. We support the ASCF with donations towards Jay’s Mission Melanoma Walk and Skin Check Truck.

Queensland Children's Hospital Foundation

Our newly minted partnership in 2025. We’re proud to share that Ricky Richards is now a Sapphire Partner of the Queensland Children’s Hospital Foundation — a milestone that reflects not only our long-standing support but also our continued commitment to giving back in communities where we live and work. Following the opening of our first Queensland warehouse in 2024, this partnership marks a meaningful step forward as we strengthen our presence in the Sunshine State — and contribute to a cause close to our hearts.

One heart with many hands, our people are at the core of what we do.

We believe people are the life source of our business. Every individual is valued, empowered, and upskilled to be the best in their field, they lead with passion, honesty, and transparency. With their expert knowledge, international reputation for professionalism and a true knack for problem solving, the Ricky team has ensured four decades of success for our business. Dive in, explore the many faces that make up team Ricky.

Ron Gottlieb

Ron Gottlieb

Director

Ron Gottlieb

Director

1. When did you start at Ricky?

1984.

2. Favourite Travel Destination?

Barcelona.

3. Favourite Sports Team?

Sydney Roosters.

4. Who was your hero/heroine growing up?

My big brother, Norman.

5. Best Concert you’ve been to?

Steely Dan.

6. Favourite Movie?

Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

7. If you could only have three apps on a smartphone, what would you pick?

What’s an app?

Ron Gottlieb
Eric Gottlieb

Eric Gottlieb

Director

Eric Gottlieb

Director

1. How long have you been with Ricky?

60 years in various businesses and 35 years with my sons at Ricky!

2. In words that potential customers, who know nothing about this business will understand, what is your role?

Grand old man.

3. What are your professional strengths in this role?

I was always extremely good from an operational and financial viewpoint. I would have to say that you would not employ me as a salesman as it would have been disastrous! I managed to keep my sons on an even keel with each other while they built this great business designed to help customers and suppliers alike.

4. If there was one thing that you wished people could understand about the way you fulfil your role, what would it be?

That getting older isn’t so easy but I still like to make a difference.

5. What do you hope to achieve in your role at Ricky?

At 86 years of age while I don’t come in every day (Only twice a week), I still take a keen interest in the well-being of the people who have become a part of a large extended family at Ricky. I hope to be around for a few more years yet!

Eric Gottlieb
Scott Gilbertson

Scott Gilbertson

General Manager

Scott Gilbertson

General Manager

1. When did you start at Ricky?

April 2023.

2. Favourite Travel Destination?

Italy.

3. Favourite Sports Team?

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.

4. Who was your hero/heroine growing up?

Batman.

5. Best Concert you’ve been to?

Guns N Roses.

6. Favourite Movie?

Point Break.

7. If you could only have three apps on a smartphone, what would you pick?

Messages, Music, Strava.

Scott Gilbertson
Jim Brennan

Jim Brennan

Head of Finance & Operations

Jim Brennan

Head of Finance & Operations

1. When did you start at Ricky?

March 2018.

2. Favourite Travel Destination?

Japan & Fiji.

3. Favourite Sports Team?

Red Bull F1.

4. Who was your hero/heroine growing up?

Batman.

5. Best Concert you’ve been to?

U2.

6. Favourite Movie?

Interstellar.

7. If you could only have three apps on a smartphone, what would you pick?

Spotify, Spotify & Spotify.

Jim Brennan