Who We Are

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 and is equally respected for both 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.

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

History

1983

Founding of Ricky

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

Ron Gottlieb joins his brother in a sales capacity. The company offers a small range of existing products and is also trading in ‘job lots’ of textiles as they explore the markets that best suit their future direction.

1985

Expansion

Ricky makes a deal with Bradmill Textiles to begin selling canvas products to the trade. The company also starts importing higher-quality PVC products from Wonpoong in Korea and Phifer Inc. in the USA.

1985

ACASPA

Ricky becomes a member of ACASPA – the forerunner to the Specialised Textiles Association (STA), supporting the textile industry.

1987

Homebush Purchase

The family purchases an empty block in Homebush to build its own warehouse/office complex for Ricky Richards.

1988

Homebush Opening

Eric Gottlieb (Norman and Ron's Father) manages the building project, and in August the company officially opens at Homebush. By this stage, Eric has joined his sons in a full-time capacity.

1989

Direct to Trade

Ricky begins to sell awning canvas directly to the trade.

1996

SCHF

Ricky’s relationship with the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation (SCHF) begins, marked by a sales day in which a percentage of all sales is donated to the foundation.

2000

Ricky at Drupa

Norman and Ron attend Drupa (the largest print show in the world) and witness the infancy of the digital print market.

2001

Citel Partnership

Ricky’s relationship with Citel in Spain begins, with Ricky becoming the Australian distributor of Docril awning fabrics.

2001

Phifer Partnership

Ricky’s relationship with Phifer is rekindled with the relaunch of Outlook mesh blind material.

2003

Second Homebush Purchase

The family purchases the adjoining block in Homebush to increase warehouse capacity.

2005

BMAA

Ricky becomes a member of the BMAA, strengthening its support for the window furnishing industry.

2011

Roysons Partnership

The company’s relationship with Roysons begins as Ricky becomes the Australian distributor.

2012

Sioen Partnership

The relationship with Sioen in Belgium begins as Ricky becomes the Australian distributor.

2013

30th Anniversary

During its 30th anniversary year, a management team structure takes significant shape and is designed to assist Norman and Ron in the growth of the business.

2014

New Logo

A new Ricky Richards logo is introduced.

2015

MIA

Ricky establishes a relationship with the Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA), donating a percentage of sales to the organisation each year.

2015

Norman Gottlieb Passes

In June of this year, original founder Norman Gottlieb passes away at the age of 59, leaving a profound impact on the business and those who worked alongside him.

2017

New Logo

The current hexagon logo is introduced, as research showed that most people knew the company simply as Ricky.

2018

Eric Gottlieb Retires

Eric Gottlieb, while remaining interested and involved, decides to retire and step back from his regular presence at the company — at 87 years of age.

2021

ASCF

Ricky’s partnership with the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation (ASCF) begins, with Ricky donating to the ‘Melanoma Man’, Jay Allen’s Mission Melanoma Walk and Skin Check Truck initiatives.

2023

40th Anniversary

Ricky celebrates 40 years of providing quality products and service to its customers.

2024

Cowboys Sponsorship

Ricky announces its major partnership with the North Queensland Cowboys.

2024

Outlook Warranty Increase

The warranty on Outlook increases from 10 years to 15, giving Ricky’s customers even more peace of mind.

2025

QCHF

In August, Ricky proudly announces a Sapphire Partnership with the Queensland Children’s Hospital Foundation, continuing its commitment to giving back.

2025

SCHF Donor Recognition

Ricky is acknowledged by the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation at the 2025 Donor Recognition Evening for its 29-year cumulative donation of $343,000. We proudly continue our commitment to this great cause.

At Ricky, we believe in giving back.

That’s why we cherish our ongoing partnerships with the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation, the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation, and the Queensland Children’s Hospital Foundation. We’re committed to volunteering our time and raising funds to support their work in research and development, helping them pursue their vital goals for a better future for humankind.

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 Sydney Children’s Hospital Randwick began with a humble donation in December 1996. Almost three decades and $343,000 later, we continue to support the exceptional work of the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation.

Australian Skin Cancer Foundation (ASCF)

Supporting ASCF since 2021. The ‘Melanoma Man’, Jay Allen, and his team are the extraordinary people behind the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation. Their mission is to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and prevention, and to drive advocacy for melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers by making skin checks more accessible and affordable.

Queensland Children's Hospital Foundation

Our newly minted partnership in 2025. We’re proud to share that Ricky is now a Sapphire Partner of the Queensland Children’s Hospital Foundation. 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 supported to be the best in their field, leading with passion, honesty, and transparency. With their expert knowledge, international reputation for professionalism, and true knack for problem-solving, the Ricky team has driven four decades of success. Dive in and explore the many faces that make up Team Ricky.