Rick was raised by two very hard working parents who operated a popular local restaurant. He and his siblings all took turns working there.  While often faced with difficulties, there were often moments of great levity and accomplishment.  It was that experience that Rick credits with sparking his entrepreneurial spirit and strong work ethic.

Growing up on the shores of Lake Michigan, almost within shouting distance of the Golden Dome of the University of Notre Dame, Rick was an all-conference Middle Guard Football player and the first State Champion ever produced by Lakeshore High School, under the guidance of the most successful wrestling Coach to ever coach in that state – Bruce Bittenbender.

Now a permanent resident, Rick migrated to Nashville, TN in 1982 and for 8 years was the number one Hardwood Flooring Representative for a small, Memphis based Flooring Distributor, headed by an extraordinary Gentleman and Good friend now passed, Alex Hill. Thanks in no small part to Rick’s pioneering spirit that small company would eventually become one of the largest Bruce Hardwood Distributors in the country.

After 12 years there, and after helping to launch that company’s major expansion into the Southwest, Rick stepped on to the National stage as a Product Manager for a Flooring Adhesives Manufacturer, assisting in the marketing of the very first, user-friendly and environmentally responsible, non-solvent hardwood adhesive now common in the industry today.

After visiting all but Maine, Vermont and Rhode Island, in the course of ten years, Rick’s career as “ National Road Warrior” for his friend and Mentor Ted Egan, came to a close when Rick became a single parent of his two beautiful daughters, Katie and Kimberley—sharing joint custodial responsibilities.

Faced with this reality, Rick and his equally accomplished brother Pat, decided that with over 42 years of experience between them in the flooring industry –with extraordinary expertise in the hardwood and hard surface categories—that the time was ripe to start
McGrath Distributing.

Now a Multi-Million Dollar Enterprise, January 3rd, 2008 marked the 5th year of Pat and Rick’s dream, started on little more than a couple credit cards for working capital and of course, endless hours of hard work.

The Dream is the same today as it was then. Choosing the most promising “Up and Coming” Manufacturers – Showcasing the most innovative systems, supporting environmentally responsible manufacturers and providing exceptional personal service matched with an unequalled depth of Expertise—they continue to do what they do best—putting the right floor in the right application as economically as possible.

As dedicated as Pat and Rick are to their enterprise, they both try hard to never fail to give thanks to the Lord for giving them this exciting opportunity with the understanding that they undertake this work each day for the benefit of their family’s and yours.

You will not find two more honest, knowledgeable and downright funnier human beings than Rick and Pat. You will not find—dollar for dollar—product for product a better value anywhere in the industry—and as one dealer called them “”Nashville’s Go To Guys” when there is a need for serious expertise in the application or repair of hardwood floors.

Now firmly rooted in Nashville, Rick has embarked on not only a new career as a principal in his own Distribution company, but has been blessed with a new partner in life, who recently accepted his Proposal of marriage. Sherry and Rick were engaged
Just shortly after Valentine’s Day, 2008.

Now 15 and 13 years old, his daughter’s Katie and Kimberley enjoy competitive Cheer Sport, Choir and frequently earn honor roll status. Kimberley wants to be a World Class Chef and Katie intends to pursue a career in acting.

Give Rick or Pat a call. Despite their success, and heavy workloads, they still answer the majority of calls, and if they are not immediately available will call you back.

Thank you for spending this time getting to know the McGrath Brothers!

Rick McGrath, Broker
McGrath Distributing