Rich became President and CEO of AR&B in May 2026, continuing a family legacy that has helped shape the company for generations. He joined AR&B in 1989 as a Local 38 union plumber and spent the first decade of his career in the field before taking on broader operational and leadership responsibilities. Since then, he has gained experience in nearly every area of the company.

Rich’s father, Dick Buckley, served as AR&B’s CEO from 1991 through 2006. During that period, Rich built his own path from the field up, developing a practical understanding of how decisions made in estimating, project management, fabrication, service, finance, and leadership ultimately affect the people performing the work.

Throughout his career, Rich has helped guide AR&B through changing construction markets, evolving technology, and increasingly complex project demands while preserving the relationships, craftsmanship, and local knowledge that have defined the company for more than a century. His leadership is grounded in respect for the skilled trades, accountability to customers and project partners, and a commitment to creating opportunities for employees to grow.

Rich has been an active member of SMACNA and MCA for decades. He previously served as president of SMACNA Bay Area and continues to serve on its board of directors, contributing his experience to the continued strength of the mechanical contracting industry.

His community involvement includes supporting efforts to address food insecurity, expand opportunities for underserved youth, and help veterans build meaningful careers in the skilled trades.

Outside of AR&B, Rich enjoys traveling and is active in the automotive community. He is especially proud of his daughter, Morgan, who completed her undergraduate degree and MBA within five years, finishing in 2025. They also enjoy racing together, although it is probably best not to ask either of them who is faster.