Author: Phil Hodges

Rick Stephens is the founder of Horizon Hobby, Inc in Champaign, IL. After leading two organizations and being fired from both, he went about building his own hobby distribution business, starting in his own basement with three employees. Horizon became a world leader in the design and development of hobby products, including radio control airplanes, helicopters, cars, model railroad equipment, and general hobby items. Horizon grew to exceed $330 million in revenues with over 700 people and facilities in Illinois, California, London, Hamburg, and Shanghai. In 2006, Horizon became 100% employee owned and in 2014 sold to private equity on behalf of the employees. Rick resides in Sanibel, FL and Champaign, IL.