Rich received his B.S. in Justice and Law Administration from Western Connecticut State University, but upon graduation, he decided to pursue a career in business rather than law. Soon after graduation, Rich began a long, successful career in the field of document management/ information technology with companies such as Xerox and Standard Register. In 2002, Rich decided to step away from the corporate world and pursue his dream of becoming a teacher and coach. He became certified to teach grades K through 6 in the state of Connecticut through his alma mater, Western Connecticut. Rich began his teaching career at Indian Mountain School in 2005 as the first grade teacher, and he remains in that position today. In addition to his responsibilities as a classroom teacher, Rich has started a successful after-school instructional soccer program for the students in Kindergarten through fourth grade on the lower campus of IMS. During the wintertime, he helps run the ski club.

Rich grew up in Westport, Connecticut, but he now lives in Kent. He is married and has two children. He plays an active role in the community, coaching several youth teams as well as being a member of the Parks and Recreation Department. His hobbies are soccer, golf, and skiing.