THE PROFESSIONAL SALON INDUSTRY lost one of its most energetic pioneers when Rick Goldberg passed away this March. Throughout his professional career, Goldberg worked on product development, sales and marketing for a number of professional brands, including Aveda, KMS California, L’Oréal Professionnel, and TIGI.

Goldberg was a longtime Aveda distributor, and served as a consultant to Aveda founder Horst Rechelbacher. His many professional accomplishments included: co-developer of the Cost Cutters franchise; two-time Aveda distributor of the year; equity owner of American Crew president of the Beauty and Barber Supply Institute; the 1992 MODERN SALON Distributor of the Year; and one of the founders of The Salon Association Goldberg is survived by his three sons. Noah, Josh and Isaac.

Industry leaders shared their favorite memories of Goldberg.

“Rick was fun, he loved a challenge, and approached life with a zealousness that was so often contagious. We will sure miss his ready smile. His many friends all over our beauty world mourn his passing.”

—HOWARD HAFETZ

CEO, Raylon Corporation

“Rick’s energy, presence and power were—and are—larger than life. He made a huge difference in my life and in our industry. He is deeply loved.”

—VIRGINIA MEYER

co-founder red CHOCOLATE

“I was at BBSI when Rick came aboard as president. He was in many ways a breath of fresh air and he really challenged the organization to think outside the box. Rick was the architect behind so many programs that the BBSI created, some of which are still thriving today. Without a doubt, he is a beauty industry legend, but I think most of us will remember him as a great guy with a big heart, a wonderful sense of humor, a razor-sharp mind, and an endless appetite for life.”

—MIKE SPANO

former BBSI executive

“I have so many special memories of the early Aveda days with Rick, .the strategy meetings where he would pace (having way too much energy to sit for long), waving his arms, expressing his ideas with intense and inspiring passion! Rick’s charisma, energy, and innovative thinking was always topped off by being the best dressed man in any room! He’ll be missed and remembered...always and in all ways.”

—DEBRA BAKER NEILL

Principal, Neill-TSP

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