Suvechha Sarkar
When Rick first stepped onto the bus in season 1 of NBC’s ‘Destination X,’ very few expected the soft-spoken birdwatcher to take his spot at the top of the competition. With his warm smile and father-like nature, his appearance did not point out that he was a master strategist. Behind that endearing charm, he was a fearless, observant person whose passion for birding trained him to notice the tiniest of details. Rick was not just playing for the thrill but was also on a mission to win it all for his family. His pure intellect and knowledge eventually assisted him in earning the victory.
Rick Szabo’s Strategic Gameplay Paved the Path to His Victory
From the beginning, Rick Szabo confessed that he was an avid traveler and a professional birdwatcher, which made him someone who is familiar with geography and observing little details. He kept that vital information a secret among his fellow competitors, knowing well that it gave him a significant advantage in the competition. Beneath his friendly exterior, he was a player who did not hesitate to bend the truth when needed. Whether it was misleading others or masking his own intentions, Rick never backed down to make a strategic move.
Rick’s best gameplay came when newcomers, Peter and Jana, joined the competitors on the bus. He discreetly formed a secret alliance with them, which ultimately helped him reach the Finale. When the first challenge in the Finale began, he revealed the alliance before Biggy, navigated through the contest, and led to the latter’s elimination. However, the last challenge showed Rick’s knowledge and ability to decode riddles quickly. His quick thinking eventually led to his victory and helped him succeed in taking home the grand prize of $250,000.
Rick Left the Finance World to Become a Birdwatcher and Content Creator
Rick Szabo attained a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Management from the University of Washington Foster School of Business in 2000. After graduation, he stepped into the corporate world as an Account Finance Manager at Johnson Controls in June of the same year. Over the next decade, he climbed the ranks first as a Platform Finance Director, and then to Expat-senior Platform Controller, before leaving the role in February 2013. From then till January 2015, Rick worked as a Volunteer in South Africa. In August of the same year, the reality star transitioned to Wentworth Landscapes as a Finance Manager and served there till June 2017. Following that, Rick took on the role of General Manager at Kick-Ass Media Inc. before moving on in April 2018.
The following month, Rick became the President of PEC Property Management, and by October 2020, he also stepped in as the Owner and Certified Professional Home Inspector at Inspector Scrupulous. After leaving both positions in July 2022, the reality star served as a Director of Finance and Administration at Community Living Prince Edward until September 2023. In his life, Rick also stepped into his most personal venture by becoming the Co-owner of the Vic Cafe alongside his wife back in August 2015. Unfortunately, it struggled under the weight of COVID-19, and it was closed and sold in May 2023, concluding another significant chapter of his life. In September of that year, Rick became the owner of Birding With Rick, immersing himself in his passion for birdwatching.
As of writing, Rick is a birding influencer, educator, and content creator who has amassed over 164K followers on Instagram. He shares birdwatching tips, daily sightings, and snippets of his personal life on his feed. He now has his newsletter, The 3-minute Birder, and a YouTube channel, which has helped him become a trusted voice in the birding community. Alongside his growing online presence, he also uses the platform to promote brands like OLLIN, Armstrong, and Brome. Following his birdwatching path, Rick was a Board of Directors member at Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory from May 2021 to October 2023. He is currently the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Regional Theatre Foundation, where he has served since April 2016.
Rick Leads a Grounded Life Revolving Around His Family and Exploration
Behind Rick’s confidence and strategic mind, he has a deeply rooted devotion to his family. From the moment he appeared on the show, he made it clear that he wanted the prize not just for himself, but also for his wife and soulmate, Sonya, his two sons, Zane and Jude, and his daughter, Lael. Rick met his wife when they were very young, and their love story stood the test of time. The pair has been married for over 25 years and has built a beautiful life together, raising their children and welcoming their two daughters-in-law into their growing family. It was in 2013 that he and his family’s shared love for the outdoors blossomed when they began bird-watching as a family. Although Rick keeps a large aspect of his personal life under wraps, his deep bond with Sonya is evident as she has been beside him through every chapter.
Rick said he and Sonya had trouble selling their home to pay off their debt after COVID. Furthermore, she had even accompanied him to South Africa, along with their children. Moreover, they often set out together to watch birds or even relax in nature amid their busy life. Aside from that, the reality star has traveled to several exotic locations in search of birds. Whether it be exploring the vibrant culture of Mexico, the beautiful beaches of Fiji, or the beauty of Peru, he has always ventured in hopes of spotting different birds. Rick had also traveled to the stunning landscapes of Ireland, Guatemala, and many more over the years. He has maintained amicable bonds with several former co-stars, including Tai Lowry, Mack Fitzgerald, and Ally Bross. Rick always proves that even in the world of competition, he never strays away from kindness, loyalty, and family.
Read More: Are Shayne and Ally From Destination X Still Together?
