THE ADVANTAGE OF DISCIPLINE AND THE GIFT OF BEING A GOOD BLOKE
Rick Campbell is an interesting character. He’s as wild as he is grounded and has earned his stripes with a reputation for being a true gentleman in business. Rick is always up for a laugh and ready to help others. But he certainly doesn’t suffer fools, and anyone who steps on his values quickly learns why that’s not a good move.
For example, once upon a time in Amsterdam, a clever thief stole Rick’s rare Rolex off his wrist. Rick chased the thief down and used his military-trained negotiation skills to convince him to return the watch and give up a life of crime… the problem isn’t what you did; it’s who you did it to.
Rick’s story demands attention for the right reasons. His charisma and multifaceted talents weave a narrative as intricate as the mechanisms of a timepiece. But best of all, his family keeps him level-headed and down-to-earth.
“Family and friends keep me very grounded,” Rick shares. “I try not to take myself, others, or life in general seriously and enjoy taking the piss out of myself and others regularly. Truth be told, I’m a huge fan of sarcasm.” He adds, “I certainly don’t derive my sense of self from my materialistic accomplishments, enjoyable as they are, but more from what I’ve accomplished as a father and a husband and the friends with whom I work and spend time.”
THE GOOD BLOKE FACTOR
For Rick, success is built on a simple yet powerful principle: The Good Bloke Factor. “Just be a decent person, do the right thing by people,” he explains. This ethos defines Rick’s approach to business, emphasising respect, loyalty, and authenticity.
Rick applies this philosophy within his teams, where collaboration and trust are paramount. “I’m fortunate to count pretty much everyone I work with in my teams as friends,” he says.
These relationships, built through shared challenges and achievements, form a strong foundation of mutual respect. “We’ve been in the trenches together,” Rick reflects, describing the bonds that define his closest professional connections.
Guided by his father’s words—”Your net worth is inextricably linked to your network”—Rick prioritises meaningful relationships over quick gains. For him, success is rooted in genuine connections and the trust gained by embodying The Good Bloke Factor.
THE BATTLE OF EXCELLENCE
Rick’s life has been anything but ordinary. He is a veteran whose military discipline and ethos are etched into every endeavour. His story is one of purpose and adventure, from his military service in the Royal Australian Infantry and 1st Commando Regiments to his evolution as a formidable figure in motorsports. Whether navigating the challenges of military life or competing in the high-octane world of racing, Rick has consistently turned obstacles into stepping stones.
His ethos is simple. “It’s not about how many times you get knocked down, but how many times you get back up,” Rick emphasises, referencing the stoic lessons he learned during his military career.
“Failure is a great lesson, it builds resilience, and resilience is what helps you move forward.” This mindset has guided him through personal and professional challenges, showcasing his unyielding determination.
BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU TO HIGH-SPEED RACING
Rick’s journey into motorsport began with a thoughtful gift from his wife. “My wife purchased me an AMG drive day at Phillip Island quite some years back,” Rick recalls. “I was starting to have consistent spinal issues from a military parachuting injury and competing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. She knew I needed something else, especially as I was spending so much time at home. I think she was going to kill me,” he says with a laugh, suggesting that he’s not afraid of anyone except for his wife…
That day at Phillip Island proved transformative. “That was it—I was hooked, and that’s really when the journey began,” Rick recalls. The adrenaline of driving a high-performance car redirected his competitive spirit from martial arts to motorsport.
What began as a love for track days quickly grew into professional racing. Rick’s determination and leadership naturally led him to become the team principal for Praga Racing ANZ.
“I’ve always been drawn to environments where discipline and precision are paramount, and racing is exactly that,” he explains. For Rick, the ultimate reward of racing is winning. “Holding up the trophies goes alright, just quietly,” he quips, capturing his competitive nature.
WATCHES AND CARS REIMAGINED
Renowned for their meticulous craftsmanship, the guys at Singer Vehicle Design turn classic Porsche 911s into profound works of art. In contrast, the guys at Singer Reimagined translate the same ethos into extraordinary timepieces. As such, the Singer cars and watches go hand in hand.
“I had no idea what a Singer was when my good friend Bobby Zagame introduced me to it,” Rick recalls. “But as I did my research, I quickly realised the craftsmanship and artistry involved. These cars are as rare as rocking horse shit… They’re not just cars; they’re legacy pieces.” Rick’s collection includes several Singer Porsches; each customised with the Campbell family tartan to represent heritage and individuality.
His passion extends to Singer Reimagined watches. “The Singer Reimagined Track1 captures everything I love about the cars—bold, innovative, and endlessly precise,” Rick shares. For him, these masterpieces embody a shared pursuit of excellence, blending precision, performance, and artistry in a way that resonates deeply with his ethos.
GET A REAL EDUCATION
Rick’s story challenges the conventional wisdom that academic achievement determines success. Reflecting on his school years, Rick shares, “I went to one of Victoria’s very prestigious schools, but I was a bit of a square peg in a round hole. I didn’t finish my final year.” Rick laughs.
This perspective deepened as Rick found himself in exclusive circles of high achievers during track days. “The thing that really stuck out to me was 90% of those guys in there were self-made. Probably 60-70% of those guys, like me, had left school early,” he recalls. These experiences reinforced his belief that success is not built on academic credentials but on vision, resilience, and an unrelenting drive to outwork everyone else.
Rick’s message is clear: the traditional paths of education and career are not the only routes to success. “Be bold and back yourself when opportunities arise,” he advises. “Your life is defined by the choices you make, the risks you take, and the people you trust.” For Rick, success does not reflect where you started but where you choose to go.
THE GIFT OF DISCIPLINE
Rick exemplifies a remarkable journey, evolving from a disciplined soldier to a leader in the world of motorsport. His calm confidence and unyielding resolve are matched by an exceptional ability to navigate life’s complexities with strategy, precision, and respect.
Rick is far more than a businessman, a collector, or a leader; he elevates those around him, turning opportunities into legacies and challenges into triumphs.
Rick’s story is a reminder that success isn’t measured by material wealth or titles but by the respect you earn, the connections you forge, and the lives you touch. In a world captivated by fleeting glories, Rick is a testament to the enduring power of family, integrity, humility, and vision. His journey inspires because it defies the conventional path—and in doing so, invites others to believe they can live an extraordinary life, too.
