Rick Filipovic was born into a hardworking Croatian immigrant family that valued discipline, independence, and resilience above all else. His father escaped communism in the 1950s and rebuilt a life from the ground up in Canada. From a young age, Rick and his brother were expected to learn by doing. Whether it was following their father through construction sites or mastering tools at the age of ten, practical knowledge was a part of everyday life. His mother, equally influential, taught him to cook, clean, and take ownership of his own responsibilities — a rare focus in an era that often left boys unprepared for independence.

At home, English was taboo. Croatian was the only language spoken, reinforcing not just fluency but a deep cultural identity. Rick grew up immersed in the customs, traditions, and values of his heritage. Social circles revolved around the local Croatian church, community center, and cultural groups. He was introduced to Croatian folklore and traditional music at an early age, performing in the folk ensemble from age 8 and eventually leading those groups for over 40 years.

His upbringing wasn’t privileged, but it was rich in life lessons — how to work hard, how to make do with little, how to contribute to something bigger than yourself. These experiences became the blueprint for Rick’s leadership philosophy: grounded, humble, and always people-first.