Following graduation from Stanford in 1949, he began his career as program director of KDFC-FM. Dick spent two years in the UC Coast Guard ('51-'53) as an officer.

Recognizing the potential of the then infant industry called television, he elected to help launch KTVU-36 Stockton ('54), KOVR-13, Stockton from Mt. Diablo ('55), KCRA-3, Sacramento, before moving onto KRON in '57. During his tenure, Dick introduced many firsts in this new medium, with his creative talents expanding beyond the limits of promotion into programming.

In 1958, he was lured to Hawaii to Kaiser's newly acquired KHVH-TV for a position, which shortly after his arrival became that of general manager. He quickly turned KHVH-TV into the top-rated station in Hawaii. This success convinced Kaiser to invest in a group of seven television stations on the mainland, including KBHK in San Francisco.