Dick Smith (businessman) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Richard "Dick" Smith AC
Smith in 2013
Born	Richard Harold Smith (1944-03-18) 18 March 1944 (age 81) Roseville, New South Wales, Australia
Education	North Sydney Technical High School
Known for	Entrepreneur, aviator
Spouse(s)	Philippa Aird McManamey
Children	2
Awards	Companion of the Order of Australia

Richard Harold Smith, known as Dick Smith, is an Australian businessman and amazing aviator. He was born on March 18, 1944. He started famous companies like Dick Smith Electronics, Australian Geographic magazine, and Dick Smith Foods.

Dick Smith loves flying and has set many world records in aviation. He is also a very generous person, giving lots of money to charities and helping protect nature. In 2015, he received a very high award, the Companion of the Order of Australia.

Early Life and Hobbies

Dick Smith grew up in Roseville, New South Wales. When he was a kid, school was a bit tough for him. He even called himself "Dick Miff" because he had a speech problem.

He joined the Scouts when he was 8 years old. This helped him love outdoor adventures. At 16, he got his amateur radio licence, which means he could talk to people using a radio. He later worked fixing taxi radios.

Starting Businesses

Dick Smith is known for starting several successful businesses. He always had a knack for seeing what people needed.

Electronics Empire

In 1968, Dick Smith started a small business called Dick Smith Car Radios. He invested about A$610 with his fiancée, Pip. This business grew very fast and became Dick Smith Electronics. It sold all sorts of electronics, especially Citizens Band radios and early personal computers.

By 1978, his business was making about A$17 million a year! In 1980, he sold Dick Smith Electronics to Woolworths for A$25 million. Even after he sold it, the stores kept his name for many years.

Australian Geographic Magazine

In 1986, Dick Smith started Australian Geographic Pty Ltd. This company published the Australian Geographic magazine. It was like National Geographic but focused on Australia's amazing places, wildlife, and people.

He sold this successful magazine business in 1995.

Supporting Australian Products

Dick Smith also cared a lot about Australian-made products. In 1999, he started Dick Smith Foods. The idea was simple: only sell food made in Australia by Australian-owned companies. All the money made from these foods went to charity.

He wanted to help Australian farmers and businesses. By 2019, Dick Smith Foods had given over A$10 million to charities!

Amazing Adventures and Flying Records

Dick Smith loves adventure, especially flying. He has set many world records in different aircraft.

Smith's map of adventures as a pilot, 1964–2013 (Will Pringle)

Climbing and Sailing

His first big adventure was in 1964, sailing to Ball's Pyramid, a tall rock in the ocean. He didn't reach the top then, but he came back in 1980 and successfully climbed it!

Flying Around the World

Dick Smith learned to fly in 1972. In 1982–83, he made history by completing the first solo helicopter flight around the world. He flew a Bell Jetranger 206B helicopter. His journey started in Texas and ended back in Texas, after flying over 70,000 kilometers!

Forced down north of Hudson Strait (1982)

He also made the first helicopter flight to the North Pole in 1987. He had tried twice before but finally made it on his third attempt.

Reaching Both Poles

In 1988–89, Dick Smith flew a special plane called a Twin Otter. He landed at both the North and South Poles, becoming the first person to fly around the world and land at both poles!

Ballooning and Solar Car

In 1993, Dick Smith and his co-pilot made the first balloon flight across Australia. Their balloon was called Australian Geographic Flyer. Later that year, he broke a record for crossing Australia in a purely solar-powered car, the Aurora Q1.

In 1995, he completed another helicopter flight around the world, this time with his wife, Pip. They were the first to fly a helicopter from east to west around the globe.

Fun Stunts

Dick Smith is also known for some funny and well-known pranks!

In 1978, on April Fool's Day, he tried to tow a fake iceberg from Antarctica into Sydney Harbour. He said it would be a new source of fresh water! He also once appeared on TV programs riding a pogo stick to promote his business.

Helping Others

Dick Smith is a very generous person and a major philanthropist. He has given millions of dollars to help many different causes.

Dick Smith (right) with his daughter

Supporting Charities

From his early flights over Antarctica, he raised money for charities like the Muscular Dystrophy Association. In 1985, he helped start the "B to B Bash," a major car rally that has raised over A$200 million for Variety, the Children's Charity over the years.

He gives about A$1 million every year to groups like The Salvation Army, the Australian Lions Foundation, and The Scout Association of Australia. He even helped fund an orphanage and library in Afghanistan.

Protecting Nature and Wildlife

Dick Smith cares deeply about the environment. He offered a A$25,000 reward for finding the rare Australian night parrot. This helped scientists find living specimens of the bird.

He has also supported efforts to protect wildlife and has been recognized for his work on environmental issues. A newly discovered ancient koala relative was even named Litokoala dicksmithi in his honor!

Public Voice

Dick Smith often speaks out on important issues. He has supported Aboriginal reconciliation, encouraging Australians to understand and respect Indigenous history. He also believes in managing Australia's population growth for a sustainable future.

He has also spoken about the importance of vaccinations and even helped pay a ransom to free Australian and Canadian journalists held hostage in Somalia.

Dick Smith in March 2023 at the Manly-Warringah Radio Society

Awards and Honours

Dick Smith has received many awards for his achievements and his generosity.

Images for kids

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  Forced down north of Hudson Strait (1982)