We caught up with Richard Dickson, one of Scotland’s most successful young entrepreneurs. After a brief spell as an electrician and a junior MMA fighter, he made his first steps as an entrepreneur studying and investing in online trading markets before moving into property and online coaching.
My car of choice
The Rolls Royce Ghost is effortless to drive despite being massive, it steers light as a feather and screams luxury. I’ve had the Mercedes AMG GT and BMW i8 as well as the McLaren 570S Spider which goes fast, but the Rolls is also deceptively speedy.
My favourite holiday destination
I love Las Vegas and I go three or four times a year because of my interest in UFC, having previously been an MMA fighter. I also enjoy the World Series of Poker tournaments. You can only stay a few days, but the food is fantastic and I love the hotels, which are like mini-cities, which I find fascinating.
My gadget I can’t live without
I am a phone addict and everything Apple is connected, and despite advice I will spend more time on the screens rather than less. Social media is the way I have built my businesses and my personal brand, but I can do so much more, from tracking my cars to analysing golf courses before I play them.
My go to fashion brand
Although I wear a lot of different brands, I have a preference for Maison Margiela. I only found out about it from some of my favourite rappers mentioning it on their tunes and so I started looking out for it.
When I started doing well, I bought everything I could but there’s nowhere in Scotland that sells it anymore after the store 18 Montrose closed down. Now I have to go to Harrod’s in London and grab myself a couple of things whenever I am there.
My airline of choice
The one I use the most is British Airways, but the best experience I have had outside of flying private is Virgin Transatlantic Business Class. Emirates Business and Qatar Q Suites are superb but Virgin had the best staff and service, absolutely next level.
My favourite watch brand
I had a Rolex Skydweller, now I have a Datejust and a number of other luxury brands, but I really like the Casio G-Shock in different colours and I buy one whenever I go through an airport.
They look amazing and, for what they are, I will pick that up ahead of a Rolex or one of my other luxury watches.
My favourite restaurant
I have a particular diet because I don’t eat meat and I am very selective about what I eat, but it has to be Hakkasan in Mayfair. I’ve been to Hakkasan on every continent, but London is on its own and what they have in terms of Asian Fusion and plant based options, as well as their service, is unbelievable and creates a different attitude to eating out.
My guilty pleasure
I eat out pretty much every day and I spend thousands each year at the Panda House Chinese in Glasgow. When I first went into business, I used to go there and work because it’s close to where I grew up and Theresa and the team do a sterling job.
My favourite way to give back
I sponsor local food banks, and provide Christmas presents for local children every year, but I love speaking in schools. Inspiring the pupils and giving them tools and different ways of thinking and then seeing them taking your advice and making some long-lasting differences is an incredible thing to witness.
You can follow Richard on Instagram here.
