International Mountain Equipment was founded in 1974 by Frank Simon, Bill Aughton and Paul Ross. In August 1979 Rick purchased I.M.E. from its founders. Since that time I.M.E. has become a legend, and the number one outdoor shop for serious hikers, climbers and skiers in Northern New England. Rick's passion for climbing and his love for big mountains has led him all corners of the globe, including leading his team on the successful 1991 climb of Mount Everest, the first New Englanders to do so. He has led or participated in 38 expeditions world wide with 19 expeditions to the Himalayas.