Before Dick went into business, trying to find off-road gear or tires for a four-wheel-drive truck or Jeep was a formidable challenge.  Dick opened a large store, which was later expanded to a small chain of retail outlets. He initially sold tires and wheels, but eventually expanded to all aspects of off-roading: jacks, tents, auxiliary lights and even survival books. The Dick Cepek line of lighting became extremely popular. Within just four years, his products began being sold in foreign countries; South Africa, New Zealand, Japan and Italy became home to Cepek products. Dick went to the Baja peninsula in 1966 with friend Ed Pearlman to drive the 1,000-mile trail. This was considered the first "Baja 1000.” Dick and Ed came in second place. Cepek products later became stamped with the phrase "Baja-Proven.”