When you hear the name “Nicholas Riccio,” you might think of a man who seemingly came out of nowhere to build a multimillion-dollar real estate empire. For others, especially those in political or news circles, Riccio is best known as the husband of Karoline Leavitt, the youngest White House Press Secretary in U.S. history. But who really is Nicholas Riccio? How did he build his wealth? Who were the people and events that shaped his life? And how does his name occasionally get tangled with that of British actor Nicholas Hoult?
In this deep-dive article, we’ll explore Nicholas Riccio’s net worth, his background, family, father, and age—and we’ll also touch briefly on Nicholas Hoult for readers who might have landed here looking for him.
Early Life and Humble Beginnings
Nicholas Riccio’s journey to financial success did not start with privilege. Born in 1965 in Hudson, New Hampshire, Riccio was one of four children raised by Anthony and Marilyn Riccio. His parents divorced when he was young, leaving his family in difficult circumstances.
In his late teens, Riccio experienced periods of homelessness, often sleeping in his car or staying with friends. It was a time of instability, but it forged a deep resilience in him—the kind that would later power his business ambitions.
He attended Alvirne High School, graduating in 1983, and enrolled at Plymouth State University. While his college path was not entirely linear, it was during this period that he discovered his passion for real estate. A pivotal turning point came in 1990, when Riccio took a real estate course that would set him on the trajectory to his future empire.
Building an Empire in Real Estate
After earning his real estate license, Riccio began by buying undervalued or neglected properties—many in the Hampton Beach area of New Hampshire. These properties were often in need of extensive renovation.
By using a combination of sweat equity, market savvy, and a keen eye for location, Riccio turned run-down buildings into profitable rental units or resale projects. Over the years, he amassed a portfolio of around 15 buildings and 70 rental units in Hampton Beach alone. His reach eventually extended to properties in the White Mountains and even Boston.
His primary business entities, Riccio Enterprises LLC and Nautical Beach Properties/Rentals, became synonymous with upscale yet accessible seaside living.
The Personal Side: Family, Father, and Private Life
Father and Family Background
Nicholas Riccio’s father, Anthony Riccio, worked hard to provide for his family despite the challenges of divorce and raising multiple children. While not in the public eye himself, Anthony’s work ethic and determination clearly influenced Nicholas’s approach to life and business. His mother, Marilyn Riccio, is remembered for instilling the values of perseverance and self-reliance in her children.
Riccio has three siblings, though he tends to keep details about them private.
Marriage and Public Attention
In January 2025, Riccio married Karoline Leavitt, a rising political figure and media personality. Their relationship drew attention not only for Leavitt’s political career but also because of the couple’s 32-year age gap.
They met in 2022 at a political event, got engaged in December 2023, and tied the knot in a private ceremony attended by family and close friends. On July 10, 2024, they welcomed their first child, Nicholas Robert (“Niko”) Riccio.
Net Worth: What the Numbers Say
Nicholas Riccio’s net worth is a subject of much speculation online. Reliable sources, including Wikipedia, People Magazine, and WestPhalian Times, estimate his fortune at around $6 million. This figure appears consistent when cross-referenced with local property records and the size of his real estate holdings.
However, some lifestyle blogs and celebrity net worth sites claim a higher number—up to $45 million—though these appear speculative and lack verification.
The $6 million estimate is based primarily on:
- Real estate holdings in New Hampshire and Massachusetts
- Rental income from over 70 units
- Business operations through Riccio Enterprises LLC and Nautical Beach Properties
Work Ethic and Entrepreneurial Approach
Riccio is known for his hands-on management style. While many property developers delegate heavily, Riccio often personally oversees renovations and ensures tenant satisfaction. This not only reduces costs but also allows him to maintain quality control.
His philosophy combines long-term investment thinking with community revitalization. Hampton Beach, once known for aging motels and seasonal crowds, has seen an uptick in modernized accommodations partly due to entrepreneurs like Riccio.
A Quick Detour: Nicholas Hoult—Another “Nicholas” in the Spotlight
Some readers searching for “Nicholas” news might also be thinking of Nicholas Hoult, the British actor known for his roles in About a Boy, X-Men, Mad Max: Fury Road, and The Great.
Hoult, born in 1989, is a very different kind of public figure—one whose net worth (estimated at $8–12 million) comes from film and television, not real estate. While the two Nicholases have no known personal or professional connection, both share the qualities of dedication and career longevity in their respective fields.
Age and Longevity in Business
As of 2025, Nicholas Riccio is 60 years old. His career spans more than three decades, and he shows no sign of slowing down. While many in his age bracket consider scaling back, Riccio continues to pursue new property investments and expand his rental portfolio.
This longevity is partly due to his deep knowledge of local markets and his ability to adapt to changing economic conditions. He weathered the 2008 housing crisis, pandemic-related market shifts, and rising interest rates—emerging stronger each time.
Public Image and Media Attention
Before his marriage to Karoline Leavitt, Riccio maintained a relatively low profile outside of real estate circles. Post-marriage, however, media outlets began covering him more frequently—often focusing on his net worth, their age gap, and their political connections.
While some coverage has leaned toward sensationalism, Riccio generally keeps his interviews focused on business strategy and personal values rather than political commentary.
Lessons from Nicholas Riccio’s Story
Riccio’s life offers several takeaways:
- Resilience Matters – His ability to overcome early-life hardships laid the foundation for later success.
- Invest in What You Know—Focusing on real estate allowed Riccio to become an expert in his field.
- Hands-On Leadership Pays Off—Personal involvement in projects ensures quality and builds trust with clients and tenants.
- Adaptability is Key – Navigating shifting markets has kept his business relevant.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Nicholas Riccio?
Given his track record, Riccio is likely to continue expanding in the New England real estate market. He may also explore luxury vacation rentals and boutique hotel projects, especially in areas experiencing seasonal tourism booms.
His partnership with Karoline Leavitt may also open doors to more public speaking engagements, charity work, or even political fundraising events—further cementing his place in the public eye.
Final Thoughts
Nicholas Riccio’s story is one of grit, reinvention, and strategic vision. From sleeping in his car to managing a multimillion-dollar portfolio, he embodies the self-made American entrepreneur archetype.
While his marriage to Karoline Leavitt brought him into national headlines, his business success stands on its own merit. As he enters his seventh decade, Riccio shows that with the right combination of perseverance, skill, and adaptability, age is just a number.
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