Richard Hinterman began his first successful career in 1958 when, at the age of twenty one, he purchased a Ford dealership in Imlay City, MI. Richard received the Distinguished Achievement Dealer Award from ford Motor Company thirteen consecutive years and served on the Dealer Council Board for six years. During this time Richard branched out and opened a mobile home and motorhome sales business. This expanded to Arizona and Florida. In 1975 Richard sold the business and semi-retired to become a gentleman farmer in Imlay City.  Then an opportunity to purchase an aquatic application business came along. The more involved Richard and his wife, Judy got in the aquatics business, the more they liked it. This led to obtaining distributorships of aquatic products and the growth of Cygnet Enterprises. During this time Richard was on the Michigan D.N.R. Committee for Aquatics, Agriculture Committee and helped to re-write the manuals and workbooks for aquatics.

Richard was also one of the original members of the Midwest Aquatic Plant Management Society. He served as President twice and was a Board of Director for many years. He was recognized as an Honorary Member of MAPMS in 2011. He was also one of the original founders of Michigan Aquatic Managers Association , President, a member, and affiliate of the Board for many years.

Richard has been a member of APMS for over thirty seven years, served as a Board of Director, and was President in 2003.  He served as Finance Committee Chairman for over fifteen years.

Mr. Hinterman is one of the original founders of the Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Foundation, has been a member, President, and is standing Treasurer.