Nicholas Riccio

Riccio founded Riccio Enterprises and built a portfolio of rental properties, primarily in the Hampton Beach area of New Hampshire. He owns more than 15 buildings in the state, according to biographical accounts of his career.

He became interested in property development after taking a real estate course in 1990. He later focused on older and neglected properties in Hampton Beach, including buildings along M Street, where he began purchasing and renovating properties.

Riccio grew up in Hudson, New Hampshire, and experienced financial insecurity in his youth. After his parents, Anthony and Marilyn, divorced, he moved between homes and lived on the streets at age 18.

He attended Plymouth State University, supporting himself by stocking shelves at a grocery store and borrowing money. During periods when he could not afford rent, he sometimes slept in his car. His early experiences with housing insecurity informed his later interest in restoring neglected properties and revitalizing disadvantaged areas.

Riccio met Karoline Leavitt in 2022 during Leavitt's campaign for Congress in New Hampshire. A mutual friend who owned a restaurant invited Riccio to an event there where Leavitt was speaking. The pair first became acquainted as friends before beginning a romantic relationship.

Leavitt proposed that Riccio's support helped her pursue her political career. Riccio proposed in 2023, and the couple married in January 2025, shortly before Donald Trump's second inauguration. Leavitt has described him as her greatest supporter, best friend and rock.

Riccio and Leavitt's first child, Nicholas Robert Riccio, known as Niko, was born on July 10, 2024. Leavitt has described Riccio as a hands-on father who helped provide childcare while she returned to demanding political work.

Leavitt announced in December 2025 that the couple were expecting a daughter in May 2026. The birth of their second child was subsequently described as taking place in May 2026.