Name: Rich Kaalaas Business Name: Rein Fire Ranch
Website: www.reinfireranch.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReinFireRanch
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Rein_Fire_Ranch
Other: http://pinterest.com/reinfireranch/
How would you describe your business?
Rein Fire Ranch is an elegant rustic country venue nestled in the Sugarloaf Mountain Valley, just east of Maple Valley, WA.
What’s your favorite part of the job?
The People. Plain and simple. It is such an exciting time in a couples life, and I love assisting in the process, working with them.
What should a bride know about your expertise and experience?
Separate from having many years of design and management experience, I also have about 12 years of event production experience, ranging from dance events, fundraising and social events, so I have sense of the various components and how they play into the needs with respect to a venue layout and setup.
How did you get to where you are today?
A number of mistakes, and hopefully more successes. :)
What inspired you to start your business?
This is actually my second business that I have started. I learned a great deal from that one, and definitely carry that experience into this one. As to inspiration, I just don't sit still. I look upon a situation and start planning in my head. I looked across the ranch, and considered what changes I would start making to create the perfect mountain/ranch/garden setting that would appeal to couples, while at the same time retain is roots as a working farm.
In what ways do you take a leadership role in the wedding community?
Still working on leadership. I have a great deal still to learn, but I do feel that my background in design and branding is something that I have developed a great deal over the years.
How is your business different from your competitors?
With any venue that is outdoor and sort of farm oriented, each has similarities, pluses and minuses. I would say Rein Fire Ranch is different just in where it is situated in this amazing valley, as well as how far off of the main road we are. It definitely adds to the serene feel of the place.
Do you do anything special or different from your competition?
I feel that the ceremony garden and especially the gazebo that we have designed and built is very unique, and can be highly customized to each couples needs, while at the same time makes a statement in and of itself.
What is your range of services?
We offer venue rental, as well as set/up tear down services, and decorating services.
What has been your sweetest success story?
At our first wedding, it just so happened that one of the guest couples were the owners of a well established hospitality company in Seattle (venues, catering, planning…quite a large operation). The bride/groom went out of their way to introduce them to me during the reception. The praise, comments and feedback were pretty overwhelming, and truly made me believe in my vision of what this ranch could be, to couples getting married, the community, and ourselves as our home.
What was your most memorable wedding?
My own. :) Prior to really making big changes, we did our own wedding here a few years back. It is special to me obviously, but also set the stage for the big changes we have undertaken.
Who are some wedding vendors that inspire you and why?
Kelli Bielema of Shindig Events is one. She is just such a firecracker, and approaches everything with such zeal, while at the same time tossing in a bit of whimsy and deep creativity. I also have come to learn so much and become great friends with Kier and Mitzi of Firstlight Photography. Professional, Creative and down right whacky. Love them.
What are some of the pitfalls a bride can expect if they don’t hire a professional like yourself?
Missed details. Of course they come up, but without professional assistance, it can spin out of control, especially on the three days prior and during the wedding.
Who do you work well with and who is not the best match for your services?
I work best with collaborative people I think. Dictators and I don't mesh well, BUT if it is the couple getting married, I can work with it.
What are your hobbies or non-work-related activities that you enjoy?
The standard stuff, movies, hiking, we have a number of animals which keeps us busy.
What is the most awkward moment you’ve experienced while on the job?
Showing a gay male couple around the ranch, and touring the the "Bridal Suite". They asked me which one of them was to use that. I renamed it the Wedding Day Suite. :)
What is your favorite venue and why?
Well, Rein Fire Ranch, but if I picked next favorite, I really love Rock Creek Gardens in Puyallup. In addition to being amazing, Gracie and Dave have been very generous with their time and support as I have gotten the ranch up and running.
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