Richard Rhodes, Founder
Richard is a founding partner of Rhodes Architectural Stone, and a nationally recognized entrepreneur, artist, and designer with almost two decades of experience in the stone industry. He began his masonry career with a formal, hands-on apprenticeship in Siena, Italy. In 1984, he founded Rhodes Masonry, Inc., one of RAS’s principal affiliated companies. Richard has received many honors for his entrepreneurial achievements, including the SBA Small Business Administration HERO award for outstanding small business achievement. He is past president of the YEO Seattle Chapter (Young Entrepreneurs Organization), served on the International board of YEO as the VP of Strategic Relationships, and is past chairman of the YEO Advisory Council for the Kauffman Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, the country’s twelfth largest philanthropic organization. Richard is a graduate of the 2001 Birthing of Giants Class at MIT for High Growth Entrepreneurs and is currently a member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO). He and his work have been featured in publications such as Architectural Digest, Newsweek, and Sunset Magazine. In addition, Martha Stewart has selected the company for a television show highlighting the Best of the Northwest.
Richard has completed several major sculptural commissions. Although most of his work is privately held, his largest public sculpture is on permanent display at the newly opened Tacoma Art Museum, designed by Antoine Predock Architects.
Christopher D. Strachan, CEO
Chris Strachan brings to RAS a breadth of leadership experience in management, business development, marketing and service. For the past 25 years, Chris has developed, formed and run exciting companies in a wide range of fields. From a Regional VP for a Citi Group Financial company, property development, Chief underwriter for the 5th insurance and surety company in Utah, contract managment and monotoring, aviation services, to a motivational speaker. He has a record of proven leadership from start-ups to mature businesses, with emphasis on meeting client and shareholder expectations. Mr. Strachan particularly enjoys working closely with clients' project and creative teams.
