CHRISTOPHER P. RAMEY, Founder

The Home Trust International

www.thehometrust.com

The Home Trust International (HTI): What first compelled you to enter business?

Christopher P. Ramey (CPR): I’ve always been intrigued with design, wealth and luxury. We were raised in suburb south of Pittsburgh called Bethel Park. It was a modest community, but our home was an English Tudor with a curved staircase, woven patterned wool carpets and vaulted ceilings – even a balcony over the living room. For a long time I wanted to be an architect.

Wealth intrigued me because my father was chief of aviation for a Fortune 100 company. He was responsible for their Gulfstreams, DH-125, a Falcon and several Beechcraft. Saturdays were usually spent at the airport. My brothers and I traveled all over North and Central America. It wasn’t until I was a sophomore at University of Miami that I flew on an airline. Flying on small jets wasn’t a luxury. It’s just what Dad did.

HTI: What inspires you and who has most influenced you?

CPR: My family. I was blessed with two wonderful parents. And with three brothers you can imagine we all learned to be competitive. All four of us remain best friends. My wife and I have been married for almost 40 years and we have two wonderful children and a granddaughter. I still learn every day from my children and wife.

In looking back, I was influenced by my Father’s boss, Mr. George Love. He owned Consolidation Coal and was CEO of Chrysler. We were allowed on the plane any time Mr. Love was on the plane. My dad served Mr. Love, but Mr. Love reciprocated by taking care of my father. I learned that loyalty is a core value. I also learned, and I’ve been told this is a Pittsburgh thing, that everyone is equal. Bethel Park was a Boro of immigrants. It seems everyone was either Italian, Polish, Hungarian, Russian, Irish, etc. But we all had fun with it and our traditions. My grandparents were born in Italy and my father was born as Louis Ramacciato – the name was Americanized before I was born.

HTI: What is the best advice you ever received?

CPR: I’ll share three stories: Mr. Alfio Pollice, who spoke with a thick Italian accent, lived next door. My Dad and he were close friends. One day I learned that he was highly ranked in Mussolini’s government, something akin to today’s Press Secretary. When I asked my Mom about it she explained that Mr. Pollice was victim of where he lived and that we had to forgive him.

The second story revolves around being raised as a second-generation Italian. My father was Luigi to many of his friends. We were taught all great food, art, culture and music emanates from Italy. Being of Italian descent was drilled into me.

The last advice from my Mother and Father was to be a lifelong learner. I learned to love reading, learning and teaching. I’d like to think a pearl of wisdom from every book I’ve read still sticks with me.
To those points, I have tried to live a balanced life, not be judgmental, help others and to be loyal.

HTI: Is there a common thread that runs through all great products?

CPR: Certain products have a soul. That’s something Richard Abbot from Paris Ceramics taught me. You see it once you understand it. We work very hard to ensure The Home Trust members and their products have a soul or je ne sais quoi.
Every great Interior Designer has a unique point of view. You’ll see it when you look at their portfolios. When I’m asked how to choose an Interior Designer the answer is easy; find some whose design aesthetic resonates with you. Most of The Home Trust’s Interior Designers routinely accept commissions from outside their geographic market.

HTI: In what ways has your company or industry changed over the years?

CPR: I’m told The Home Trust International is an ‘alternative institution.’ Remember, the entire concept of ‘technology platforms’ didn’t exist until a few years ago. There’s always resistance when people don’t understand what you do. There are intelligent people who are advancers and visionary who get it immediately. And, yes, there are some who are so independent and stuck in the past that they’ll never get it. The sad part is their independences has often segued into isolation. They just don’t know it.

We’ve been called everything from a ‘Secret Society’ to ‘Harrods for the home.’ The Business Observer called us ‘Angie’s List for the Wealthy.’ But it’s really much simpler. The Home Trust is a group of talented companies and individuals in design and shelter who have integrity.
We have a higher level of responsibility to each other and to our clients. To that point, we decline over half of the firms interested in joining.

HTI: Do you have a favorite book or author?

CPR: There are so many brilliant authors! I’d probably start with Ed DeBono, Dr. Clotaire Rapaille, Lewis Schiff, Noel Kapferer and Malcolm Gladwell. My favorite book is likely the one I’m currently reading.

HTI: Do you have a favorite city or place you like to travel?

CPR: Europe and most certainly Italy. But I enjoy exploring American cities too. I’s always nice to return home to Pittsburgh too. My children live in New York City and San Francisco so I’d probably have to say those are my two favorite cities to visit.

HTI: When you’re not working, where are you most likely to be found?
CPR: I thrive on work.

HTI: What is your favorite object that reflects extraordinary design and what makes a room?

CPR: I enjoy simplicity and grace. It can be as simple as a rounded shower curtain bar in a hotel to how a space is designed and/or merchandised. Some things ‘sing’ and some don’t. It’s visceral.

HTI: What makes a great organization?

CPR: A great organization fills a void and then blends its mission with shared values. Today, leveraging technology is essential to all great organizations. Everyone profits and grows in great organizations.

HTI: Why The Home Trust?

CPR: I’d like to think we define a great organization. Marketing to prospects is essential in design. At the same time, collaborations have become a pillar of luxury and growth. The Home Trust International does both.

Although there is a human need to interact with others, networking as we knew it five years ago is changing. With few exceptions, unless you’re stalking a certain individual, no one can shake enough hands to grow their business in a substantial manner. And it’s more challenging in the luxury shelter segment because HNWIs likely have more than one home.

HTI: Anything else you’d like to share with us?

CPR: My gratitude to those who are members in The Home Trust. One need only look at the images on this site to see the extraordinary talent of Home Trust members. It humbles me.