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 was exposed to design and wealth as a child. They intrigued me. Although our home was in a modest suburb of Pittsburgh (Bethel Park), it was an English Tudor with a curved staircase, woven patterned wool carpets and vaulted ceilings with a balcony over the living room.  

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 often spent at the airport. My brothers and I took turns flying to The Masters, Mexico City, Calgary, Los Angeles, etc. 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 three brothers. We were very competitive. All four of us, along with our wives, remain best friends. My wife and I have been married for 40 years and we have two wonderful children and two grandchildren. I still learn every day from my children and wife.

In retrospect, I was heavily influenced by Mr. George Love. He owned Consolidation Coal and was CEO of Chrysler. My father reported to him. 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 suburb 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. Yet, Italian culture was integral to upbringing. 

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, live a life of gratitude and to be loyal.

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

CPR: Certain products and designers have a soul. 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 adds their unique point of view to their client’s aesthetic. Good tasted and sophistication is visceral. 

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.’ 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; we possess the highest standards. 

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, Pam Danziger, and Noel Kapferer. My first book will be published in 2025.

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

CPR: My daughter lives in San Francisco and my son domiciles in Bermuda. They’re my two favorite places to visit. Certainly Italy and Europe are wonderful to visit too. I often keynote events so I’m fortunate to explore American cities too. And it’s always nice to return home to Pittsburgh. 

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

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.