To celebrate Rehder Construction’s 30th anniversary, the company hosted a celebration at its offices last August, inviting past and current clients, subcontractors, and suppliers, as well as two prospects that were undecided about hiring the company. Owner Steve Rehder sent out printed invitations with an e-mail for RSVPs. Though he expected about 50 affirmative responses to the 150 invitations, about 80 guests attended the party.
The company’s three-room office, in a light industrial area in Campbell, Calif., wasn’t large enough for the event, so Rehder asked his landlord if he could expand into the parking lot, setting up tents with tall bar tables and serving appetizers and beverages there. “It was a beautiful Friday afternoon,” Rehder says, with clients wandering inside to look at the project photos on the walls and in portfolios in the company’s office and conference room.
Good Vibe
Rehder addressed his guests, thanking them for attending and talking about his pride in the long-standing relationships his company has with both clients and subs and vendors, noting, “It’s because of you that we are still here after 30 years.” Staff mingled with guests, reconnecting with past clients. Though Rehder says that he didn’t anticipate receiving many direct leads from the event, both the potential customers he had invited signed contracts within the week. He thinks the event helped them decide to work with Rehder Construction.
—Nina Patel, senior editor, REMODELING.
