Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Schemmel.
Hi Ryan, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Over the last few years, we converted our old maker space of 10 years to a 501c3 non-profit organization that is now operated and governed by its wonderful staff and board. Last year, they rebranded the space as “The Forge” and it continues to incubate makers, small businesses, and artists.
From 2018 – 2022, we used our experience in the community development world to consult small towns like Independence, Missouri, and Springdale, Arkansas on best practices for retaining and supporting creative talent through programming and real estate development. We also consulted MarketStreet Equities, a real estate developer in Nashville, on the best use of space and ways to activate their development at Geodis Park with foot traffic, helping attract the creative class. Simultaneously, me and my business partner, Joshua Cooper, have been focusing on growing our newly rebranded For Houston fabrication business. We have spent the first half of 2023 on new client and partner acquisition, doing a lot of outreach in the experiential event and activation industry.
Helping solve design, fabrication, and installation needs for experiential agencies, event producers, and trade show exhibitors has been very exciting, and I’m happy to say we are on track to have our biggest year on record since our inception in 2012! We couldn’t have done it without our stellar new fabrication team and our mentors. We are also looking forward to releasing some “maker wear” soon – hoodies and other clothing fit for people who work in shops and need to transition to a night out!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As per usual – no. Professionally speaking, it took a lot of trial and error to figure out how to discover and retain new clients in a fabrication industry that is mostly looking for the cheapest price.
Personally speaking – my life took me to Arkansas and then to the west coast during COVID, and those life decisions truly changed the way our business operated. It was a catalyst for closing the chapter on my leadership with the makerspace after my attention was extremely diverted. Though, it has also allowed me to focus on expanding our fabrication company’s client list on the west coast. In the end, struggle is growth.
We’ve been impressed with Fort Houston, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Fort Houston is an experiential design and fabrication company serving the entertainment, event, interior design, and real estate/hospitality industries (we used to operate a makerspace under the same banner prior to splitting the two and converting it to a non profit). Our fabrication teams build radical activations and exhibit professionalism on-site, streamlining partnerships with agency producers and event planners.
Our ability to develop creative ideas within a realistic built environment and our boutique attention to client needs is what sets us apart, helping manage expectations for all. We understand our client’s needs and have aggregated an otherwise fragmented group of fabricators for their projects.
Recently, we got to design, fabricate and install work for the Dead and Co. (remaining members of the Grateful Dead) touring VIP experience. Creatively and logistically (fabricating in Nashville, shipping and installing in Los Angeles, etc.) it was a benchmark project, our client was incredible, and I’m extremely proud of our hardworking team!
Can you talk to us about happiness and what makes you happy?
My wonderful and kind girlfriend, Laura Hanson Sims, and dogs. They both provide peace.
Contact Info:
- Website:www.forthouston.com and www.schemmelmethis.com
- Instagram: @schemmelmethis and @forthouston
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-schemmel-b173b821/
Image Credits
Kiddest Metaferia
