Richard Rhodes, Founder and CEO
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.
Steve Alamin, President and COO
Steve Alamin brings to RAS a breadth of leadership experience in global sourcing, luxury brands and service. For the past 20 years, Steve has established supply networks in Europe, South America and Asia to deliver exquisite products to discerning clients. After successful careers at Federated Department Stores/MACY's, SONY, and Newell/Rubbermaid, he launched Market Pioneer Consulting to focus on building world-class brands and operations that enhance client experience. He has a record of proven leadership from start-ups to mature businesses, with emphasis on meeting client and shareholder expectations. Mr. Alamin particularly enjoys working closely with clients' creative teams. Mr. Alamin graduated from The State University of New York with a BS in Management and continues professional development in select areas from PricewaterhouseCoopers, Kepner-Tregoe, Xerox and MIT.
Robert Quaak, Director of Operations
Robert graduated from the University of Lund, Sweden with a BA in Sinology and Mandarin Chinese.Robert then spent over 3 years as a Ranger in the Swedish Army.After leaving the Swedish Army, he took his backpack and set off traveling around Asia. In the late 80's he worked as an instructor in the Asian Airline industry and after spending some time in Europe moved back to Taiwan where he became the first employee in a European trading company setting up the company's production of medical goods in China.In 4 years the company grew to 80 employees in four countries. In 1998 Robert moved to Seattle where he became the Purchasing Manager for North and South America at the overseas buying office of Japan's largest supermarket chain.He joined Rhodes Architectural Stone in 2003.Robert speaks 5 languages and is a board member of The Council of European Chambers of Commerce in Seattle.In his free time he plays hockey, tennis and participates in occasional Adventure Races.
