Meet The Team: Ron Brenner

In The Studio | Today we're continuing our meet-and-greet with the awesome team here at Ron Brenner Architects — interview style. Next up — Mr. Ron Brenner himself! Scroll down for the official interview.

Name?

Ron Brenner

Role at RBA?

Principal

Where did you grow up?

Richfield, Minnesota. It’s where I learned the value of hard work, and met my beautiful wife.

What was your first job?

Dishwasher at Howard Johnsons. My first night of work the cooks convinced me to “borrow” a six pack of beer from a catering cart. Great start Ron.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

Not getting fired from my first job. No, not really. Persevering through the ups and downs of this business we call Architecture.

What is your favorite place in the world?

Grand Teton National Park. The grandeur of those mountains, up close and from afar, is hard to beat.

What is at the top of your bucket list?

Customize an old Airstream and travel across this great country with my bride.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Back in the day it was the “Go Go’s”. Funny since I was a hardened “Rocker”. Now it is probably “Bachelor in Paradise”.

Do you have a hidden talent?

Yes - I can balance stuff on my nose or chin. I’ve balanced vacuums, axes, bar stools, and simple stuff like brooms and golf clubs.

If you had to give your vehicle a name, what would it be?

My grandkids named my car. It’s call “RubyZee”. RubZee for short. It’s an old BMW Z4. I get the Zee part but not sure where the Ruby comes from.

What would the title of your autobiography be?

“Don’t Quit Stupid”

What single thing could you simply not live without?

My Wife.

Which celebrity would you most like to have dinner with?

I am not in to celebrities, but - Fred Couples. He seems like a laid back dude that I could have a couple of laughs with. Maybe have a putting contest after dinner - one handed - the putter in one hand, with a bourbon in the other - win some money off of him.

What’s one family tradition you have passed down to your kids or would like to?

Exploring the great outdoors. Travel.

What is the best concert you have ever been to?

I’ve been to so many great concerts. I would not call this one my best concert, but what a culture shock - Fog Hat with Black Sabbath. I was just a kid and this was my very first concert. So much pot, and so many scary people. I was simultaneously thrilled and frightened.

What has been the best day of your life so far?

Also, I have had so many best days. My wedding. My kids. My “hole in one” day. I’ll tell you a great “moment”. I brought my wife Kelley for her first time to the south rim of the grand canyon. It was her first time. Early morning with no crowds and the sunrise washing the canyon in magnificent color. Brought her to the edge where she got her first glimpse. Her eyes began tearing and in no time she was full on balling in tears. I had no idea the effect it would have on her. That moment was priceless!