This fall marks a special milestone for R-W — 39 years of partnership, progress, and purpose. Nearly four decades ago, Raeder-Whaler (originally founded as Bray Associates and later Bray Whaler) began with a simple yet ambitious vision: to make the complex world of hospitality procurement more human, more transparent, and more trusted. What started as a small, service-driven consultancy has grown into a nationally recognized procurement firm serving some of the most distinguished names in hospitality and design.

As we reflect on the journey that brought us here — and look toward an exciting future ahead — we’re reminded that R-W’s story has never been just about projects, numbers, or even products. It’s about people. The relationships we’ve built, the trust we’ve earned, and the shared belief that great spaces start long before the first piece of furniture arrives.

From Humble Beginnings to Industry Leadership

R-W’s foundation was built on the understanding that procurement is about more than purchasing. It’s about translating design intent into reality, aligning stakeholders across disciplines, and managing every detail with precision and care.

In the early years, the company earned its reputation one project at a time — through hands-on collaboration, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to client satisfaction. Word spread quickly among developers, designers, and owners who appreciated R-W’s blend of strategic insight and genuine partnership.

That same foundation continues to guide us today. While the scale and sophistication of our projects have evolved, the values that shaped R-W remain steadfast: service, accountability, and excellence in execution.

The Power of Partnership

If there’s one constant across nearly four decades, it’s the power of relationships. R-W has had the privilege of partnering with some of the most visionary hotel brands, ownership groups, and design firms in the industry — from global icons to independent innovators.

Our success has always come from listening first — understanding not just what a client wants to achieve, but why. This approach has helped us navigate countless market cycles, design trends, and logistical challenges with agility and grace.

People at the Heart of Every Project

Behind every purchase order, logistics schedule, and installation plan is a team of people who care deeply about their craft. R-W’s strength lies in the expertise and dedication of its people — professionals who bring both precision and passion to every detail.

Our team’s collective experience spans decades and disciplines, from hospitality design and logistics to operations and accounting. But what truly sets R-W apart is our shared mindset: we think like owners.

We take pride in anticipating challenges before they arise, finding solutions that protect our clients’ interests, and ensuring that every dollar and detail aligns with the project’s greater vision. It’s this proactive, thoughtful approach that allows us to consistently deliver excellence — and peace of mind — to our clients and partners.

Evolving with the Industry

The hospitality industry has transformed dramatically since R-W’s founding in 1986. Technology, global supply chains, and shifting guest expectations have redefined how hotels and spaces come to life.

Through each wave of change, R-W has remained adaptive — embracing innovation while never losing sight of what matters most: the human element. Even as procurement becomes more digitalized, we remain guided by relationships, intuition, and service – because technology can enhance the process, but it will never replace the personal touch.

A Commitment to Community

As a firm deeply rooted in collaboration, R-W’s sense of responsibility extends beyond our clients and projects. We’re proud to be part of a broader ecosystem — one that includes our vendors, craftspeople, logistics partners, and communities (local, national and international).

Over the years, we’ve supported numerous philanthropic initiatives, from hospitality education programs to local outreach efforts. Our team members regularly volunteer, mentor, and give back to the communities where we live and work.

We believe that business thrives when communities thrive, and as we celebrate 39 years, we’re more committed than ever to fostering meaningful impact — within our industry and beyond.

Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter

At 39, R-W stands at an exciting intersection of legacy and growth. We are proud of what we’ve built, but even more energized by what lies ahead.

The future of hospitality is being shaped by evolving guest expectations, the growing importance of sustainability, and a renewed focus on experiential design. As procurement specialists, our role has never been more vital — bridging vision and execution with insight, creativity, and care.

As we look toward our 40th year, R-W remains committed to what we do best: helping our clients bring exceptional design to life, one project at a time. We’ll continue to build upon our legacy of service, strengthening relationships, investing in our people, and embracing innovation that enhances both efficiency and experience.

A Message of Gratitude

Anniversaries are as much about reflection as they are about appreciation. To our clients, design partners, vendors, and team members — thank you. Your trust, collaboration, and belief in our work have made these years possible.

Every successful project is the result of teamwork, communication, and shared vision. And every milestone we’ve achieved as a company reflects the incredible people who have shaped our journey.

As we mark this 39th year, we do so with immense gratitude — and with the same passion and purpose that inspired our beginnings.

Here’s to the next chapter of creativity, collaboration, and continued excellence.