Introduction
Welcome, folks! Today, we’re going to dig into the remarkable story of RAKS Building Supply and the entrepreneurial duo, Kenny Trujillo and Richie Tabet. Not only is their business journey an inspiring tale, but their investment in Turtleback Mountain Resort is worth exploring, as is their connection to the TV series Breaking Bad. So, grab a cup of joe, sit back, and let’s embark on this adventure together!
Raks Building Supplies: A Thriving Business
Kenny Trujillo and Richie Tabet are the proud owners of RAKS Building Supply, a successful business with five locations spread across the greater Albuquerque area. Let’s take a closer look at how this dynamic duo built their empire.
Humble Beginnings
Working for a small family lumberyard, Kenny and Richie, Kenny’s uncle, dreamed of growing the business into one that served more customers from multiple locations. In 1986, that dream took root when the pair founded RAKS Building Supply, converting a Los Lunas roller skating facility into their first RAKS location. Since then, they have grown to become New Mexico’s largest independent building materials dealer.
A Family Affair
Kenny, company vice president, and Ritchie, company president, aren’t the only family members working in the business. Parents, children and other relatives have been a huge part of RAKS’ success, with all holding key roles in driving the company forward. And one day, the company will transition to Kenny and Ritchie’s sons, although that may be quite some years down the road as retirement is not currently in view for either of these hardworking partners. Meanwhile, this amazing team of family members and other employees are focused on providing exceptional service and creating and sustaining a great working environment.
The Philosophy behind RAKS
Kenny Trujillo and Richie Tabet, passionate and skilled entrepreneurs, are the masterminds behind RAKS Building Supply. With hard work and dedication, they turned their dream into a thriving reality.
Their “have it all, all the time” philosophy, in tandem with their bold promise to deliver anywhere in the state’s 122,000 square miles and have morning orders loaded and out to their customers within four hours, truly sets them apart. In addition, they are laser focused on quality, price and service, fully determined to consistently provide all three to their customers. To do so, they excel in inventory management, ensuring they have what their customers want when they want it.
Expanding Their Footprint
Over the years, RAKS Building Supply has flourished, expanding to multiple locations in the Albuquerque area, thanks to exceptional business acumen and a customer-focused approach.
Today, RAKS has two locations in Albuquerque, one of which is a truss plant, along with stores in Los Lunas, Socorro and Edgewood, New Mexico. Their staff of over 200 grows seasonally, particularly in the spring and summer months due to a large garden center at their Los Lunas location.
And when it comes to equipment, RAKS is most definitely well equipped. Semis with fork lifts, nearly four dozen one and two-ton trucks, and a dedicated rail spur in Albuquerque, which allows them to load about 80 railcars per week, are all part of the mix.
Products include lumber, sheetrock, drywall, roofing, tools, paint, plumbing, electrical, wood trusses, windows, fencing, and wood burning pellet fuel
RAKS Building Supply’s Connection to Breaking Bad
The booming film and television industry in New Mexico has served as another source of growth for RAKS Building supply, which is now a major supplier of products needed to build sets. That relationship led to RAKS’ Los Lunas location making its way into Season One, Episode Two of Breaking Bad. The film crew wanted the store closed for the shoot but they capitulated and filmed with customers coming and going. The store still sees Breaking Bad tourists stopping by to see where the filming took place and Kenny is often stopped by Breaking Bad fans when wearing a RAKS shirt or hat.
Deepening Roots in Turtleback Mountain Resort’s Villa Tuscano
Kenny and Richie are no strangers to the beautiful Turtleback Mountain Resort’s Villa Tuscano neighborhood. As long-time second-home residents, they’ve experienced the benefits of living and investing in this picturesque community.
A Home Expansion
Several years ago, Kenny and his wife, Ana, expanded the home they built at Turtleback Mountain Resort by adding substantial living space together with an RV garage and swimming pool. The home, which overlooks Sierra del Rio golf course’s second fairway and green as well as a picture-perfect pond, has been the site of many welcoming gatherings for friends and family.
Building Another Home
Kenny and Ana have recently embarked on a new project: constructing another, larger home in the community. Currently under construction, this new home sits on one of Turtleback Mountain Resort’s mesas with a million-dollar view of the clubhouse, golf course and Turtleback Mountain. Once this home is completed, Kenny and Ana plan to sell their existing home and will likely be spending as much time as possible at their beautiful new mesa-top home.
Investing Deeper into Turtleback Mountain Resort
Kenny and Ana’s decision to build a second home in Turtleback Mountain Resort is a testament to their belief in the community’s potential and the benefits of investing in the area. It’s also a testament to their confidence in PreReal™ Investments’ golf course and property enhancements to date and the many changes still to come.
FAQs
- What is RAKS Building Supply?
- RAKS Building Supply is a successful building industry business owned by Kenny Trujillo and Richie Tabet, with five locations in Central New Mexico.
- How did Kenny and Richie start their business?
- Kenny Trujillo and Richie Tabet have worked in the building materials industry all their lives. First working in a small family lumberyard, the pair opened RAKS Building Supply in 1986 and have grown the business into a thriving enterprise, now with five locations.
- What is Turtleback Mountain Resort’s Villa Tuscano?
- Turtleback Mountain Resort’s Villa Tuscano is a stunning residential community where Kenny and Richie both own homes, cherishing the beauty and tranquility of the area.
- Why are the Trujillos building another home in Turtleback Mountain Resort’s Villa Tuscano?
- Kenny and his wife, Ana, are building another home in Turtleback Mountain Resort to expand their living space, capture the community’s million-dollar views from the vantage point of building on a mesa, and creating a welcoming and inspiring environment they can share with family and friends.
- What is PreReal™ Investments?
- PreReal™ Investments is a cutting-edge investment platform that has purchased Turtleback Mountain Resort and Sierra del Rio golf course.
Conclusion
The story of RAKS Building Supply and its owners, Kenny Trujillo and Richie Tabet, is truly inspiring. From their unwavering dedication to growing their business to their deepening roots in Turtleback Mountain Resort, Kenny and Richie exemplify an entrepreneurial spirit. As they continue to invest in their business and the communities in which they live, the future will surely be bright for this dynamic duo.
