Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Lanzel.
Hi Ryan, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
When I was a high school student I took a variety of art classes and leaned into the idea of using art as a creative career. My art teacher taught me to explore different mediums, styles, and subjects, igniting a passion for creative expression in me. I decided to follow in his beloved high school teacher’s footsteps and graduated from Mercyhurst College, his Alma Mater, with a degree in graphic design and photography.
After completing my degree I moved to Savannah, Georgia, home of the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). Determined to work in the arts I tirelessly searched for a creative career and was chosen as the head photographer for a company specializing in custom gifts. As the company grew I proved invaluable not only as a photographer but in my ability to create branding and marketing materials, engineer product displays, and design/build storefronts from the ground up. In an effort to expand our product line, we purchased a laser engraver I had the creative freedom to explore. After experimentation, I helped launched a new business named Fire and Pine, creating custom wood engraved maps and home decor. I was later recognized by the Gift and Home Trade Association for my entrepreneurial efforts, philanthropy, and conservation by being awarded the inaugural Chad Corzine Young Gift and Home Executive Award. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, I helped lead my team in manufacturing essential PPE for frontline workers, earning us the South Carolina Manufacturing Excellence Award from the Governor. My artwork is now featured in over 1,000 storefronts in all 50 states and internationally. I currently serve as the Executive Vice President and Creative Director of both companies and continue to explore different mediums, styles, and subjects during product development.
In my spare time, I continue to enjoy creating works of fine art from home and have most recently been captivated by the beauty of woodworking.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I would not say my creative career has been a smooth road, although it has not necessarily been an unpleasant one either. I believe every road leading to where you are today should have its bumps, ups and downs, and crossroads. These difficult times and decisions lead to lessons learned and can be the driver for creative problem-solving. I have learned to embrace difficult decisions and challenges as ways to innovate and create solutions. For example, in 2020 when the world was stunned by the COVID pandemic, not unlike most other companies across the globe, we were faced with canceled orders, supply chain issues, and an overall halting of sales. This could have easily led to us laying off our staff and hoping things would quickly get back to normal. We realized that we were faced with a difficult decision, but a unique opportunity. We decided to utilize our team, machinery, and creative problem solving to cease our standard production of artwork and pivot to the manufacturing of personal protective equipment. We took a chance and sourced materials as locally as possible, adjusted our machinery, and designed a workflow that safely and effectively manufactured face shields for frontline workers. In the end, we were able to keep our staff employed while donating thousands of shields to hospitals nationwide. This earned us an award from the Governor and solidified the fact that we can overcome difficult obstacles.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
We specialize in wood-engraved maps and home decor, renowned for our personalization and attention to detail. Our diverse designs are complemented by our ability to create unique pieces for each customer. Each piece of wood is as distinctive as its owner, and we take pride in our innovation and continuous growth. Designing and manufacturing our artwork in-house allows us to create truly unique pieces, providing flexibility to adapt and stay competitive. This approach ensures a unique and enjoyable experience for our customers when personalizing their artwork. I am extremely proud of our growth thus far and am excited to see what we come up with next.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Many things bring me joy, such as spending time with my wife and dogs, and enjoying outdoor activities like hiking and biking. However, the greatest happiness comes from forging meaningful relationships with friends and family, creating memories through shared meals and conversations. The unique feeling of a meaningful connection, paired with good food, conversation, and company, is unparalleled.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.fireandpine.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fire_pine/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firepine
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@FireandPine
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@fireandpine?lang=en
