A Conversation with Ralph Ruder
The summer of 2026 brought Ralph back to Milwaukee for a visit. The perfect time for a catch-up coffee and conversation. While he is enjoying retirement, he loved sharing some of his design career reflections and wisdom with us---to pass along to you.
What do people underestimate when they leave a corporate job?
The benefits you stop seeing because someone else is paying for them. In my leadership role in an architectural firm, my health insurance was covered 100%, including deductibles, plus a car and its insurance. And when you go on vacation, you go on vacation (and get paid)!
Looking back on how your age influenced your decision to relocate, do you still feel it was important timing?
I told myself at 49 that I had to move now to build a life, but in hindsight, it was all me selling it to myself. It truly had nothing to do with age.
Reflecting on your move to Palm Springs, what stands out?
I think I spend more time figuring out which pair of shoes I'm going to buy than I do a house, a car, or moving across the country. I knew that I wanted to move, and I did not plan it out as I should have, and I didn't account for the ramifications of doing so, especially financially. I am thankful for investing in retirement funds earlier in my career. Without that, I wouldn’t be retired today.
What surprised you about starting your own business?
The business behind the business. Sales taxes, unemployment taxes, quarterly estimated taxes, forming an LLC, putting myself on a salary, hiring a bookkeeping service, etc. You have freedom, but that becomes a small fraction of it when you're sitting doing QuickBooks.
As a business owner, how did networking factor into your project opportunities?
I never marketed. All of my business was generated through referrals and repeat clients. My hard work and experience earned their trust, and I developed long-term relationships and often friendships with my clients.
Why did you retire?
Truthfully, it wasn’t an aspiration, but rather more erosion—It was no longer fun. I still do occasional work for some of my favorite clients. The decision criteria are simple now—will it be fun and easy?
What's changed in the profession, and what remains the same?
What remains is the pride of realizing someone else's vision and making them happy. What's changed is the internet collapsing perceived value: clients price-shop the object and don't see the ordering, delivery, setup, and coordination around it.
What are you most proud of?
I'm actually proud that I had a career, because I came out of nothing. I didn't go to school for this. It was all relationships and learning on the job, and being scared to death taking a new job, not knowing what I was doing. Honestly, I never put that word to it, that I have a career. It never was 'this is my career' until afterwards.
Learn more about Ralph’s Career Journey—A Strategic Move.