Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana Mehrmann.
Hi Diana, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My brother Steve and I are a team who own and manage Foxen Canyon Ranch. The over 200 acre ranch has been in our family since the early 1970’s and is near and dear to our hearts. Our parents established the ranch initially to run cattle and horses. Our dad was also a real estate broker who actually introduced the concept of growing grapevines to the area. He and his partner were the first real estate agents to sell the local ranches for something other than cattle. Since that time, the grapes grown in this area have generated many award winning wines.
With a generational change, my brother and I decided to open a venue to help cover the costs of running a ranch. While our ranch is not conducive to growing grapes, it makes a great location for corporate events and weddings.
We feel so lucky to be a small part of someones special day!
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?
Obtaining a Limited Land Use Permit is a difficult process in any location. When agriculture is involved, it becomes even more of a challenge. This process alone took almost three years. We obtained our permits a month before Covid shut the country down. For us, this was a blessing in disguise. We used that time to design, build, and create our vision. We were not able to tour other facilities for ideas and suggestions, instead we visualized what we thought our vendors would need to create a perfect event space.
Additionally, we did most of the physical work ourselves, While most of the country was stuck indoors, at home, baking bread and homeschooling their children, we were outside digging trenches and moving rocks!
They say timing is everything, and that was certainly the case for us. Once the covid restrictions were lifted, there were many couples who were ready to get married. Some had postponed their weddings and their original venue was no longer available, others were recently engaged and ready to move forward. Having a new venue, with open outdoor spaces worked to our advantage.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
We are business owners, ranchers and family. Our venue supports corporate events, weddings, TV and film shoots as well as commercials. (We have done it all!) Our primary business stems from the wedding industry. Our unique venue boasts a beautiful entrance, picturesque views, and large shady outdoor gathering areas. The venue is highlighted by a huge green lawn under a canopy of mature oaks, an approximate 2000 square foot covered outdoor bar that is open and breezy, and an approximately 4000 square foot modern barn that serves as a blank canvas for a wide variety of events. We also offer beautiful vistas and views.
As owners, we are very involved making sure each event is executed as smoothly as possible. We are very proud of the relationships that we have created and are fortunate in that many of our couples come back to visit and share their growing families with us!
A little known fact; our logo is actually the brand you will find on our cows. It was created by our father when he was in college!
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Our parents, first and foremost for having the vision to purchase the ranch “way back when.” Steve and I both have amazing support from our immediate families as well, Steve’s partner David offered his expertise in design and planning. My husband Tom was working overseas and offered endless support in our vision and plans. We also need to acknowledge a hand full of planners in the area who toured the property when we launched post covid. Many helped us with pricing structures and gave us suggestions on what to do and not do. We continue to reach out to them and ask their opinions on the product we offer. Our goal is to stay relevant and fresh in the market.
Pricing:
- $14,000 per event.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://foxencanyonranch.com
- Instagram: foxencanyonranch
- Facebook: foxencanyonranch
