We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jeff Rohrich. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jeff below.
Alright, Jeff thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
Prairie Meadows: A Dream Come True
A Vision for Family and Community
The story of Prairie Meadows begins with Jeff and Sarah Rohrich, a couple whose dreams were inspired by the birth of their son, Gavin. They envisioned raising him in a serene, spacious environment where he could freely explore nature alongside their dogs. Their bustling life in Mandan seemed insufficient for their growing family needs, prompting them to consider the idyllic charm of rural life.
Their desire for a family-owned business aligned perfectly with their dream of a rural lifestyle. Jeff’s successful DJ company, JR#REQUEST DJ ENTERTAINMENT, had exposed him to numerous wedding venues, sparking a shared vision of creating their own. However, the exorbitant cost of land in their area posed a significant challenge.
Discovering the Perfect Location
The couple’s aspirations took a hopeful turn during a trip to a friend’s wedding at The Pines in Fargo. Inspired, they contemplated purchasing a farm or ranch with existing structures to transform into a rustic wedding venue. This led Jeff to rediscover the Spitzer Plantation Farm, a property he remembered from his childhood in Dawson. With excitement, they decided to explore this promising opportunity.
The decision to move was a calculated risk. They sold their new home and embraced the challenges of finding new daycare and enduring long commutes. Their offer on the property was accepted, and their house sold in just four days, propelling them into their new adventure.
Transforming a Dream into Reality
Upon moving to the ranch, the Rohrichs focused on renovating the elegant farmhouse, preserving its original charm while adding modern comforts. The house, surrounded by other charming structures, became the central focus of their vision. The main floor’s bridal suite, along with additional bedrooms and luxurious amenities, promised a unique experience for wedding parties.
The property also featured The Depot, a historic train station repurposed for the groomsmen’s preparations. Three barns offered versatile spaces for ceremonies, dining, and dancing, with the largest barn designed to accommodate 500 guests. The on-site chapel, named Prairie Meadows Chapel, inspired the venue’s name and was being lovingly restored.
Building Community and Future Plans
The Rohrichs see Prairie Meadows as more than a wedding venue; it is a catalyst for community growth. By attracting clients from across the state and beyond, they aim to create opportunities for local businesses, including caterers, photographers, and florists. Their commitment to community involvement is evident in their plans to collaborate with local talent and services.
While the grand opening of the bridal suites and house is anticipated for 2025, the Rohrichs continue to document their progress on their Facebook page, “Prairie Meadows Events,” which has garnered a dedicated following eager to witness the transformation.
A Place of Romance and New Beginnings
As visitors tour Prairie Meadows, they are enveloped by its romantic ambiance and historical charm. The property, with its breathtaking views and lovingly restored structures, reflects the Rohrichs’ dedication to creating a venue where couples can begin their own happily-ever-afters. Jeff and Sarah, alongside their son Gavin, are living their dream and eagerly await the chance to share it with others who seek a special place to celebrate love and union.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Prairie Meadows Events: A Modern Farmhouse Venue
Over the past two years, Prairie Meadows Events has not only met its goals but also undergone significant renovations. Despite being recognized as a “farmhouse,” the venue now boasts a modern, polished aesthetic with only subtle rustic touches, creating a unique blend of styles.
Recent Developments and Events
The Farmhouse was completed in May 2022, and this summer, the Bridal Suite welcomed its first guests during two outdoor weddings in June. “We couldn’t be more pleased with how our first events went,” says Sarah, one of the owners. “Both couples were such a dream to work with, and we were so proud to host their weddings!”
The Bridal Suite Experience
The Bridal Suite is a transformed antique train depot originally from Tappen. It offers luxurious accommodations for bridal parties to prepare for their special day. The suite includes an overnight stay for the bride and groom. Guests enter through communal rooms featuring a kitchen, dining, and living area, complete with a flat-screen TV and sectional sofa. The ladies’ area is a brightly lit room with comfortable seating and large, golden-etched mirrors, leading to the master suite for the couple.
On the opposite side, the men’s area exudes a masculine vibe with black and gold accents. It features a TV, bar, fridge, and seating areas, perfect for relaxing while waiting for the ladies to get ready.
Upcoming Attraction: The Pavilion
Currently under renovation is a 13,000-square-foot barn, soon to become “The Pavilion,” a grand hall equipped with all amenities. This barn will serve as the operational headquarters and include an office. For events, it will offer a full commercial kitchen, restrooms, and a built-in bar area. The Pavilion features two spacious halls that can be combined or separated via sliding barn doors, with a panoramic view in between. The total room capacity is approximately 300+ guests, with an additional courtyard for outdoor enjoyment. Jeff and Sarah expect to complete this project by September and have already started booking events for the 2024 season.
Scenic Ceremony Sites
Prairie Meadows Events also offers five scenic outdoor ceremony sites, including a charming chapel, providing multiple options for wedding ceremonies.
Unique Features and Local Support
An exciting addition to the venue is the party trailer, which can accommodate up to 20 guests for a country ride to nearby bars. Supporting local businesses is a priority for Jeff and Sarah. They have partnered with Kidder County businesses, listing them on the “Vendor Recommendations” page of their website. Local photographers, caterers, bars, and lodging options are highlighted, and Kidder County residents receive a 10% discount when booking with Prairie Meadows.
Looking Forward
After successfully organizing and hosting their first events this summer, Jeff and Sarah are enthusiastic about the future and confident in their ability to provide exceptional experiences for their clients.
For more information on pricing, packages, available booking dates, or to view their beautiful gallery, please visit http://www.pmevenue.com or call 701-316-0216.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
The Journey to Funding Our Business
Initial Challenges
Embarking on the journey to fund our business was one of the most arduous processes we have ever encountered. Our vision began with the decision to purchase a farm and sell our home in Mandan, with the plan to transform the farm into a thriving venue. However, purchasing a farm with commercial buildings already on the property posed a significant challenge with the banks. They were hesitant to finance the property due to the existing commercial structures, namely the Depot and the church.
Navigating Financial Obstacles
Fortunately, Jeff’s experience working at a bank provided us with the insight needed to navigate this complex situation. We devised a strategic plan to purchase the farm without including the commercial buildings in the mortgage. By commissioning a survey, we successfully excluded these structures from the property we were financing.
Renovation and Appraisal
With the loan secured, we immediately began renovating the farmhouse. Time was of the essence, as our goal was to complete the renovations swiftly to facilitate an appraisal. Achieving a 100% loan-to-value ratio based on the total price paid for the farm was crucial for our plans.
When appraisal day arrived, we received exactly what we hoped for—the farmhouse was valued at top dollar. This appraisal allowed us to release all remaining property and buildings from the mortgage, clearing the path for our next steps.
Moving Forward
With the venue barn and acres now free from mortgage constraints, we used them as collateral to secure a construction loan for the venue. This strategic maneuver not only advanced our vision but also highlighted the importance of determination, creativity, and utilizing existing knowledge to overcome financial hurdles.
This journey taught us invaluable lessons in resilience and innovation, and we are now one step closer to realizing our dream of turning the farm into a bustling venue.
What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?
From DJ Side Hustle to Full-Time Success: The Journey of JR#REQUEST & Prairie Meadows
The Birth of a Side Hustle
For over a decade, I lived a double life. By day, I was like many others, but by night and weekends, I transformed into DJ JR#REQUEST, spinning tracks and creating unforgettable experiences at weddings and events across North Dakota. My DJ business wasn’t just a side hustle; it was a passion project that thrived for over 10 years, even earning the distinguished title of “Best of the Best in North Dakota.” in 2020
A New Chapter Begins
When my wife, Sarah, and I started our family, the endless travel became less appealing. I cherished my time in the wedding industry and wanted to remain part of it, yet with less travel. That’s when the idea to open a wedding venue struck—a natural progression from my DJ experience. I had visited numerous venues and always dreamed of crafting a unique space of my own. It felt like the same concept but with more stability and less travel.
Renovation and Launch
In April 2023, Sarah and I embarked on transforming a barn into a stunning wedding venue. It was a labor of love, and by June 1, 2024, the barn was ready to host its first events. Immediately, the venue became a sensation, with 17 weddings and various local events booked for that summer alone. We were thrilled and slightly overwhelmed by the high demand, but it was clear we were onto something special.
Overwhelming Demand
The response was beyond our expectations. By the end of summer 2024, it was evident that our venue was a hit. The wedding season for 2025 was fully booked, and bookings for 2026 were already pouring in. We realized our dream was becoming a reality, and our venue was on its way to becoming one of North Dakota’s premier locations for weddings and events.
Looking Forward
Our journey from DJ side hustle to full-time venue owners has been filled with hard work, late nights, and countless challenges. Yet, at just 30 years old, Sarah and I have achieved something truly remarkable. We are proud of what we’ve accomplished and excited for the future, knowing that our venue will only continue to grow and improve. Our dream is not just to have a successful business but to create a place where countless others can celebrate their special moments. As we look to the future, we are filled with optimism and excitement for what’s to come.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://WWW.PMEVENUE.COM
- Instagram: PRAIRIE MEADOWS
- Facebook: PRAIRIE MEADOWS EVENTS
- Youtube: PRAIRIE MEADOWS EVENTS
Image Credits
TWO PINES PHOTOGRAPHY