Today we’d like to introduce you to Rene Rocha.
Hi Rene, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My story begins as a hyper child who really enjoyed drawing, writing stories, and building endless useless inventions . I was a big idea guy! I had two loving, supportive parents who encouraged my creativity. Whenever I needed new supplies or art lessons, they provided them. When I began my Rocha Designs journey, my retired dad was my first employee. That is not always the case as I found out later as an Art Educator. Not all parents find value in art.
When I began college, I envisioned an art-adjacent career. Marketing or “something computers” came to mind. It didn’t take long before I knew “clean art” wasn’t for me. I chose studio art. Painting and drawing specifically and also acquired my credentials to teach in public schools.
I taught the art elective for 12 years. As an art teacher, I helped foster young creative minds and taught the value of art. The importance in “making new things.” Teaching was a blast, but I realized I needed to be “making new things” myself. I left teaching 6 years ago, but I still hear from ex students randomly. Some through social media, others around town. Many still creating art. I recently ran into a former student at the skate park. He handing me a business card. He’s a tattoo artist now. He is an artist! That’s what its about right there.
In 2020, I left teaching to pursue art and building full time. I had been doing Rocha Designs part time for the past 7 years and I felt it was time to give it a go. I began not only selling my paintings and accepting commissions but also building and painting yard games. Cornhole was my most popular item but I built and painted all games. I always enjoyed playing yard games so making and selling them kinda felt on point. 3 years ago I decided to dabble in building a few games and try renting them. I figured there was a market for it in a large metro like the DFW. I started with 4 popular games, and painted them all with black paint and a light stain. I chose this design to fit wedding venues. Things really took off and since then we have continued to grow our inventory of games and services.
I now primarily run Rocha Rentals out of Fort Worth Texas. We have taken the Par-Tee to corporate events, HOAs, churches, weddings, schools and camps. You names it!
I still enjoy taking commissions for paintings. Painting will always be my first love. I also enjoy creating small sculptural pieces out of recycled skateboards and other repurposed wood. But the majority of my week is dedicated to the rental game now. That’s just fine with me. I’m still a lucky man. I have a family full of support.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s been a relatively smooth ride. I’ve had a ton of support along the way. My family and friends help by making purchases, order custom artwork, and promote. That has been a huge boost. Like many other new business owners, I tried my best to get my ducks and bucks in a row before resigning from my monthly paid career. My first year of running Rocha Designs full time was 2020. Everyone had “them stimmy checks” burning a hole in their pockets and nothing to do. It was the middle of the lock down. Many were decorating their houses and creating outdoor entertainment spaces. New wall art and yard games were in! After things settled down, I had to rethink things. I needed clients. I needed orders and income. I needed to find my market. I remember when I first started out. I would do a bunch of farmers markets. Sometimes I’d do well but often they were a bust. I’d see the booths around me making sales but I’d only make a couple. It was frustrating because I felt I had good products but they simply weren’t selling. I realized that’s not my space. These spaces are more for food products and small crafts. I needed to find my customers. I’m not a natural salesman, but I had to learn. I needed confidence in myself and my product. I changed my approach and things started clicking. Now I only do one vendor event per year in Fort Worth called Arts Goggle. The event is heavily visited and showcases locally arts and crafts. Many of the visitors are looking specifically for art for themselves or clients. I also scaled down the size of my games and paintings for the event. That changed help tremendously. It opened up more potential customers. The event gives me an opportunity to showcase both Rocha Designs and Rocha Rentals. It also gives me a chance to talk with people face to face. Show I’m a friendly and honest guy just trying to make a living. People respect that. I also runs ads on social media and have decals on every vehicle I own. QR codes are such a helpful tool. Another approach I changed was to simply contacting organizations and venues directly. Old school sales and marketing still works the best.
As you know, we’re big fans of Rocha Rentals. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Rocha Rentals specializes in renting mobile mini golf courses, yards games and bartending services. All of our games are built locally by us. No AI ads. No cheap plastic amazon purchased games. We pride ourselves in having the most challenging 18 hole mobile mini golf course and largest inventory of games in the DFW! We are based out of Fort Worth but service the majority of the DFW Metroplex.
Rocha Designs is the art and custom build side of the business. We are able to design and build custom mini-golf courses and yard games for your business or personal use. We have primarily serviced the DFW and Oklahoma areas, but we have trailers and can bring your items anywhere. If you are needing custom artwork and framing, we can help you out as well. Commercial or residential.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Thanks for the read. Please check us out at www.RochaDesigns.com or contact me directly. My email and phone number are listed on the contact page. I am happy to go over all options available for your next special event.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rochadesigns.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renerochadesigns/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReneRochaDesigns
- Other: https://www.RochaDesigns.com
