Q&A WITH RICK WIDMAN

As every Pi Kappa Phi brother knows, Charleston, South Carolina, is where the Fraternity was founded. On a December night in 1904, seven men, led by Andrew Kroeg, Simon Fogarty and Lawrence Harry Mixson, laid the groundwork for a brotherhood that today is nearly 150,000 men strong. While all Pi Kappa Phi brothers know the significance of Charleston, many have not experienced the city or had the chance to visit the many landmarks and monuments related to the Fraternity. Now, Pi Kappa Phi hopes to make a trip to Charleston as easy to navigate, and as memorable as possible. One Pi Kapp who knows the city better than most is Rick Widman, Omega (Purdue), who moved there nearly 40 years ago and is now the proud owner of the Charming Inns of Charleston, a collection of four luxury, historic inns and Circa 1886, an award-winning restaurant.

Q&A

RICK WIDMAN, OMEGA (PURDUE) OWNER, CHARMING INNS OF CHARLESTON

Q: Why did you join Pi Kappa Phi?

A: As a freshman, my roommate joined the Fraternity, but I chose not to go through rush. By sophomore year, I could tell that I was really missing out, so I joined him.

Q: Where are you originally from, and how did you end up in Charleston?

A: I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, but always wanted to go to Purdue because my grandfather graduated from there way back in 1909, so I grew up loving the school. After attending Purdue, I went into the Army for two years before heading to Michigan State to get my master’s of business administration with a focus in hotel and restaurant management. I had worked odd jobs as a busboy, bartender and waiter growing up and was almost certain I wanted to go into hospitality, but my classes in my master’s program are what really solidified my passion for this career path. My career brought me to Los Angeles initially where I remained for five years, but then an exciting opportunity arose in Charleston, and the rest is history. I always planned to go into business for myself, and when I saw all that Charleston had to offer, I knew this was the right place to do it. As a Midwesterner I never would’ve imagined myself living in the South, but now I can’t imagine being anywhere else.

Q: When did you first experience Pi Kappa Phi history in Charleston after relocating?

A: As soon as I moved to Charleston, the information I had learned during my associate member process and from The White Diamond came back to me, but I didn’t see real “proof” of Pi Kappa Phi until I was working on my very first project, acquiring the Kings Courtyard Inn, back in 1983. I went to meet with the owner of the building, and as I approached his office, I saw a plaque that said, “The First Meeting of the Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Was Held in This Building,” and realized I was standing at the doors of 90 Broad Street. The very place where the Fraternity began is where my career began, too!

Q: How have you built such a successful career as the owner of the Charming Inns?

A: In 1989, I purchased the John Rutledge House Inn® and redeveloped that building. John Rutledge was a signer of the Constitution, so that was inherently a historic property. Then in 1992, I purchased the Fulton Lane Inn, a set of three different buildings that are all adjacent to Kings Courtyard Inn. In 1997, I purchased the Wentworth Mansion and opened that in 1998. Then, I opened the Circa 1886 restaurant at Wentworth Mansion in 2000. I never had a plan set in stone for making these decisions, I just took opportunities as they were presented to me, and it grew into the four inns that make up the Charming Inns.

Q: For Pi Kapps, what makes Charleston a city worth visiting?

A: I think Charleston is the most European feeling city in the United States. It is unique from any city in America in that way. Because of this, you can still walk down those old alleys and experience much of the same architecture that our founders experienced so long ago. It gives you an idea of what life was like for them. Many Pi Kapps live in Charleston, and I think we all share the same feeling that it’s a special place to be, especially for men of Pi Kappa Phi.

Q: Charleston is home to many hotels and inns; how do the Charming Inns stand out among the ‘competition?’

A: I think it comes down to the family atmosphere and the very personal service that we give. I encourage our staff to really be themselves and let their personalities shine. Additionally, all our inns are historic, renovated buildings. When you come to a city with as rich a history as Charleston, you should stay in historic buildings like ours.

Q: Your family is very involved with the Charming Inns, why is that?

A: Basically, what it comes down to is that we treat all our guests like family, and that makes it easy for our family to be so involved. My daughter Michelle has really taken over the day-to-day operations side of things, and my wife, Linn Lesesne, handles the marketing and public relations side of things. (Before she was his wife, Lesesne was simply looking for a job at the Charming Inns – and got a bit more than she bargained for, in the best way!)

Q: What would be your recommendation for one thing that anyone visiting Charleston must do?

A: Take a carriage ride! Some people might think that it’s a touristy thing to do, but it’s a great exposure to the history and architecture of Charleston. There’s so much to see here that I still find myself having new experiences every day even after 40 years, but the carriage ride will help you see as much as possible during your stay.

Q: The Founders left quite the legacy in Charleston, what legacy do you hope to leave?

A: I want to be known as a person who cared enough to preserve some very historic buildings for generations to come, and who allowed others to stay there to experience those buildings. Each inn is different and special, but I want people to remember that I started a business that’s all about service to other people. I want everyone who we serve to always remember their Charming Inns and Charleston experiences.