Extra Effort: Where Are They Now? D.C. Ramey

By Jared Fialko

"The applause is ringing for Ravenscroft School of Raleigh and certainly one of the reasons for their success has been this week's winner of the Extra Effort Award, triple threat quarterback DC Ramey," beamed former WRAL-TV Sports Anchor Tom Suiter back in 1985.

"A long time ago, it's been a long, long time," laughed D.C. Ramey, former Extra Effort Award Winner when watching the original video clip back.

"A gift," described Ramey. "I received a gift going to Ravenscroft, and my coach, Ned Gonet, is still a mentor to me."

D.C. Ramey went out on a high note, that eventual state championship wound up being the last football he ever played. He had an offer to continuing running the offense at Wofford University. However, he gave up pursuing the game to get his degree in business from N.C. State. One he's put to great use.

"Our showroom is 20,000 square feet," Ramey said as he gave us with a walking tour of his business.

For 21 years now, he and his wife Suzanne have run their own company: Creative Business Interiors.

"We're an office furniture dealership, but we provide a lot of services too," Ramey says.

A father to two children Charlie and Sydney, D.C.'s always been about building bonds.

"This is where we meet with clients and go over finishes, any materials, this is kind of the hub," Ramey continues the tour.

"Furniture is a commodity, services are out there, but the bottom line is it's the relationship you build with a customer," Ramey explains on his business philosophy. "There's nothing more enjoyable than pleasing a customer and that customer becoming a friend."

Perhaps no bond has been stronger than the one D.C. forged with members of that '85 title team.

"You don't go on that journey alone, there are so many people that influence your life," Ramey smiled.

That's why 36 years, countless customers, and friendships later, we're still proud to call D.C. Ramey a winner of the Tom Suiter Extra Effort Award.