Witch fire victim returns home, celebrates with those who made it possible
02.08.11 - brother quilting sewing machines
Gentellalli lost everything in the 2007 Witch Creek fire, including a small factory for his Rancho Safari business. Specializing in unique and practical bow hunting equipment and accessories, and camouflage clothing, Gentellalli said his business employed 15 people on his property and another 15 residents who worked out of their homes.
“A lot of people in Ramona were working for me,” he said.
In addition to losing the buildings, all his data and paperwork, materials, cutting tables and 30 sewing machines were destroyed. His accounts included such large sports stores as Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops and Gander Mountain but he lost that business as he tried to recover from the disaster.
“I couldn’t keep up with my orders,” he explained.
Gentellalli said he wasn’t able to get insurance because of his location. To recover from the fire, he dug into his personal savings, took out loans and was aided by volunteers and donations, he said. Now he has about six employees and sells online and to smaller businesses.
More about brother quilting sewing machines on: Ramona Sentinel