Meet the Pardners

Bob Faulkner

Bob Faulkner

Everyone’s Ranch Dad
Kansas City business man for 50 + years, legendary BBQ smoker, loves a good TikTok

Christine Faulkner

Christine Faulkner

Bob’s Favorite Daughter
Big thinker, yogi, lake girl, loves a crunchy snack

Matt Faulkner

Matt Faulkner

Bob’s Favorite Son
Master builder, and creative genius, lover of spreadsheets

Meet the Team

Carina Foose

Carina Foose

Event Coordinator
Chaos coordinator, gift basket guru, dog mom

 

Kristina Long

Kristina Long

Chief People Officer
Office cheerleader, meeting wrangler, traveler

Misty Rodda

Misty Rodda

Social Media Manager 
Photographer, plant lady, most likely to pet every dog she sees

Mollie Berry

Mollie Berry

Branding Manager
Lover of live music, fashionista, social butterfly

Chris Purnell

Chris Purnell

Field Trip Coordinator
Proud grandma, road tripper, beach bum

 

Tammy Richardson

Tammy Richardson

Food and Beverage Manager
Proud mom, nana of 13, lover of family beach trips

Antonio Albor

Antonio Albor

Property Manager
Fisherman, pumpkin whisperer, BBQ lover

Shelley Gabriel

Shelley Gabriel

Bookkeeper
Rescue dog mom, Comicon enthusiast, Lover of Doctor Who

The History

It is a great thing when a hobby becomes a passion and a passion becomes a family business that will span generations. For the Faulkner family, that passion was providing quality service and memorable times to those in their community!

1950's
1986-Western Wear Store
1950's

The beginning

It all started in the 1950’s when Bud and Mary Faulkner began teaching square and round dancing lessons.They taught so many people that there was an actual shortage of square dance apparel in the Kansas City area! That’s when Bud found a location for Kansas City’s first square dance apparel store!

1960's, 70's & 80's
Ribbon Cutting
1960's, 70's & 80's

Grand opening of the Western wear store

The family expanded the business to accommodate the needs of the cowboys at the nearby Benjamin Stables and Faulkner’s Western Wear was launched.  For the next 35 years they sold cowboy boots, hats, riding apparel, saddles, tack, and other horse-related supplies. The store was more than just a business however, it was a place where their children and grandchildren would learn about the joy of providing quality service and a hospitable experience to those in their community.

1986-Western Wear

Bob Faulkner became known as “the hat doctor” for his ability to custom shape  cowboy hats for customers.

1986
1986-Western Wear Store
1986

Benjamin Ranch

However, in 1986, despite a deep love for the store, the decision was made to go in a new direction and the family closed the store. In 1988, Bob saw an opportunity to use the amazing historical landmark Benjamin Stables as a unique place to host parties and provide entertainment. With the additional help of Marilyn, Bob’s wife, and Christine and Matt, his children, Ranch Entertainment Inc. was started. For the next 30 years the Faulkners would lease the historical Benjamin Ranch location and produce thousands of events including private rodeos for conventions, company picnics, holiday parties, team-buildings and weddings.

1980', 90's to 2015
Benjamin Ranch
1980', 90's to 2015

Christine, Bob, Marilyn and Matt Faulkner at the annual 4th of July Kansas City Jaycee Pro Rodeo

1999
1999 Faulkner's Pumpkin Farm, Original location
1999

Another opportunity sprouts up

In 1999, Bob had the idea to plant pumpkins on their family farm on View High Drive and Chipman Road. That first year a few schools came out to pick pumpkins, while others were loaded onto wagons and set out by the road. People would come by, take a pumpkin, and deposit $5.00 in the mailbox. 1999 was the official start of Faulkner’s Pumpkin Farm. The family came together to create an agritainment business that would grow and grow for the next 25 years.

1999
Matt and Christine
1999

Matt with sister Christine as the 1st Scarecrow Tour Guide when they began hosting school field trips at the farm.

2005
Faulkner's Pumpkin Farm
2005

For the next decade at that location the Faulkner’s grew their agritainment business and their families! It was there that the next generation would learn the value of hard work and what it takes to run a family business. Most importantly, it’s where the tradition began of creating fun memories together and for others in the community each pumpkin season.

2008
1986-Western Wear Store
2008

Faulkners make a big move 

However, in 2007 the family farm was sold, and it was time to relocate the pumpkin business. In 2008, the Faulkner family realized their dream when they bought and developed their ultimate event venue, Faulkner’s Ranch, located just south of Interstate 470 and Raytown Road. Here Bob, Marilyn, Matt, and Christine all “Pardners” together were able to combine their experience hosting large scale events at the Benjamin Ranch with their established pumpkin season business.

2009
the littlest faulkners
2009

The littlest Faulkner buckaroos stage a pony party photo shoot to promote pony birthday parties at the Ranch.

2015
2015
2015

Faulkner’s say “happy trails” to their Benjamin Ranch location

In 2015 the Benjamin Ranch was sold to developers, which allowed all events at both locations to be combined to one venue, Faulkner’s Ranch.

2021
1986-Western Wear Store
2021

New events spring up

In 2020 hosting birthday parties came to an end, making way for new events and uses for that event space to include Spring Round Up and Jolly, the Country Christmas Pop Up Bar.

2022
1986-Western Wear Store
2022

Brother and sister, Matt and Christine Faulkner cheers to the opening of Jolly.

2023
1986-Western Wear Store
2023

2023 marks the 25th pumpkin season

Today, the Pardners, Bob, Matt and Christine, operate the Ranch on the same lessons that Bud and Mary did when they opened their first store: providing quality service and making the customer’s experience as easy, fun, and memorable as possible. The Pardners also strive to continue to build the legacy of love that Marilyn Faulkner left behind.

Employment

Come be a part of the Faulkner’s family as we host memorable private and public events throughout the year!

We are looking for employees who are:

  • Friendly & fun
  • Team players
  • Dedicated
  • Hard working
  •  Outgoing

We are looking for employees who enjoy:

  • Being outdoors
  • Interacting with kids and families
  • Celebrating holidays
  • Embracing our Western theme
  •  Currently only hiring 16 & older

If this sounds like a good fit for you, check out the job descriptions below and apply! Please note that most employees are hired in the summer to staff for pumpkin season and then spring/summer events the following year.

Event Staff

Pony Attendant

Bartender

Guest Services

Food & Beverage Staff

Wagon Driver

Donut Maker

Carpenter