By Kate Bartlett
Rachael Wiley-Steffen is well known throughout the Ellicottville and Bemus Point communities. She is the Chief Operating Officer for ERA Team VP Real Estate & Vacation Rentals and co-owner of the Bemus Point Golf Club & Tap House with her husband Bryce Steffen. Rachael has deep roots in both Ellicottville and Bemus Point, and is proud to serve her community in various roles.
Born and raised in Ellicottville, Rachael graduated from Ellicottville High School and attended Jamestown Community College and St. Bonaventure University, studying business administration and earning a Master’s Degree in marketing. She has been married to her husband, Bryce, for 18 years and has been living in Bemus Point for over 19 years. She adores the close-knit ambiance of the small-town community and the friendly, neighborly lifestyle embraced in both Ellicottville and Bemus Point.
with her husband of 18
years, Bryce Steffen.
Following her graduation, Rachael spent a decade at Zurn Industries, assuming diverse positions throughout her tenure. With perseverance and dedication, she steadily climbed the corporate ladder, eventually attaining the esteemed position of Director of Brand Marketing. Her responsibilities entailed extensive travel across the United States, where she personally engaged with customers, forging valuable connections along the way. “The experience was truly incredible, and I consider myself lucky to have had the opportunity to witness so much of our countryside. My travels granted me invaluable experiences that continue to shape me today. I had the privilege of encountering so many wonderful people, while exploring various business, communication, and marketing practices, leaving me with valuable learning opportunities and experiences.” Rachael enjoyed her experience in the corporate world and gained incredible knowledge about the business world from the corporate perspective. “It gave me the opportunity to understand the big picture and made me appreciate small businesses even more. I learned important principles that are crucial for a successful business, and those lessons still have a strong impact on me.”
While Rachael appreciated her experience in the corporate world of business, she welcomed the opportunity to join ERA Team VP when approached by Bill Soffel, ERA Team VP Broker/Owner. “I decided to take a leap and change career paths. I’ve been with the company now for eight years and I feel extremely fortunate to work with such a talented and caring group of people.” Rachael, a Licensed Real Estate Agent, currently holds the position of Chief Operating Officer at ERA Team VP. ERA Team VP operates in Western NY and Northwest PA, with a total of seven offices. Rachael travels between all offices, but has a regular presence in both the Mayville/Chautauqua and Ellicottville offices. Rachael has a deep passion for her job, from overseeing day-to-day operations, to building strong connections with her team, and driving growth and development through strategic initiatives. “While it might sound cliché, I can’t help but sincerely admire Bill Soffel our broker/owner and the people on our team who truly represent our core values. It brings me so much happiness to have the best coach and leader in the business and to work alongside these amazing individuals.” In 2017, Rachael and the ERA Team VP Leadership Team established fundamental core values that they do their best to live by everyday: Do the Right Thing, Work as a Team, Never Stop Learning, Be the Best, and Have Fun! “These values really and truly are the driving force behind ERA Team VP. Our team embraces our core values, especially having fun, and it’s evident in everything we do!” With its significant influence, Rachael and her husband Bryce have gone so far as to establish its own set of core values at the Bemus Point Golf Club & Tap House.
This season marks the sixth year that Rachael and Bryce have co-owned and managed the Bemus Point Golf Club & Tap House. “The core of our business lies within my husband and our exceptional team. We consider ourselves fortunate to have assembled an extraordinary group of individuals at the Bemus Point Golf Club & Tap House, and their dedication serves as a constant source of inspiration.” Operating a 9-hole public golf course and tap house comes with its own set of challenges, yet it has been an ongoing adventure that has compelled us to strive for improvement and excellence. “It’s the community that holds a special place in our hearts. The Bemus Point Golf Club & Tap House is not merely a business, but rather a welcoming space where families, friends, and their pups to come together to create lasting memories.” Rachael and Bryce are proud parents of two magnificent Chocolate Labs named Wynter and Kamy. The dynamic duo, consisting of a mother and her son, has gained quite a reputation among season pass holders and visitors. They are often featured on the Bemus Point Golf Club & Tap House social media platforms, capturing the hearts of many. Wynter and Kamy spend their days accompanying the dedicated grounds crew and tap house team as they journey around the course, warmly welcoming guests with their tranquil and affectionate tail wags.
Rachael sits on the Board of Directors for both the Bemus Point Business Association and the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau. Additionally, Rachael is a devoted Brand Ambassador for DSG Outerwear, a women-centric apparel company. Founded by women, for women, DSG Outerwear holds a special place in Rachael’s heart. Being an enthusiastic snowmobiler herself, she admires the company’s commitment to showcasing women in this sport. She believes that DSG Outerwear truly empowers and represents women in the snowmobiling community. “As a passionate snowmobiler, I appreciate and respect this company for their genuine commitment to showcasing women in this sport.” Rachael has had the honor and privilege of attending several DSG backcountry clinics in Michigan and Wyoming, which provide comprehensive training on the essential skills of backcountry riding. Snowmobiling has become a huge part of Rachael’s life, and she eagerly embarks on an expedition with her husband and friends each year to explore the uncharted wilderness of Wyoming’s backcountry. In this remote region, they navigate through deep snow, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, majestic mountains, and the untamed beauty of nature. Rachael finds solace and exhilaration in snowmobiling, considering it a therapeutic and invigorating activity. Being able to represent this company through the year fills her with a sense of vitality and pride.
In closing, Rachael reminds us to “be the energy you hope to attract”. “I am so fortunate to have an encouraging and loving husband, and to be surrounded by the very best team(s)/work families, incredible friends, a supportive community, and the most loving and supportive family ever!” Rachael believes that surrounding yourself with good people is essential and vital for personal growth, happiness, success, and overall well-being. “When you’re surrounded by amazing people, you can do amazing things.”
For more information about Rachael and Team ERA visit them at, www.myteamvp.com, 4478 West Lake Road, Mayville, NY, 716-413-0200. Visit the Bemus Point Golf Club & Tap House located at 72 Main Street and https://www.bemustaphouse.com/. To explore DSG Outerwear visit https://dsgouterwear.com/ or contact Rachael at Rachael.Wiley-Steffen@TeamVP.com.
Continuation caption: . The Bemus Point Golf Club & Tap House is not merely a business, but rather a welcoming space where families, friends, and their pups to come together to create lasting memories.” Rachael and Bryce are proud parents of two magnificent Chocolate Labs named Wynter and Kamy. The dynamic duo, consisting of a mother and her son, has gained quite a reputation among season pass holders and visitors. They are often featured on the Bemus Point Golf Club & Tap House social media platforms, capturing the hearts of many. Wynter and Kamy spend their days accompanying the dedicated grounds crew and tap house team as they journey around the course, warmly welcoming guests with their tranquil and affectionate tail wags.