03/10/2026
It is with heavy hearts that we celebrate the life of our founder, Ray Butterfield (1935–2026).
Ray lived 90 remarkable years — and he was proud of every one of them.
Born in England in 1935, Ray began his career as an electrical apprentice. From a young age, he was fascinated by how things worked. He didn’t just accept function — he studied it, challenged it, and improved it.
In 1987, Ray and his beloved wife, Janice Butterfield, founded ADM Exhibit and Displays out of their garage and quickly grew. They were true partners — balancing risk and reason, imagination and ex*****on, vision and practicality.
ADM became known for museum interiors, corporate environments, and trade show exhibits built with thoughtfulness and precision. Ray could draw it, engineer it, and build it. He believed there was always a smarter way — and he rarely stopped until he found it.
He believed in teaching the way he learned — apprentice style. Many careers were shaped because Ray took the time to explain not just what to do, but why it mattered.
His influence lives not only in the company he built — but in the people he invested in. Seeing the next generation carry it forward meant more to him than any single project ever could.
Ray’s humor was legendary. Dry, quick, and perfectly timed. He could diffuse tension with a single sentence. He connected with everyone — carpenters, vendors, executives — in the same authentic way. Titles didn’t impress him. Character did. And he had a gift for making people feel seen and valued.
ADM has evolved over the years, but its foundation remains Ray. His curiosity. His craftsmanship. His humor. His belief in doing things the right way. His belief in people.
His spirit lives on in every project we build and every relationship we nurture.
Ray loved a good glass of wine and good conversation — both meant to be shared. So raise a glass of wine in his honor and celebrate a life well-lived.
Cheers, mate. We love you and miss you.