Today we’d like to introduce you to Clayton Harkey and Shane Spangler.
Twisted Arrow Goods started when Clayton, an outdoorsman at heart, ended up in the tech industry- crunching numbers, writing programs, and using every part of his left sided-business brain. Becoming a ‘maker’ had always been in Clay’s blood though. His father, grandfather, and great-grandfather (shown below) were all carpenters and general handymen who passed down the passion and knowledge. Connecting with his family roots and with his need for a creative outlet, Clay began to start making household items in his garage to spice up his own home and to escape the day-to-day corporate grind.
Starting with smaller, simpler items, such as leather coasters (our very first product!), his passion and drive challenged him to build other items for himself, friends and family.
Tables, bookcases, backpacks, laptop sleeves, and guitar straps were starting become regular requests, as well as larger orders for coasters. Clay needed someone to help out but also someone who shared the same dream and drive to one day build goods that cultivated the lifestyle that was instilled in him from generations past.
Clay and Shane were introduced because of their love of the outdoors, similar sense of humor, and love of building things. The duo officially started Twisted Arrow Goods in October of 2016 with two goals: provide handmade, high-quality products and a dedication to their customers. As their skills and desires grew, the product lines expanded as well. The duo soon learned that with the proper dedication, the right business mindset, and honesty to customers, Twisted Arrow Goods could be a full-time endeavor, and that is just what happened!
Making goods that they would want in their own homes has continued to be the foundation for all their goods and that is what makes these products so unique. They are made with authentic passion and confidence. Each product is designed and crafted as many times as needed before released to ensure only their best work is presented.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
As most small businesses, we, of course, have had some roadblocks along the way over our past 2 years. Some examples include learning how to deal with seasons from a consumer perspective so we know when the appropriate time is to make, or not make certain products. We also learned that choosing the best platforms to deal with your day-to-day operating sales and expenses is not something to overlook, or just jump into. Just like with carpentry, “you measure twice and cut once”, meaning, do the necessary research on your Information systems to ensure that they will grow with you.
We do have to say, making friends with fellow business owners and makers has given us great insight into making decisions on where to sell, and what to sell. It has also helped pave a smoother road as we develop more products and grow into new and larger wholesale accounts and venues to “pop-up”.
Twisted Arrow Goods – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Our business focuses on providing home goods and lifestyle goods that will last not only a lifetime but hopefully for generations to come. These goods include things such as coffee tables, kitchen tables, and chairs, as well as backpacks, wallets, wooden bowls, and duffles.
We don’t really like to toot our own horn, but we do pride ourselves on our “candle making” abilities as we have invested a lot of time, studies, and mathematics to provide all natural, long lasting, good smelling fragrances, that anyone can enjoy.
We hear millennials regularly talk about how they “hate their corporate jobs”, or something along those lines, and after asking them why they still do it, most of the answers are the same, “well I need the money so I can…”. As two guys that lived that life as well, we want our brand to represent a lifestyle that breaks that thought process. We have learned that you will never have “enough” for you to quit and follow your passion.
Instead, we encourage those to take the leap of faith and just do it. That’s what we did 2 years ago, and we have never looked back. We know that corporate jobs are made for certain types of people, and that’s fine. We just want people to know that they have a place and it’s never too early, or late, to find it.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
We define success as meeting our goals. What we mean by that is, before starting a business plan, a sales goal, or even making a product, we calculate and discuss what we want the outcome to be and what steps are going to be needed. We then shoot to make that come true, no matter how many tries it takes. We are successful, in our eyes, if that goal is met.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.twistedarrowgoods.com
- Email: info@twistedarrowgoods.com
- Instagram: twistedarrowgoods
- Facebook: twistedarrowgoods
- Other: https://popupshops.io/popup/twisted-arrow-goods/
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