Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeffrey Bell.
Hi Jeffrey, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
We began with a trip to the Hill Country and Garrison Brothers Distillery during Covid. We had the idea of creating products from retired whiskey barrels and how so many people would love a part of the country feel, rustic vibe, and versatility of owning a retired barrel. Really a fill for the quiet times of Covid- a hobby. The ideas started rolling. Started by making small 1/2 barrel planters, but very clean and upscale. Through chance we got an opportunity to share our planters with The Wine Enthusiasts in 2022. TWE decided to carry our planter in their online magazine/store, contracting us as a drop ship supplier. We started shipping planters to all reaches of the US. So, we decided to dive deeper adding wine barrels to the mix creating the business and focus on recycling retired barrels in the greater Houston area. I was not doing too well in my current position as a Realtor with Better Homes and Gardens. I was new to Houston, moving here in 2020 to marry my high school sweetheart. Leaving a successful real estate business in South Carolina, Or endeavor and successes in the “Barrel” business was very welcome. Word of mouth across the south in our circles pushed to the next level focusing on web and social creation, a true business plan, and mission. Turns out my passions for creation, art, vision, the back bone of the wine and whiskey businesses, and the beauty of “the barrel” was a well timed and welcome direction. Believing in something is a powerful source of strength, confidence and dedication. There really is a lot more between the lines information here and unseen fairy tale story. Lol.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. The logistics. The “club” in the spirits and wine business. The inventory needs and costs. Plus, a lot of R&D. I want to make a product unique, high quality, and inspirational without a huge cost to my clients. Well, that was tough to get a good mix. Tough to establish what really is wanted by our clients. Tough to establish ourselves as different, above average, and continues to be a challenge getting/touching our prospective clients. Most the products we make are not like buying a new lamp or side table. A lot time, thought, materials, and process is involved- to do it right. So, our average product cost is not in an everyday purchase category. They are a special, memorable, emotional purchase. A vibe. A barrel can’t just be put in the mail. to sell or buy. Requires a lot foot work to source quality barrels and a bit driving/hauling.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I choose other because I’ve spent time in the business corporate world, owned my own businesses, and worked as a general employee. I got the wonderful opportunity to raise my two girls alone. The most rewarding thing I have ever done. Mostly, I consider myself an entrepreneur. I have been a rental agent, wholesale broker, maintenance director, used car manager, real estate agent in residential, commercial, and investment spheres. I graduated from BGSU in Business Management and a minor in Marketing. I think I specialize in details, hard work, dedication, tenacity, and integrity. Relationship, respect, and honesty/transparency. I am a knowledge sponge to most degree. Currently the thing I am most proud of is my life with my wife. My specialities are strong valued dedication to being the best I can at whatever I do.
Broad experienced knowledge in the automotive industry and real estate industry. Currently I have become a resourceful engineer working with barrels and the creations we make. I find my biggest strength – I do my best to always do what I say and say what I do. Always try to exceed expectations and be true and fair.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Support, buy some barrels. Tell your friends, associates, family, etc. about your experience(s), share. End game is to be a household name. A product designation. Create collections. Collaboration to work with groups creating a feature for events, Provide opportunities, partnership, dual branding. Business to business side. This is a tough question. I am not a rewards and accolades person. I strive to have my works speak for me. I feel exposure and publication are a viable source for taking our business from the garage to the street. Too hard to sell pictures. People do business with the people and products when they get to touch or see personally what we make. To see and feel the passion that we create whatever our clients want, not what they need to settle for. Imagination is our only boundary.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.twinbarrelworks.com
- Instagram: twin.barrel.works
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/BarrelArtisanShop
