If you head over to Rethink Clothing’s website, you’ll know right away these guys aren’t like everyone else. What makes them stand out from the crowd? We caught up with Andy the CEO of Rethink Clothing to find out.
(NC) Hey Andy thanks for talking with us, so what made you decide to found a clothing company?
(ANDY) The whole story is kind of funny and two-fold. First I was sick of wearing tired out designs from companies who had no care for their customer or their artists. Second, I had just made a dumb move breaking up with the love of my life and needed something to take my mind off of it. In the past I made my automatic car a manual, which was super long and involved. This time though I decided a clothing company was my next adventure. Oh and you might want to know that me and the girl are back together and things are awesome and she has carried me through some of my tougher times as a young struggling entrepreneur.
(NC) Did you have any idea what you were getting into when you decided to take this leap into being a entrepreneur?
(ANDY) I very much did not. I came out with one weak design, had no method for getting traffic, not much money, little knowledge of the industry and foolishly did so in the face of a crumbling economy. I would say I had no clue what so ever and I still don’t but I learn and grow everyday. That right there is an awesome life lesson. See for me everything usually works out when I jump in head first thanks to me being clever and fortunate to have awesome friends. This was good preparation for me since I would be taking a larger leap in graduating college just a bit ago and needed to get everything in order.
(NC) The way you guys do things over there is pretty unique, you only use college artists right?
(ANDY) Yes sir. That right there you could say sets me apart. When starting the company I really wanted to do it different and find artists who haven’t been tired out and dulled by corporate America. These young adults have dominated the designs. I have people compliment my designs all the time and even more so when I tell them who actually did them. I think this really comes from the fresh, fun, unique lifestyle of the college kid.
(NC) Now for the big one… Gadgets, friend or foe?
(ANDY) Growing up with my Father it’s hard not to see the gadget as necessary. I would wake up everyday to my house telling me to get up, the bus was coming, and other things. Let me explain. Our house was wired top to bottom like a future world, all lights were on motion sensors, so no light switches stumbling into a dark house, everything was automated! We even made it into a magazine about home design. Anyway, my Dad has been a huge gadget guy and so has my whole family. We have always had palm pilots, Iphone’s, random little gadgets, awesome tools, and everything in between. We even built little electronics kits as kids. So long story short, I LOVE Gadgets. My iphone is my life and business, my car is full of gadget’s out and so is my room.
(NC) So what advice would you give to readers who may be wanting to step out there and become a successful entrepreneur?
(ANDY) Look before you leap. You are not smart enough or coordinated enough to not have a business plan including short and long term goals. You never have enough start up money. It is though super rewarding, fun, and a great way to express yourself. I still get a little hint of excitement every time I have a order in my inbox. So, be prepared to do what you love and it will work out. Never quit too soon, there is some quote about that, but we have all heard it. Also, have a great supporting cast who you can ask advice from, things can get weird when you are in too deep. I have had awesome friends who helped me with design choices, advertising, taxes, modeling and general advice. Thanks Maddie, Zach,Jeff, Tim, Alex, Phil, Niemanns, Tamara, Mel, Nate and a slew of others!
(NC) Thanks for your time Andy.
(ANDY) Thank you NC. I love doing interviews and speaking a little bit about my story. If any of your readers wanna chat I am on twitter @rethinkclothing or my email can be found on my site www.rethinkclothing.com . Thanks for taking the time to speak with me and have a good one! NC