Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Roman Schreiner, Founder of Woodsock, located in Woodstock, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Our business is primarily novelty socks. We also carry merino wool, organic cotton, and foot care products. We have a brick-and-mortar operation in Woodstock, NY, and are also online. My customers are a mix of locals, tourists visiting Woodstock, and online shoppers from all walks of life.
Tell us about yourself
I have a long career in corporate retail, from when I was a teenager in a bookshop to being a vice president for a major department store chain. When the talk turned to possible bankruptcy, I left corporate retail. We picked novelty socks just out of chance; we enjoyed buying them as gifts for kids and friends. The expansion to other types of socks seemed a natural progression.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Our greatest accomplishment as business owners has been to keep a unique business model alive, survive a pandemic, relocate and triple our annual sales!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
There is no one to pass things up to. You're it. Sometimes you have to make difficult decisions about spending, people and it's all on you.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
You may know what you want to do as a business, but how are you going to generate enough money to stay in business? Everything will cost more than you expect, especially if you are doing a build-out and opening a new business or relocating. Know your customer.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.woodsockinc.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/woodsockinc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woodsockinc/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/woodsockinc
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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