Today in our ongoing Meet the Maker series, we’re getting to know Adam Fetsch, founder of the popular candle brand Rewined. Rewined Candles, crafted in Charleston, South Carolina, are known for their signature recycled wine bottle “jars” and wine-inspired scents. Welcome, Adam – thank you for sharing your story!
LBC: What inspired you to take your leap as an entrepreneur?
Adam: I like to create my own path. In most jobs I would get bored quickly. I never lasted more than a year or two at each job. I like the freedom of pursuing what interests me.
LBC: When you first got started, how did you envision your business would be defined?
Adam: I’ve always avoided defining my business. I’ve never created a business plan. What we aim to create now is a business that is highly adaptable, and can respond to opportunities and risks that present themselves. Usually, the moment I make a definitive statement about our business, something happens to shake things up and change our plans. Running a business this way is a bit of a high wire act.
LBC: How would you describe what you create?
Adam: We try to offer products that speak to people. We want the story of our products to touch people in a unique way.
LBC: Where can we find your products?
Adam: In over 2,000 retail stores across the country and abroad. Among our local retailers are Celadon, Candlefish and Southern Accents. Nationally, West Elm stores. A full list of retailers is available on rewinedcandles.com.
LBC: Walk us through your typical work day.
Adam: I like to say that I use the Management by Walking Around strategy. This essentially means that I walk around and talk to people each day. I put out fires, observe, give feedback, ask questions, and jump in on ongoing discussions.
LBC: What are 3 things makers should think through when they initially decide to start a business?
Adam: 1) What are you good at?
2) What do you suck at?
3) Can you find people to do the things you suck at?
It’s really important to be honest about the things you suck at. You can’t suck at everything.
LBC: When you’re overwhelmed, what brings you back to focus?
Adam: Long drives. Nothing helps me focus in on something better than a road trip.
LBC: Tell us about a few of the best business decisions you’ve made to date.
Adam: Hiring people that are smarter/better than I am. Handing over control to people who are better than I am. Focusing on building positive relationships and a positive reputation in our community.
LBC: Please share one mistake or obstacle from your business experience.
Adam: One major mistake I often make is assuming that paying more means getting more.
LBC: Is there a cause or organization that you contribute to that you’re particularly passionate about?
Adam: I co-founded an organization called Corpus Callosum. They work in schools to help kids understand the importance of what they are learning, by applying the concepts to business.
LBC: What are 3 essential resources in your business toolbox that you can’t do without?
Adam: 1) Google everything. We try to integrate Google tools into everything we do.
2) My iPhone calculator. Often times its not worth putting effort into something unless the numbers make sense. At some point during most conversations, I whip out my calculator and start plugging numbers.
3) My Notes app. When I write things on paper, I can never find it again when I need it. I write everything down in my phone. I probably come off as super rude, like I’m texting during conversations.
LBC: Suppose we had a time machine. If you blasted ourselves forward a few years, where would we see your company?
Adam: We will be known nationally for connecting people to the products they love.
LBC: What’s one thing you would eat, if you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life?
Adam: Macaroni & cheese.
LBC: Your musical playlist is full of…
Adam: Everything. Music is a tool for me to change how I’m feeling. I use it to relax, get energized, focus, get creative, or what ever the need may be. Different tunes have different uses.
LBC: Share one of your guiltiest pleasures.
Adam: Reality business shows… Shark Tank, The Profit, a few others. Although these are often distanced from reality, I can pull a few nuggets of info from other peoples experiences.
Thank you, Adam, for sharing your talent with us! We absolutely love what you’re doing, and we look forward to all the wonderful things ahead for Rewined. We’re cheering you on!
Want to see your brand featured in our continuing “Meet the Maker” series? Drop us a line: hello AT luckybreakconsulting.com. Please use “MEET THE MAKER” as the subject line and be certain to include your web address. We look forward to hearing from you!
