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Will, Tyler, and Josch specialize in the art of handcrafted bow ties. A skill passed down from their Grandfather, who owned his own bow tie business, for over 35 years. They have taken this knowledge to create a product of the highest quality, that inspires people to be uniquely different.
City where you’re all from: Vernon, Nj
Hobbies: Gardening, disc golf, and self-development
Favorite quote: “Be the change you wish to see in the world”
Background
Why did you decide to become entrepreneurs?
We’ve always had a dream of helping others, and having the time freedom to do so. We grew tired of working for someone else, and knew that the only way to accomplish our goals and truly add value to other people’s lives was to become entrepreneurs
Who were your biggest influences? Was there a defining moment in your lives?
Our grandpa was always our biggest role model; he owned various successful businesses throughout his life, a bow tie business being one of them. Whenever we visited him, he always showed us how hard work pays off, and just how far self-discipline can take us.
The defining moment for us was more of an ongoing experience that allowed us to have an epiphany as we got older. Growing up, our parents constantly struggled to put food on the table; that was a tough thing to witness. As we got older, and began seeing just how limitless our potential was, we knew that if we continued down this path of
entrepreneurship, we could make sure that our parents never have to worry about money again.
Now
What are you working on? How did you come up with this idea?
Handcrafted bow ties are our specialty! Our company is called The Bow Tie Collective. It’s a trade that is inspired by our late grandfather, who owned his own bow tie business for around 30 years.
How is your product/service different and unique? What’s the vision?
Bow ties allow you to stand out in any situation, as well as providing an outlet for creative expression. Not many people know how to tie bow ties, so each bow tie we send out comes pre-tied with a unique buckle system in the back. This allows our clients to wear our bow ties without knowing how to tie one, but always have the option of untying and learning at their leisure.
The vision of our brand is to provide a creative space for like-minded individuals to come together and create a positive difference in the world. That’s what the “collective” part of “The Bow Tie Collective” comes from; it is only when we come together that we can make a meaningful difference, on both a small and large scale.
Who are your customers? How do you find them?
Our customers range from high school students looking for a way to express themselves in a unique way, to people in the fast-paced world of business looking for a means to stand out from the rest. We find out customers through online marketing on social media platforms (mostly Facebook and Instagram) as well as face-to-face interactions at craft fairs and vendor events around the country.
Did you experience failure along the way?
What did you learn from it? Of course! We experience failure on a daily basis, it’s the only way to learn and get better as a company in our opinion. One of the biggest things that we’ve learned through our failures is if you want something done, go out and do it yourself. When you depend on others to build your dream, it will never happen… that’s a guarantee.
Value-add questions
Give the readers the best entrepreneurship advice you have.
Take action! You can read the books, listen to the podcasts, learn the guidelines… but if you don’t apply what you learn and go out in the world to do it, it will never happen. If you want it, there is ABSOLUTELY no excuse but to go out and get it… the worst you’ll get is a no.
Teach us something about {internet marketing, social media ads, fundraising, sales funnels or another topic} Can you recommend any favorite websites to learn that topic?
Know your audience/target market well enough that you can run specific ads to attract your dream client.
What are their aspirations? What do they struggle with? How can you solve their problems and add value to their lives?
By far, one of the best tools for learning how to market yourself and your brand online is Russell Brunsons “Clickfunnels”, as well as Dan Henry’s classes on Facebook marketing.
What should an entrepreneur focus on?
Your pitch, knowing your product in and out, and the confidence to show the world how much value you can give.
What are some of your favorite books?
“How to Win Friends and Influence People” -Dale Carnegie “Think and Grow Rich” -Napoleon Hill “Blue Ocean Strategy” -W. Chan Kim and Reneé Mauborgne
Where do you see yourself and your product in a couple years?
Bow ties are just the beginning for us; our eventual plan is to be a key player in building small businesses and getting them to a position where they can then give back to their local community.
Thanks for sharing your story on Future Sharks brothers! Looking forward to taking a good look at the progress (get it)!
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