Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Andrew Milne. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Andrew, appreciate you joining us today. One of the most important things small businesses can do, in our view, is to serve underserved communities that are ignored by giant corporations who often are just creating mass-market, one-size-fits-all solutions. Talk to us about how you serve an underserved community.

The underserved community I advocate for are those that are looking to take their hobby and turn it into a business.

I am an advocate for micro business start up’s. I think they are unpopular because it is difficult to work shows or 10×10 booth events and put yourself and your work out there trying to build traction.

I started Slam City Market because I realized the combination of my leather crafting talent and obsession with treasure hunting at thrift stores, created the ability to start a business and build inventory. I’m always working toward cool way’s to make, find and sell stuff that I enjoy.

I realized that creating your own job is difficult to start but worth it in the end. Plus, its funner when all the pressure to grow is right in front of you and on your shoulders.

Andrew, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Andrew Milne. Born in San Diego CA, grew up in St George, UT and Clearfield UT. I graduated from Mountain High then moved to Ogden UT. I started a band with my friends in Ogden called Spell Talk and had a Job as a screen printer at a local shop. Our band grew and ended up moving to SLC, UT around 2007 to be closer to bigger shows. I was working a Screen Printing job with my now best friend Jeremy Conder at a shop then called Spilt Ink. Jeremy supported my bands touring and helped create a screen printing work schedule to fit. We played shows and had the band for about 5 years. It was awesome. Then, in 2012 I found out I was going to become a father! So, I shifted gears from traveling life to hunker down and work as much as possible mode. I dug in with Jeremy working at the screen printing shop and he helped me become a partner in 2014. Then, I got married in 2017 with another kiddo on the way! Jeremy and I worked together until 2019. I eventually left the shop to spend more time with my family. Then Covid happened and ended up getting divorced in 2022. Its all good we get along.
I have been a single father juggling 2 kids, 2 moms, 2 schools and 2 schedules for a few years.

Starting Slam City Market has created a way for me to remain present in my kids lives and work from home + events.
Slam City Market the brand represents starting from scratch.
I have always enjoyed doing the work for this business and I am thankful for all the close support I receive to make it happen.

Let’s talk M&A – we’d love to hear your about your experience with buying businesses.

During the time I worked with Jeremy Conder at Spilt Ink/Huge Brands we acquired 4 companies. It was wild and awesome!

For us, finding opportunities was all about working our ass’s off at our shop and ear to the ground. We looked for opportunities that had a client list, history of sales, future contracts and excellent team members.

Acquiring a biz is diligent work with the best case scenario in mind for both parties.
There are tangible and non-tangible expenses along the way on both sides. Legal, Accounting, Emotions, Things Happen, etc. They don’t all work out. But, its cool when they do. Its wild and it is an awesome way to grow and learn.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

With Slam City Market, I realized that relationships are king. Having a fall out with a personal or Biz friend equals a future speed bump.

I had to start unlearning being over assertive and replace that behavior with compassion, understanding and professionalism. Instead of blowing things up, Im constantly learning how to keep every bridge intact and work to make them all better all the time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://slamcitymarket.com
• Instagram: @slamcitymarket
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092389633945

Image Credits

Slam City Market