We recently connected with Jamie Tronzo & Leigh Robinson and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Jamie and Leigh thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?
As a business owner, the journey has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, but overall, the sense of fulfillment and purpose I derive from running Maddox & Rose far outweighs any fleeting thoughts of returning to a regular job. However, like any entrepreneur, there are moments when the weight of responsibility and uncertainty can creep in, leading to reflections on the simplicity of a conventional job. One particularly challenging day stands out vividly in my memory, a day when everything seemed to be spiraling out of control. Deadlines were looming, clients were demanding, and the pressure to keep the business afloat felt overwhelming. In the midst of the chaos, I found myself briefly entertaining the idea of trading it all in for the stability of a nine-to-five job. The allure of a predictable paycheck and the absence of constant decision-making briefly tempted me. Yet, as I sat with those thoughts, I realized that the challenges I faced as a business owner were not insurmountable obstacles, but rather opportunities for growth and learning. Yes, there were moments of doubt and uncertainty, but they were outweighed by the sense of autonomy, creativity, and fulfillment that comes with entrepreneurship. In the end, I emerged from that day with a renewed sense of determination and a deeper appreciation for the journey I had chosen. While the road may be rocky at times, the rewards of being a business owner far outweigh the comforts of a regular job, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
The birth of Maddox & Rose sprouted from a shared dream that took root during our days at CITY Properties Group, now Weyland Ventures, where Leigh Robinson and I felt the itch to pave our own paths. Leveraging our real estate experience, we saw a chance to infuse our love for sustainability into a venture that broke molds. From those initial lightbulb moments, sparked by chats about the lack of eco-friendly options in design, to the grind of sourcing green materials and crafting fresh concepts, our journey from brainstorm to reality was fueled by grit and teamwork. As we dove into the nitty-gritty of launching a design gig, our project management skills kept us on track, even during those late-night strategy pow-wows. And so, out of countless cups of coffee and late-night brainstorm sessions, Maddox & Rose blossomed, named after our kiddos, Jack Maddox and Rylee Rose. Today, as we keep pushing the boundaries of interior and event design, our story stands as a testament to the power of partnership, hustle, and a commitment to making spaces stylish and sustainable, one room at a time.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Opening Maddox & Rose Marketplace in June 2019 marked a significant milestone in our journey as entrepreneurs, a culmination of hard work, dedication, and a shared vision for bringing sustainable design to our community. The quaint storefront quickly became a hub for eco-conscious shoppers seeking unique, handcrafted goods that reflected their values. Our marketplace thrived, fostering connections with local artisans and customers alike, until the unforeseen arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 cast a shadow of uncertainty over our business.
Amidst the chaos, a glimmer of hope emerged in an unexpected message on Instagram from a friend of a friend. It was a simple inquiry about excess alcohol supply from the sender’s grandfather, potentially available for sanitizer production. Recognizing an opportunity to pivot and contribute during these challenging times, we swiftly seized the offer and embarked on a new endeavor: crafting hand sanitizer infused with signature scents from our marketplace.
As COVID-19 forced our storefront to temporarily shutter its doors, we transformed our space into a makeshift assembly line, blending alcohol with essential oils to create aromatic sanitizers. Word quickly spread about our unique product, drawing attention from local media outlets eager to share our story. With cameras rolling, we seized the opportunity to not only promote our handcrafted sanitizers but also raise awareness about the importance of supporting small businesses during the pandemic.
As demand for our hand sanitizer surged, we transitioned our focus to fulfilling online orders and delivering them directly to customers’ doorsteps. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, our business persevered, buoyed by the unwavering support of our loyal customers and the resilience of our team. Through creativity, adaptability, and a shared commitment to serving our community, we navigated the uncertain waters of the pandemic, emerging stronger and more united than ever before.
As the fall of 2020 approached, we reflected on the tumultuous journey that had brought us to this point. While the road had been fraught with obstacles, it had also been paved with moments of triumph, camaraderie, and unwavering determination. As Maddox & Rose Marketplace continued to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing landscape, we remained steadfast in our mission to inspire sustainable living and foster connections that transcended the challenges of the present moment.
If you have multiple revenue streams in your business, would you mind opening up about what those streams are and how they fit together?
Our business thrives on diversity, and we embrace a multi-faceted approach that allows us to explore various revenue streams. We like to think of it as having a touch of business ADD – we’re always open to new opportunities and ventures. This diverse portfolio has been instrumental in our growth, allowing us to weather storms and adapt to changing market conditions. Our revenue streams span across several domains, including our custom product bar, interior design services catering to both residential and commercial clients, event design for corporations and private consumers, a creative design agency, and a curated home store. Each aspect of our business complements the others, creating a resilient ecosystem where one can support the other during times of fluctuation. This approach not only fosters creativity and innovation but also ensures that we remain agile and responsive to the needs of our customers and the market. Whether it’s designing a bespoke space, curating unique products, or orchestrating memorable events, our diverse revenue streams allow us to stay dynamic and thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.maddoxandrose.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/maddoxandrose
Image Credits
JL Jordan Photogaphy Portrait – Chocolate Box Photography