We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Rod Olson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Rod below.
Rod, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with education – we’d love to hear your thoughts about how we can better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career
Growing up in a small town of under 6,000 people, there are limited opportunities for work and also a lot of opportunities to bring something needed to a small town.
In school there wasn’t much talk about starting business or being an entrepreneur. It was mostly focused on moving away to college and start working for someone else.
College wasn’t an option for me, so after years of dead end jobs. I picked up photography as a hobby and after 6 years I was making really good side money from it and decided to quit my job and start an official photography business.
In my state someone can start a business for as low as $15! And I think everyone should know that! There are a lot of businesses people can do without a storefront and with little to no overhead. And that’s a huge step towards a more fulfilled life.
Rod, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Ive been an artist and creator since the day I was born. I used to draw, paint abstract paintings, paint cars and motorcycles, wood working, music. Art has always been my go to thing when I needed to get away.
I think there are two main things that set me apart from others. A few years ago I went to a full digital sales of my portrait work. People want to have control over their photos as far as printing and social media usage and I provide that for them. Its 2024 and we have to change with the times to keep busy and have happy clients!
The other thing is, I don’t overwork myself. I think that gives the client and myself a more personal connection. I don’t want them to feel like livestock going in and out. We hang out and chat, talk about our lives and future plans and sometimes go in the car and get inspired on the way. That is where the creative shots come from. Some times we will find a couch in an alley, a cool old car, neat looking building!
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
The first two years of business were really rough! I was literally living from session to session. I drove 60 miles for a family photo shoot with literally $20 to my name, with the money I was getting that day would hold me till the next session. Right as I was pulling into town they cancelled on me. It was devastating! That was the closest I ever was to quieting. I dug a little deeper that day, and here we are 11 years later! Those type of events are very educational and REALLY make me appreciate how far Ive come today.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
Like I said earlier. It takes $15 to start a business! And back to the education system. They don’t teach people how to save money or make smart financial decisions. Up to the beginning of my business, I didn’t save any money, I was a consumer.
My advice to people is save save save! Buy a used car, buy an old cheap house. Eat at home as much as possible. Work up to that lifestyle! And when you can go buy a new car in financial comfort it will be all the more rewarding.
Contact Info:
- Website: Working on it!
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noxboxphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NoxBoxPhotography
