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

Tim, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?

There will be a day that I become a footnote in a multi million dollar industry the best legacy I can hope for is that long after I’m gone people are still looking to buy my pieces on the secondary market. I want to be remembered as the maker who was unique and creative

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m originally from Southern California and spent most of my adult life in public service. I have always had an interest in woodworking and metal fabrication. I got started making pens just as a favor for someone and got the bug so to speak. I was able to make them in a relatively small space. In 2016 I retired from my job in the public sector I relocated to North Georgia and decided to pursue making custom fountain pens full time. So I created Hooligan Georgia Custom Fountain Pens. Everything I make is handmade and had engraved. My biggest way of getting my product out there is social media and through pen blogs and pen groups. I think what truly sets me apart is my work with metal , using hand engraving to make each piece I create truly one of a kind.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

The best way I have found to create a good reputation is to work closely with the people who buy your products. When I first started I created a message group and added all the people who were either on my commission list or interested in my work. So I use that message group to stay in contact with everyone by updating them on my daily work. We also talk about things relating to my work. I think making your customers feel a part of the process goes a long way in helping build a solid reputation. The other thing I believe is great for a solid reputation is to keep high standards of craftsmanship and continuing to better your process and it will come through in your final product.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Social media has been the best way for me to show my work.

Facebook and instagram is an amazing tool

I don’t ever sell anything on social media but I do post my pieces in progress and finished pieces on social media and in fountain pen groups.

What this does is help people see your work and creates interest.

People will then reach out looking for your product.

I have never had a website, however I do plan to create on in the future for those people who don’t use social media and want to find me online.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/hooligan_georgia
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/Hooliganpens