Our Story
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 Our StoryAs told by our Founder Confronting the Odds
It all started after years of not getting my way. Not that I am the product of a spoiled childhood, I just knew and believed deeply that the industry could be much more than it was. After years of pushing boxes out of a warehouse to anxious customers, it was time to make a stand. Against the logic, the realities of the world, and simple common sense, it was my moment to pursue my dream once and for all. I had to know that during my life, I made every attempt to chase my dream. We all talk about it, we all have similar ambitions. This was mine. The Pied Piper
It may have been that by convincing others to follow, it somehow would validate my plan. Maybe I wasn’t as crazy as many people were telling me. At a minimum, I would have friends with me to start this journey. And with that, Fixtures was born. Months were spent just coming up with the right name! Perhaps this would be harder than we thought. But one thing was certain, we were all committed to a common vision. We all believed that given the chance, we could accomplish something great. This was our craft and we were prepared to take on any challenge. What Do You Mean, We Owe Rent?
Those early days (I say that even though it was just a year ago) were full of real world learning. To say we had modest beginnings would be an understatement. We occupied very simple space that was literally above a bike shop. Yes, the Electra Beach Cruiser outlet had a better presence than we did, but this was our home. A place that we could gather each day, and with strong (albeit bad) coffee, a place where we would map out our business. The days were long (they still are), but the enthusiasm was intoxicating. Whenever a new obstacle came our way, whoever had the most energy seemed to convince the others that it was ok. This was really an opportunity in disguise! Yes, you speak this silliness when you can clearly see a future that others cannot. They did not teach this in business school, but any entrepreneur would echo its importance. A Chance Meeting, a New Beginning
When you believe in something so much, an improbable outcome does not seem so unlikely. But improbable it was, and perhaps only now do we understand how a simple lunch at the D Street Bar and Grill gave us a new life. Through a mutual acquaintance, we had the opportunity to share our dream with two individuals who could make it reality. Not only did they have the resources to support our grandest plans, they had experience in building large companies from the ground up. I think some of us were happy just to have someone buy us a real meal! And by the time the check arrived, we’d painted the picture of our business, we’d fully outlined the opportunity, and we had forged a team that could make it all happen. When Dreams are Realized
On June 25, 2009, Fixtures opened its doors to the world. Perhaps it was the years of endless nights and tremendous sacrifice. Maybe it was simple exhaustion that comes with opening one of the largest showrooms in the country in record time. Whatever it was, it ended with an emotionally charged evening. Surrounded by family, friends and an entire industry, we all saw our dream become something that lived outside of our minds. As joyous as that night was, it was followed by a new day. And that new day meant meeting all of the expectations that we had set out. It meant a new round of long days and sleepless nights. It meant the moments shared with a couple of friends above a bike shop had transformed into moments that would create a whole new future. Now, we have many friends – and much better coffee.
Phil Roxworthy |
