Out From Under the Lemon Tree
Sitting here in our current office, large windows letting in light and the phones ringing on our desks, it’s hard to believe that just six years ago we were cramped into a basement, fighting tooth and nail to get our custom water bottle business off the ground. Scott, my cousin, saw an opportunity to harness the power of the Internet to empower customers to order a versatile product on their terms and we jumped at it. Everyone told us it was impossible to ship bottled water, because of the weight, but we had faith that we could make the idea work.
Pooling all our resources, we commissioned a slick website, bought a label printer and a labeling machine, and set up shop in Scott’s grandmother’s unheated basement. There was no phone line or cell phone reception down there, so to take orders we had to stand outside in the freezing rain using a notepad and a cell phone. Scott’s grandmother also kept a lemon tree down there, so we had to share space with it while running our business.
At one point, I was huddled over my laptop wearing three sweatshirts and shivering when a lemon hit me in the head and I thought to myself, “I left my six-figure job for this?!â€
We had to get creative as our business expanded. The basement wasn’t large enough for the pallets of water we ordered so we rented out a storage space in a nearby city and stored the pallets there. To process orders, we had to print the labels in the basement, drive them up to the storage space, unplug the vending machine so we could plug in our labeler with a 100ft. extension cord, and drive the labeled bottles back to the basement for shipping.
Our approach was strategic, though, and through a combination of great quality, low prices, and excellent service our business started to speed up. We were eventually able to rent our first actual office and warehouse space, and that gave us the ability to handle even more business.
We paid attention to other successful websites and emulated the approaches that worked well and pioneered our own approaches when we thought we could do better. With a continuously updated cutting-edge website and a wide variety of offerings, our business was finally doing well enough that we could afford to move to our current location with a warehouse twice the size of our first facility.
We’re in the process of updating our site yet again, as a matter of fact, and we’re excited about how the new technology will lead to the expansion of our business.
-Stay on top of current technology trends, learn from others, don’t be complacent, and establish a reputation for quality.
-Immerse yourself in your industry and, if possible, find a mentor.
-Always look around for new ideas and then put your own twist on them for your business.
-Keep your focus and play to your strengths, and don’t be afraid to make sacrifices to do what you love. Being an entrepreneur takes a lot of sacrifice early on but is so worth it when your business takes off!
Comments
The story about the lemon is so funny, I burst out laughing! Thanks for the encouragement that entrepreneurship is not all VC and cushy offices!
Oh the memories! I have to say this has been an amazing adventure. A LOT of work, little sleep and little to no pay for the first several years. Yet, looking back, I wouldn't trade this experience for anything. I hope people who read this will become inspired and have the confidence to venture out and fulfill their dreams. ~ Scott Springer (twitter.com/mpspringer)
I remember those days! But don't forget all those homemade cookies and sandwiches, made with love, from Scott's grandma!
Great article and very inspirational!
- Scott's mom
The lemon title is a funny play on the events. Imagine getting hit in the head in a cold basement! That would push me to rethink my plans for the business. I hope all can learn that if they stick to their business plan and put their heart into their company that the sky is the limit.
A few people dare to pursue their dreams. A lot of them don't even get half way to achieving them. It's inspiring to read about those who have dared and achieved. I wish Bottle Your Brand success, continue to inspire us!
Great advice. Very practical and helpful. Thanks for sharing!
I love the lemon tree part of the story. Persistance pays off though. Way to go.
I am proud to say these two young men are my nephews. They have done an amazing job in a short time. They are creative and intelligent in their approach to a truly amazing business idea.
I am proud to say these two young men are my nephews. They have done an amazing job in a short time. They are creative and intelligent in their approach to a truly amazing business idea.
i ordered from them last week and my labels arrived yesterday, fabulous work!!
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! I have an art gallery that is almost three years old. Your story gives me hope. Right now my gallerys' website is down, and I am trying to decide what to do about a new site. After reading your story I think I should get the best one I possibly can. Your story is so much like what my husband and I have been through, that it makes me feel, perhaps, even in this crazy economy we will make it! Diane www.dianeovermyer.com
My husband and I just launched a holistic healing center, which is a scary proposition in this kind of economy! Thanks so much for sharing your story, and especially sharing how hard it was at the beginning. It's really helpful to know that other entrepreneurs have gone through struggles but made it work. We wish you guys nothing but good things for the future!
When I read the part about the lemon falling on your head I cracked up! Great story, I hope you guys keep doing well!
I like these guys. They obviously did their homework.
Cool story! I can't believe you made it through taking orders in the rain and getting beaned by fruit, I'm not sure I could have done it! Good luck in the future, I hope you guys win!
Thanks for listing out your approach with so much detail. I'm thinking about starting up my own graphic design business and it's really helpful to know how you guys went about starting your business and getting to where you are now!
You guys actually did the labels for my wedding! Everyone at your company was so wonderful to work with, we really enjoyed our experience. Thanks for sharing your story, you guys are a great company. Good luck!
Fun story, looking forward to the video!
It's great to see a company start with just an idea and grow to offer so many produsts nationwide.