Today we’d like to introduce you to Bill Damberg
Hi Bill, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I opened Brightwater Clothing & Gear, nearly 15 years ago. I had been a retailer in northern WI. I relocated to the Twin Cities in 2008, and opened a shop in Long Lake, MN. It was a partnership and I learned that partnerships weren’t for me. So I politely backed out of that, and set out to create a new shop. I knew the type of shop that I wanted, would require a certain demographic, and set out to determine where this shop should be. I was also looking for a community that I could become apart of. I looked from Woodbury on the East side of the Cities, to Grand Avenue in St. Paul, Linden Hills, Galleria, West End, Wayzata and Excelsior. I would go sit in a coffee shop and listen to the conversations. In most of the locations, conversations were interchangeable. But every time I sat in a coffee shop in Excelsior, I would here someone railing about things going on in Excelsior. That told me that there was passion about and for their community. When I decided on Excelsior, and opened Brightwater, there were still five or six empty store fronts, yet the vibe felt right. I’m so happy to have selected Excelsior! It has been a great location for Brightwater, and wonderful community to become a part of.
Brightwater has evolved over the years. It’s happened by listening to my customers and staying ahead of the curve as to my selections and offerings. People come to Brightwater to see what’s new a different. I search for clothing that is quality, timeless, and cool. I don’t follow trends or fads, but look to find some of the best clothing lines out there. I offer lines from across the globe, many of which i am on a first name basis with the owners and designers. That is combined with an earnest desire to make everyone that walks into Brightwater feel welcomed and appreciated. As I’ve told employees since I opened, “The only thing that someone has to have when they are walking out of Brightwater is a smile. If we’ve done that, we have success!”
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Being a small retailer is not for the faint of heart! People think it must be fun and easy to be a small retailer. While there is a great aspect of pride in what Brightwater is, it’s a tough road. As I say, I try not to work more that 8 days a week! I do so love it too!
Struggles: COVID! that was a tough few years…. I tried a second shop in Edina for two years. It didn’t kill me, but came close. Sometimes, opportunities can be a wonderful success, or a incredible learning experience. The second shop fell in the the latter! I learned that you always have to hold on to the reins, Others may believe they know what’s best, but follow your heart and your gut!
Now in today’s world finding employees is a challenge. I’m fortunate to have a good crew at the moment, but things are always changing!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a small retailer. I sell men’s and women’s clothing. Authentic luxury lines for and adventurous lifestyle. I offer a unique clothing from all over the globe. Clothing that has to fit well, look great, be lasting and be cool. may of the brands are from Scandinavia, Europe, South America, Africa , and of course, many made right here in the USA. My customers come from all over to shop Brightwater, because I offer lines that they haven’t hear of, yet the know if it’s in Brightwater, it’s going be be good.
I’m proud of the 5-6 Best of the Twin Cities Awards from MSP Magazine. I’m proud of the many awards from local publications in the Lake Minnetonka region. I was even written up in a prestigious British periodical, The Monocle.
I believe it is my commitment to finding my clients the best and brightest clothing and gear makers. People with a passion for goods that stand the test of time.
I also believe that community is the backbone of compassion and success. I strive to make the City of Excelsior better. a rising tide floats all boats. We’re all in this together. let’s all pull together!
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Stay focused to what life is really all about. Here in Excelsior, we worked together to make our shops as safe and clean as possible. We helped each other. Most of us survived by persistence, and cooperation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.brightwaterclothing.com
- Instagram: @brightwaterclothing
- Facebook: brightwaterclothing
