Today we’d like to introduce you to Mitch Reaume.
Hi Mitch, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
About 7 years ago, I sat down to look at my wife and I’s budget and get a feel for the story our money was telling and what kind of impact it was having. It started me down this trail of asking myself what it would look like to try to be more intentional with all of our spending… eventually leading me to a place of asking myself “Why/when did ‘social business’ become considered a ‘niche’ category of business? Why are businesses who try to incorporate generosity, justice, and genuine care for the community the exception and not the norm?” That was the beginning of an entrepreneurial journey and building my company Fight For Something, where we build different brands to fight for things that matter.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think there was one week in the last 5 years or so that was smooth… so that was pretty novel.
The challenge of it is also what makes it worth doing in a lot of ways though.
There are constantly struggles along the way, the most recent struggle that has caused us issues in every facet of our business are the issues we’re currently seeing with supply chain. It’s far from a unique struggle for us, everyone is facing it. But everything from the drinkware we print on, to the events we plan, to the coffee we source have all been drastically impacted by this.
We’ve been impressed with Fight For Something, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We build different brands to fight for things that matter.
At the end of the day, I think what I’m most proud of is that we’re building a business model that gives money away and invests in worthwhile causes regardless of how the company is doing… We don’t give out of surplus or when it is convenient, but our giving is a commitment that is baked into our financials. It’s this aspect of who we are that makes the challenge of building these brands worth it and fun a life giving… We’ll gladly fail trying to start something we believe in that is worthwhile. I know we’ll never look back (even if one of our businesses fail) and regret trying to build these brands we’re currently investing in that fight for kids, clean water, etc…
A few of the brands we’ve started are:
1. Northern Glasses || Glasses for gallons || We produce unique pint glasses, wine glasses, mugs, candles, apparel and gifts printed with bold designs for every occasion and style. 7% of sales invested into organizations fighting for clean water. || www.northernglasses.com
2. Emiliani Coffee || The coffee that brings kids home || For every bag of ethically-sourced organic coffee sold, we give $1 to non-profits and organizations that are fighting for kids in the foster care and adoption system. || www.emilianicoffee.com
3. MN Christmas Market || An annual pop-up holiday market that showcases homegrown brands and makers, with a charitable twist. All artisans, makers and brands donate 7% of sales from the event to a local charity that fights for kids in the Twin Cities. || www.mnchristmasmarket.com
4. Northern Lights Festival || A one-of-a-kind light park and winter festival coming to Rochester, MN in December 2022. || www.northernlightsfestivalmn.com
5. Custom + Kind || Screenprinting custom drinkware and apparel for small and large businesses around the country || www.customandkind.com
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Just start. Find things worth starting and failing at. A litmus test I use for everything we consider starting is asking myself “Do I get excited enough/feel proud enough of the potential of what this thing that could be that I’d be willing to fail trying at it?” If the answer is no… Then the thing isn’t worth the time and energy. But if the answer is yes, that’s usually my best indicator that it’s worth taking a swing.
Honestly, the thing I wish I knew when I was starting was how fun and rewarding it would be. Don’t get me wrong, hardest thing I’ve ever done. But if I knew how much fun I’d have doing it, it would have helped me make the leap with more confidence when I was trying to decide if I really wanted this to become my full-time job.
Pricing:
- 15% discount at Northern Glasses and Emiliani Coffee website with discount code “Voyage”
Contact Info:
- Email: mitch@fightforsomething.com
- Website: www.fightforsomething.com
- Instagram: @fightingforsomething
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FightForSomethingLLC
