Today we’d like to introduce you to Izaak Nosbisch.
Hi Izaak, 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?
I started as a company called Debt Free Design LLC in March 2021. The goal was to create a website where students could design t-shirts and sell them on the website I create and could have the money they make go towards their student debt. I started making designs of my own to show I had credibility as a designer so students would be encouraged to design stuff for my website. I realized quickly that it was too ambitious and it would be too difficult to juggle it with school and work.
In June 2021, one of my friends looked over the designs I created, which so happened to be of a bison, which is also the mascot of the school I go to, and she encouraged me to move forward with creating my own clothing brand that focuses on giving an edge to bison skull and skeleton clothing. So over the summer of 2021 I started working on a website, more designs, applying for an LLC, and prototyping t-shirts. All summer I had some great friends to bounce ideas off of to help me get ready to launch my business, and on September 4th, I finally launched my clothing brand called Roll Herd LLC. Roll Herd is a common saying used among students here at North Dakota State University (NDSU) and the purpose of this clothing brand is to connect students in the area. Roll Herd LLC will be providing a $500 scholarship for the first $2500 we make because we want students to explore opportunities to pursue Entrepreneurship, but it’s difficult because of the financial stress of paying for school.
Many students have to take up part time jobs to help support themselves, and don’t have the time or energy to pursue their passions. We believe college is the perfect time to pursue your passions because of the endless support systems you have around you. That is why we want to provide a scholarship. So students can take some of the financial stress off their shoulders. We are slowly making our way to achieve our scholarship goal, but there is still work to be done.
Thankfully, I was given the opportunity to present at the NDSU Entrepreneurship club and the support has been overwhelming and has given me an opportunity to grow and share my mission and my business. We are currently preparing for our first arts/crafts festival that is in April at the Fargo Pop Expo in West Fargo. I truly believe in this business and I plan to grow it well into the future!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I don’t think I’ve ever heard the words ‘smooth road’ and ‘Entrepreneurship’ in the same sentence, hahaha. I think the hardest part is realizing that most small businesses don’t go viral and make tons of money right from the get go. Starting a business is an investment and you are at a constant battle of whether or not that time and money investment are going to pay off. Since we are a relatively new company, I don’t have a dozen obstacles that I can name off. However, there is one I am rather proud of. The socialization obstacle. I am a mechanical engineering student, and I am introverted at heart, and not always a great socializer, and the scary thing is that you are forced to socialize if you want to create a business. Being forced to do something is never comfortable, but it’s what helps you grow, both as a business owner and a person. I am extremely proud of my willingness to step out of my comfort zone and socialize. I have learned to love socializing especially when it is something you are passionate about.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Outside of my business, I am a mechanical engineering major, minoring in biomedical engineering, and I am currently a part time engineering intern who works remotely for Collins Aerospace in Jamestown. What I am most proud of is my ability to juggle and compartmentalize school, work, and starting a business. I am a slight perfectionist with a do-it-all mentality so I make sure I prioritize those three things and make sure that I do my best in all three. This is what I am most proud of and very thankful to have an opportunity to pursue both a degree, work for a great company, and try and start my own business.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
From the famous phrase from Nike and one of the most clique lines ever: “Just Do It”. College is the absolute best time to try and to fail. Give yourself as much time as possible to fail, learn, and then grow. There is no time like the present to “Just Do It”.
Pricing:
- T-shirts: $25-35
- Sweatshirts: $35-45
Contact Info:
- Email: izaak.nosbisch@rollherd.com
- Website: https://www.rollherd.com
- Instagram: @rollherdofficial
- Facebook: @rollherdofficial
Image Credits
Chase Evert
