Today we’d like to introduce you to Isaac Badowski & Jackson Upham.
Hi Isaac & Jackson, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Jackson and I have been friends for quite a bit of time. We’ve known each other for around 15 years and have regularly stayed in contact throughout those years. We grew up on the same street in Buffalo Minnesota about 30 minutes north of our store. Ever since we were younger we had some unofficial businesses such as lawn care, snow removal, and dog sitting/house sitting. On top of that, we have always been super close and able to trust each other.
Personally, (Isaac) I have been reselling clothes as a side hustle for the past 3 years using apps like a Facebook marketplace, Poshmark, etc. I found this store down in Winsted for rent and decided to bring the idea of opening a clothing store to Jackson. On September 7th, I and Jackson met at his apartment and talked from 4 pm to 6 am the next day. Chain smoked cigarettes and played guitar while we talked about this idea. While we were talking the name “Barter Brothers” came up and we both agreed it was a solid name to use. With that name, we decided that instead of just a regular store with fixed prices, we offer trading (or bartering) and negotiation on the prices of items.
So, from there we began renting the location in Winsted and stocking the store with vintage clothing, streetwear, skating brands, and other various items. It’s hard to describe the store because it is mostly clothes, but anything could be in there. We’ve sold a dirt bike and currently have antique golf clubs in stock. Anything that we find cool or interesting gets put in the store for an affordable price.
Overall, we plan to continue this company and see where it goes. We have recently begun improving our online presence to reach a larger audience in addition to our physical store in Winsted.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
So far, there haven’t been any serious struggles. As with most businesses they aren’t profitable until they’ve been open for a year. That is true with ours. That’s ok though. I (Isaac) have other work I do on the side when the store is closed.
Also, Jackson is currently working on getting a website going so we can reach more people and begin selling clothes online. Additionally, he is figuring out how to make hats with our logo on them.
Any struggles or roadblocks we’ve faced have been resolved through talking to each other and figuring out what the best solution is.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
In the past, I (Isaac) have worked at a couple of different jobs. I started in the fast food industry 5 years ago. From there I worked at a gas station, as a Direct Support Professional in retail, and my last job was building concrete swimming pools around the Twin Cities.
As for Jackson, he’s worked as a delivery man for Dominos, did some freelance writing work, worked at the same gas station as Isaac, and worked in fast food.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Kevin Einafshar has been helpful when it comes to teaching me (Isaac) about business. As a successful businessman himself, he knows quite a bit about what he’s talking about.
Additionally, my (Isaac) parents have been helpful when it comes to advice about how to deal with conflicts of interest or disagreements between people our business is associated with.
Jackson has been very helpful with helping me (Isaac) sort through any issues we have regarding this company, and personal issues as well.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/barterbrothersllc?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550056194383&mibextid=LQQJ4d
