Episode 106: Strategies For Long-Term Success with Christian Nickum of Rocky Mountain Hardware
Ted speaks with Christian Nickum, president of Rocky Mountain Hardware, discussing the journey of taking over the family business, navigating economic challenges, and the importance of brand identity. Christian shares insights on adapting to design trends, educating dealers and customers, and the significance of collaborations with designers in the longevity of his business. The conversation also touches on production techniques, staffing challenges, and the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, culminating in a vision for the future of the company.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
- [01:15] Introduction and Background
- [01:55] Taking Over the Family Business
- [04:40] Growth and Challenges in Business
- [06:25] Navigating Economic Downturns
- [11:10] Brand Identity and Market Positioning
- [14:15] Educating Dealers and Customers
- [18:40] Production Techniques and Custom Work
- [20:20] The Traveling Road Show
- [21:50] Success in High-End Markets
- [25:05] Timeless Design and Natural Materials
- [27:45] Design collaborations
- [31:40] Learning from Failure and innovation
- [36:30] Staffing Challenges in a Specialized Industry
- [38:30] Managing Sales and Production
- [40:15] Lessons from COVID-19
- [41:05] The future and wrapping up
CONNECT WITH GUEST
Christian Nickum | Rocky Mountain Hardware
KEY QUOTES FROM EPISODE
Christian Nickum | Rocky Mountain Hardware
- “I wanted to do this for years.”
- “Rocky Mountain is a household name.”
- “We never attempt not to make mistakes.”
You may also like
Modern Eclectic Interior Design: A Love For Beautiful Things with Nida Risto | Friends of Build Magazine #82
Ted speaks with Nida Risto, founder of Nida Risto Interiors, a Wyoming-based interior design firm on
Episode 96: Authenticity in a World of Perfectionism with Artist Theresa Stirling
Ted speaks with Theresa Stirling of Theresa Stirling Art Studios about her journey and her process a
The Next Step to Adoption: Residential Renewable Energy Solutions with Vincent Ambrose | Friends of Build Magazine #81
Ted speaks with Vincent Ambrose, Chief Commercial Officer of FranklinWH, a research-driven company f