Stepping Out to Shine and Serve

There are times when you arrive at a moment of distinction and direction in the most unexpected way.

Sometimes, unpredictable events unfold that, in the end, make perfect sense. It’s like finding that last puzzle piece without the box cover, and the whole picture becomes clear. 

The transition we’ve just completed feels a lot like that. 

If you’ve been with us for a minute, you know that Rugged retired from his 40-year day job this past December in 2023, an opportunity that occurred earlier than we anticipated (read more on that here). His new-found freedom allowed us to complete passion projects that had been on hold, host new artisan client experiences, and relax in reflection, dreaming of possibilities. 

Over the summer, as Rugged and I discussed our vision and next business steps together, we realized his retirement opened up options for both of us - in different ways. The more we talked about the future, the more it became clear that we’re excited about a host of personal options together but different business directions. And so we shift into our next exciting evolution at Red & Rugged.

Red (on right), here we go!

Starting in September, Rugged will transition to fully enjoying retirement—the freedom to fish, hunt, golf, cook (make us pizza!), travel, and more! On the flip side, I’m excited to weave my decades of business experience with my artful and imaginative skills. Given my long history working with entrepreneurs (read more here), I feel like this piece completes my puzzle picture. In my new role as a business creatives’ coach, I’m expanding my existing work with women, engaging and uplifting talented, creative professionals as they build thriving businesses they love. (Read more of what’s next at BizCreatv.)

What about the artisan element? I’m a big believer in elevating the everyday, and that unique, beautifully textured elements embolden sharp thinking and inspire fresh approaches. Simply put, they make life more fun! As such, I’ll infuse a distinct artisan experience into my individual, special group, and VIP activities.

Looking back at the last seven years, we are proud and humbled to have built lasting relationships and many treasured friendships - in our artisan community, inside the corporate C-Suites, with global executives, renowned hospitality professionals, boutique business owners, and discerning individuals.

We invite you to raise a beloved artisan glass and celebrate with us. I hope you’re excited to see what’s ahead as Rugged enjoys a well-earned retirement, and I move forward with great enthusiasm in this new direction.

The Surprise Big Finish

We entered December with what we knew were exciting plans, but we finished with an even bigger surprise.

It’s been a year of unexpected twists, turns and exciting opportunities. As Co-founders, we are fully committed to this business. And, as many of you who are, or have been, business owners can appreciate, we have also both worked in additional roles that added value or provided specific perks. In Rugged’s case, he has created exquisite gifts of superior craftsmanship while working full-time in another role that provided key benefits. Yes, that’s a lot.

When we first began discussing Rugged’s time commitments, we estimated his day job departure for five years. However, by early 2023, we accelerated that plan to two years, considering the pace of things. Our priorities had shifted, and the job perks began to feel more like an anchor than a benefit. Today, we are thrilled to report that the plan again accelerated - Rugged retired (from his other job) in December 2023.

Is this a happy guy or what?! The Day he turned the retirement papers in at his day job.

It has been a whirlwind, one we continue to celebrate. As you might imagine, it opens up all kinds of discussions about doing more, less, and different in our personal lives and in this business.

In our seventh year of Red & Rugged, we’re reflecting and making intentional choices regarding our newfound freedom. What comes next? What projects do we love? Is there anything new we’d like to add? What isn’t serving us anymore?

For those of you who are business owners, we share these thoughts for your consideration.

• Know from the start that your business will change in unexpected ways you can’t predict (2020 is just one example).

• The same changes may impact each of you differently. Your passions, health, and priorities may recalibrate in surprising ways.

• If you’re running a business with a life partner, you may witness their changes before they do. These shifts need to be discussed openly and honestly (monthly, quarterly, bi-annually) to keep you moving in the same direction. Or raise questions if you’re not. For us, it became clear that five more years of Rugged serving two professional roles was not sustainable (Note: he worked there for 40 years!).

As we ponder and adjust, we’ll keep you posted. One thing is for sure: there will be more freedom to relax, make pizza, play golf, travel, hang out with family, and focus on the artisan business opportunities that are the most fulfilling. So, if you have a request for a product, event, or custom artisan experience, now is the time to let us know! Email us at greetings@redandrugged.net.

Here’s to a peaceful and prosperous year.