Posts in category: Uncategorized

Rising Tornado Activity Prompts Homeowners to Invest in Safe Rooms and Storm Shelters

The number of tornadoes in the southeast United States has increased dramatically over the past several years, prompting more homeowners to invest in safe rooms and storm shelters that can protect them from life-threatening winds and debris. These rooms, which are built into homes or beneath homes and are typically stocked with supplies such as food, water, and first aid kits, have been credited with saving hundreds of lives since they became increasingly popular in the 1990s. Though some homeowners choose to build their own safe rooms on site, most prefer to purchase one already constructed—many insurance companies now offer discounts to customers who install these structures in their homes.

There has been an increase in tornado warnings

In fact, tornado activity across Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and North Carolina has risen 46 percent since 1950. But when it comes to investing in a storm shelter or safe room for your home there are financial barriers as well as physical factors that need to be considered. Where will you put it? How much will it cost? What design fits best with your family’s needs? At RemainSafe we take these concerns into account before beginning any project.

Tornadoes can happen at any time during the year

Tornadoes that form between January and April are considered winter tornadoes, while those that form from May through December are considered summer tornadoes. While there is no method for determining exactly when tornadoes will strike, it’s important to know what you can do before one does. By investing in a storm shelter or safe room for your home, you can rest easy knowing that you’re putting your family’s safety first.

Tornado seasons are changing

According to data collected by NOAA’s National Severe Storm Laboratory, tornado activity is on a steady increase across parts of North America. While tornado season in parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, South Dakota and Nebraska lasts from March through June, tornadoes are being spotted throughout more of the year. This increase has prompted safety experts across many major U.S. cities to encourage homeowners to consider investing in storm shelters or safe rooms for their homes or properties.

Tornadoes can happen during spring storms

April is National Severe Weather Preparedness Month, so if you live in an area where tornadoes are common, it’s a good time to review your safety plan and how you can protect your family. A safe room or storm shelter is one of the most effective ways of keeping yourself safe when a tornado hits. Click this link for some options in choosing your safe room and determining if funding is available visit RemainSafe online. 

Increased tornadic storm development may be linked to climate change

While scientists are working tirelessly to determine what, if any, impact climate change has on tornado activity, homeowners have recognized that it’s not a question of if tornadoes will strike; it’s a question of when. Luckily, there are plenty of low-cost ways to ensure their families remain safe in the event of a storm. They can invest in safe rooms or storm shelters built into their homes.

Tornadoes have changed over time

Today’s tornadoes are more intense, move faster, and cover a wider area than they used to. Although tornadoes that occur today are smaller than some of those that occurred fifty years ago, they are also far more likely to produce damage because of their intensity and unpredictability. Rising tornado activity has prompted homeowners who live in areas susceptible to tornado damage—particularly across most of the southeast united states—to invest in safe rooms and storm shelters.

The Southeast United States is home to some of the worst tornadoes in history

The deadly storms that strike Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia each year have killed hundreds of people over a span of many decades. Because these storms are so prevalent—particularly April through June—homeowners in tornado-prone areas have increasingly begun installing safe rooms or storm shelters as part of their homes’ foundations.

A FEMA Compliant safe room provides the confidence needed during a deadly storm.

In fact, tornado-related fatalities are decreasing across North America, thanks in part to advances in storm forecasting technology. But that doesn’t mean you should ignore your local weather forecast; there is always a possibility for severe weather. A FEMA Compliant safe room is your first step in keeping your family safe, secure, and prepared for deadly tornadoes and home invasions.  Learn more by visiting RemainSafe online at www.RemainSafe.com and on all social media outlets @RemainSafe.

Venturing into the Blacksmith’s World: How Traditional Skills are Making a Comeback

When you think of blacksmiths, you might imagine a quiet village in the past with smoke coming out of an old forge and lots of heavy tools lying around on tables and shelves. While this image describes a traditional blacksmith’s workshop, this profession is making a comeback in today’s society thanks to the need to build simple machines and tools that are both affordable and environmentally friendly. If you’re wondering what it takes to become a modern-day blacksmith, keep reading to learn more about the skills involved and how the market looks right now!

The demand for traditional skills is growing

The rapid emergence of new products and technologies has created a demand for blacksmiths as entrepreneurs increasingly need traditional skills to develop innovative products. According to survey data, 40% of today’s leading entrepreneurs stated that traditional skills, such as blacksmithing, have been important to their companies’ success. In fact, one in ten startups directly attribute their success to using traditional skills and knowledge.

Why you should give it a try

If you’re not sure about venturing into blacksmithing yourself, there are plenty of unique and innovative products created by blacksmiths that can add some handmade charm to your everyday life. These include steam irons and pot racks for kitchens, decorative swords for homes, or wagon wheel stools for parties. The fact is that many emerging or innovative products have incorporated traditional skills from centuries ago, thus showing us how these skills will always be relevant in today’s society.

Where can you find classes?

It is never too late to start honing your blacksmithing skills. If you live in an urban area, check for classes offered by community colleges and local arts centers. Otherwise, head online to find forums and communities where people trade tips on tools and techniques. Blacksmithing is one of those rare crafts that has become relevant again as emerging technologies have led to an upsurge in demand for tools that leverage its founder’s hand-forging methods.

What does it take to become proficient?

Becoming proficient in blacksmithing takes dedication and training. It is not just about learning how to wield a hammer and anvil, but also understanding steel properties, heat treatment and other aspects of metalworking. As with many emerging products, like 3D printing or coffee roasting machines, most of what it takes to become proficient has more to do with mastering traditional skills than it does with emerging technology. Learning new blacksmithing techniques will help budding artisans enter new markets as prices on conventional ironwork continue to rise.

What do people think about traditional skills?

What do you think about traditional skills? Have you ever tried your hand at blacksmithing, weaving, or woodworking? For many young people today, these words might mean nothing to them. In fact, for those people living in developed countries, it’s easy to see how modern technology has made traditional skills less relevant than ever before.

Is it worth it?

There are countless people trying to make their fortune by creating products that appeal to our heritage. Many of these founders hope to market those products as authentically traditional, while others claim their design is inspired by and not just an homage. It’s worth your time to learn more about how these founders come up with their ideas, and it’s valuable if you can gain an understanding of how they plan on marketing them in today’s hyper-competitive marketplace.

Surround Yourself With The Right People: Why Entrepreneurs Need A Strong Community

Entrepreneurship is not always easy, and it’s more than likely that you will face challenges where you question your decision to start the business in the first place. It’s during those moments when you really need to draw from your support system, which includes your friends, family, mentors, advisors and other entrepreneurs in the same space as you who have also had similar experiences. Whether you meet with them in person or keep them close online through social media, having a strong community of people around you can help you to weather any storm that comes your way.

Isolation and loneliness will hinder your success

In order to accomplish what you want in life, you need to surround yourself with people who will support you and motivate you. They might be your friends, coworkers, mentors or family members – just make sure they’re people who are positive and encouraging. If you feel like there’s no one around to help you reach your goals, then it may be time to invest some time into finding a mentor or peer group that can help keep you accountable. You never know where your next idea for success will come from!

Opportunities may come from unexpected places

There’s a lot of entrepreneurial wisdom around community. Successful entrepreneurs are extremely picky about who they let into their inner circle, which has always been one of my favorite pieces of advice. There’s so much truth to it—I can’t tell you how many times opportunities have come from within my community that I wasn’t expecting. Never be afraid to say yes and find ways to add value. You never know where it might lead!

Have different kinds of relationships in your life

Don’t surround yourself with people who constantly bring you down. Don’t be afraid to politely distance yourself from negative or toxic personalities, and don’t let anyone force you into a friendship or relationship that you aren’t comfortable with. When it comes to work relationships, be mindful of surrounding yourself with people who are open-minded, supportive and collaborative. These kinds of relationships can be rare in professional settings, so hold on to them and nurture them as much as possible.

Step out of your comfort zone

When it comes to creating and growing a business, there is no doubt that being successful means taking risks. But stepping out of your comfort zone isn’t just about business or even risk. It’s about who you are as a person, who you want to be and what you stand for. In our community, being surrounded by like-minded people is not just a slogan—it is a fundamental part of who we are as individuals and entrepreneurs.

Focus on quality, not quantity

Entrepreneurship can be extremely lonely. It’s important to focus on developing strong and genuine relationships with people who are not just going to be positive and encouraging, but who are also interested in helping you become a better person, entrepreneur and leader. When you surround yourself with these types of people, it makes life much easier—and allows you to grow at a higher rate.

Influence others positively

It’s hard to get ahead without positive support, especially when it comes to your entrepreneurial pursuits. Surround yourself with like-minded people who will lift you up when you’re down and celebrate your successes. Try not to be close-minded; be open to ideas and suggestions from a variety of sources. When someone offers an idea or criticism, try to see where they’re coming from before reacting. You never know what valuable information you might pick up along the way!

Keep in touch

It’s important to remember that you’re an entrepreneur because you’re very good at what you do and have a passion for it. So if you see someone or meet someone who might have a passion for your industry and what you do, keep in touch with them! It might not be in your time frame of 6 months or a year down the road, but when (if) it is, reach out to that person.

Bring positivity into their lives

When you’re an entrepreneur, you work long hours—at least, it can feel that way. It’s easy to get bogged down by negative thoughts and emotions, which may cause you to burn out faster. Make sure to bring positivity into your life. Surround yourself with positive people and meditate daily. As part of their morning routine, successful entrepreneurs start each day with at least 10 minutes of deep breathing exercises or meditation.

Understand what you have in common with someone before hanging out

When people start a company, they are super motivated, but often don’t fully understand what it takes to get their business off of its feet. I always hear stories about how someone quit their job, decided to start a business and then had no one to hang out with except other entrepreneurs. Don’t end up like that—understand what you have in common with someone before hanging out.

One of the earliest creators was the blacksmith, whose occupation has existed since before the Iron Age. The smith forged iron and other metals together to make products, such as weapons and tools. Today, we’re forging entrepreneurial mindsets and creativity through Blacksmith Ventures, our company that’s designed to help grow products, brands, and companies alike. To explore these origins further, here are five things you might not know about the first entrepreneurs from blacksmiths of old.

What Is A Blacksmith?

A blacksmith is a person who makes things from metal by forging, (or crafting) it with hammers and anvils. In ancient times, a blacksmith was not only a maker but also their own seller. If you wanted something forged or crafted, you had to visit them in their workshop.

Why Forge?

If you’re asking yourself Why forge? then you don’t get it. The world has been forged over time to create business and change lives. We are forging a way to make your next product, brand, or company into something that lasts, something that makes a difference. We take what we do seriously but not ourselves. Forge on! is our motto and If it ain’t broke, let’s fix it! is our mind-set.

A Brief History Of Smithing In General

Since blacksmithing involves manipulating fire and metal, as well as occasionally pounding on an anvil with heavy tools, it’s not surprising that it is one of oldest professions in human history. Aside from farming and hunting, there were few other ways to make a living in pre-civilization times. If you had any metal to work with (there was plenty lying around), making tools and weapons was one of your only options.

When Did Smithing Become An Art Form?

Smithing and blacksmithing today are not what they used to be. In recent years, it has been difficult to find a true smith who knows his craft well enough to forge anything from scratch. Instead, most blacksmiths have turned their attention towards fabrication and welding – both of which are great skills but are unrelated to smithing in many ways. The art form is simply no longer practiced in its purest form. But why?

Setting Up Shop In Early America

In Colonial America, there were no established start-up tools that provided seed funding and mentorship. Instead, small business owners had to improvise using their own resources, be it their savings or credit from friends and family. But they couldn’t have done it without risk capital in small amounts from investors who understood that a few failures were part of doing business and would eventually lead to a major success story. These are some of these early American entrepreneurs’ stories.

Where Does Smithing Fit In Today?

In today’s modern economy, new types of smiths have emerged. These include CEOs, founders, and investors. The skills that made a blacksmith successful centuries ago are more important than ever in modern business. While it’s true that smithing is an art form, being a CEO is equally as creative and requires similar skill sets to create your own brand from scratch.

Aren’t All Businesses Creative?

Companies are often referred to as labs or laboratories. But in reality, businesses aren’t labs – they’re factories. They create stuff. Engineers and scientists may work in labs and some business activities may be a little more creative (like naming a product or service), but in general, businesses that want to survive need to look less like artists’ studios and more like manufacturing plants.

Are There Similar Business Models Out There?

Before you begin creating a new product or business model, take a step back and think about whether or not there are similar models out there already. The thinking is that if something has been done before, why would anyone want to buy your version? Of course, there’s room for improvement and innovation within existing ideas, but it’s important to be aware of other products in your market as well.

Are There Any Tools Or Resources We Can Use To Stay Creative?

Online tools and resources have rapidly become available to help entrepreneurs stay fresh, innovative, and innovative. Many founders reference BrainPickings and quotes from Steve Jobs in speeches or on their websites. But perhaps no one is better at forging simplicity out of complexity than startup investor Paul Graham. The co-founder of Y Combinator, Graham helped his early stage companies establish a toolbox of innovation techniques that could be applied when a founder is feeling stuck.

Blacksmith Ventures was founded to take innovative and emerging products to market…at scale. Our first acquisition was a local storm shelter manufacturer in north Alabama who was dominating the local #homebuilders market.

Our vision, and investment thesis, is to create a nationwide brand around #emergencypreparedness. Something, we believe, is critical to our basic needs as humans around safety, security, and confidence.

We quickly rebranded the company to RemainSafe in order to add products and serve both B2B (i.e. Home Builders and Contractors) and B2C (us – the consumer).

In January 2022, we opened our own manufacturing facility in Decatur, AL to ramp up production.

The product’s story started in 2011… RemainSafe‘s story is just beginning…

Stay prepared, stay safe, remain confident friends…

So, here are a few take-aways from Saturday night shenanigans at “Casa de la Smith”.  

Some backstory…. I love learning trendy new things, watching where the fast paced cool kids are going, and being adapt at this new world of e-networking.  I love it so much that over the last few months, I set out to emulate the trends of setting up a personal website/blog, getting myself a calendly invite link, hooking up zoom to my website so I can hop right on a call, creating a Linktree QR code, etc, etc…. All sounds super boujee to my Clean Energy, Logistics, and Emergency Preparedness friends, I 100% get it…

Well, last night my kids discovered the fruits of my labor.  I am not sure if I was showing off and bragging about it or if my oldest, very savy, instagram daughter found it…  But, here is what transpired next: 

 – The oldest kid:  Makes fun of me to the family that she went to make an appointment, but I didn’t accept.

 – My middle kid hears this and quietly sneeks out to find the ‘family computer’.

 – I continue to lay on the floor exhausted from a busy Saturday.

Next thing you know, I start getting a series of messages….  

Some take-aways…

 I clearly use “brother” too much

 Knowing where and how to interact with your customer is key

 The more you put yourself out there the more people you’ll meet

Life is a balancing act and you get to choose the parameters. I made the choice to be a husband, a father, and run multiple companies. That sometimes means we spend a little time at a coffee shop on a Saturday afternoon between games catching up on this past week and looking ahead to the week ahead.

Today, the task is completing our 13-week cash flow projections for Blacksmith Ventures, RemainSafe, CISTANT, and Purified Simple Solutions.

If you are a small business or startup – in growth phase or survival phase – cash flow analysis is a method to keep you finger on the pulse of your entire business. We do a 13-week forward looking projection for our businesses that accounts for each penny and projection. It takes me about an hour, but the value is tremendous. My title says CEO, but #entrepreneurship is my bloodline and a 13-week cash flow is part of my playbook.

Several weeks ago, I posted about a memory of my brother and I sitting in my dad’s truck while he worked overtime years ago. Fast forward to today and here I am with my youngest… Apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, I guess.

Feeling frustrated with everything going on in your startup?    

Not sure if you are winning or losing?   

You’re not alone, Entrepreneur, Founder, & Business Owner   

Here is a “how to” video on how to get clear, focused, and winning… 

At Blacksmith Ventures, we call it Focus On What Matters…  Smartsheet is working great for us.

Hope this is helpful, friends.

Andy Smith – Entrepreneur

This was the view from my wife’s car as she drove to exercise on New Year’s Day.  The sun was just starting to rise and she needed to be up on those hills behind this bridge where she would meet her friends for their annual run.  The problem was she couldn’t see past this bridge.  The path was lost in a deep fog. The road ahead was unknown, uncertain, and scary. She had some choices to make and she had to make them quickly!  

Doesn’t this sound like the daily journey through entrepreneurship? You have this great idea that you’re going to set out and accomplish something.  You prepare your essentials… You plan as any optimist would…  You step out and take the cold water plunge into the unknown… Only to find…

To find what?

To find adversity. 

I tell all aspiring entrepreneurs that “entrepreneurship is the hardest profession you can choose”.  If you’re a true entrepreneur, you’re risking everything.  I’m talking a true everything bagel – you’re risking your finances, your pride, your freedom, and your reputation.  Wait, true entrepreneur?  What is that?  True entrepreneurs don’t start by looking to raise a kazillion dollars of others money.  True entrepreneurs know that with great risk, comes great reward so they put their own moola into the game. 

Now back to the journey through adversity.  In 2007, I set out as a bootstrapping entrepreneur alongside my longtime friend Hans van der Pasch.  We encountered adversity along each and every step of the way.  In 2017, our team acquired ASHCOR.  Guess what?  Same story of adversity.  In 2021, our team co-founded BlackSmith Ventures.  Guess what?  Yep, more fog at the end of the bridge. 

Here are three ways you can deal with adversity when it inevitably strikes:

Step 1:  Understand and Expect Adversity to Hit 

They say knowledge is half the battle.  So, take that optimistic self and sprinkle in a little pessimistic self and make sure you are ready for the best case scenario and the “poop the bed” scenario. 

Step 2:  You Win in the Moments

Our team learned a long time ago the motto, “Let’s go win the day”.  We say this to encourage ourselves that today is all we have.  Yesterday is over, tomorrow is not here yet, but today is ours to concur.  Let me take that one step further.  “Let’s go win the moment”.  When its really hard – like stopping on a bridge because the fog is too dense and too frightening to pass – you have the permission to focus only on the moment.  The very next step – no matter how small.  If you tackle that moment, you have won, friend.

Step 3:  The Mission is Bigger than You so Get Over Yourself and Just Keep Fighting

If we are going to do what we are here to do then quitting is the only failure.  What are we here to do, you may ask?  We are here to make an infinite impact on others.  Its not fancy, sexy, or hypothetical.  It’s simply the opportunity to go out and positively impact one person.  If we can accomplish that goal, then there is a possibility that person will impact another.  We can only live and operate in the opportunities and possibilities so just keep fighting the good fight, friend.

Remember, failure doesn’t exist unless you give up.  

Stuck, need help, feeling like a failure?  Reach out to our team.  If nothing else, you’ll find an experienced, encouraging word.  It takes a village, fellow entrepreneur, founder, and business owner.  Let’s do this together.

You can find more from me by scanning the link below.

Scan for more info on Andy Smith and BlackSmith Ventures

Oh, and wondering about my wife?  She made it and had a wonderful 10.5 mile run with her friends (in the sun).

Weather the Storm Entrepreneur, Founder, and Business Owner.

How is growing and scaling your #startup going?  

It’s a wet and wild adventure on the #entrepreneurship waters…  

As you guide your raft down the river your success (or failure) depends on who you choose to row alongside you, your knowledge of the river, and your ability to guide the raft in times of uncertainty.  

I explained Blacksmith Ventures to a couple of founders this week like this:  

 – On one side of the spectrum is the 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁… They advice as you row like hell down the river.    

 – On the other side of the spectrum is 𝗩𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹… They give you some paddles, a map, and tell you to hurry the hell up.  

Then you have the 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗦𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗵…  We jump in your boat alongside you, grab a paddle, and support the hell out of you.    

How quickly you go from “startup” to “momentum” depends on the mindset and resourcefulness of your leadership team.   

So make sure you get the right people in your raft, friends.