Meet Jenna Ramirez of Rout

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenna Ramirez.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
We have been in the business for many years as a family owned company.

Given our strong multi-year relationships with some of the best factories worldwide we are able to produce top quality merchandise at exceptionally fair price points.  Being in the business and knowing what it takes to manufacture quality goods, I could not believe the insane mark-ups that some retailers are taking. That’s when we realized that we had a huge advantage in the market by going e-commerce direct to the customer. Most “wholesale” company’s products are cheap and anything from fashion forward, this was another strong advantage.  By combining my parent’s years of business savvy with my design skills; we created a fun line of men’s bags and accessories at fair price points that offer great perceived value.

The word Rout means to ‘overwhelmingly and thoroughly defeat’ (per Dad) to destroy the competition. That’s what we try to do in every facet of our product line. You shouldn’t have to sacrifice style or quality for price!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Rout has been a struggle. We all thought it would be easier to successfully launch an E-commerce store.  We didn’t understand the tools and effort required to efficiently get potential customers to our site and effectively engage them until they either; learn something about our Brand or make a purchase. I think we could and should have initially done more due-diligence, before opening the site.  Perhaps then it would have less of a struggle. I would tell anyone going into E-commerce today to thoroughly research every available avenue of advertising and to test each with a modest budget for a specific time period before committing significant dollars to “x number” of platforms. The biggest lesson I learned was to ask for help. To utilize the available talent around you, and not to try to do it all yourself. No one is good at everything. I have been very lucky to assemble a team that is not only talented, but also passionate. If we don’t have the answer; we find the answer.

We believe in what we are selling and we stand behind our quality. Like all growing brands; we are just a group of dreamers enthusiastic about the future, but collectively we are all committed to leave our little mark on this world.

Please tell us about Rout.
Because we are a small family owned and operated company it has been important to us that our employees feel like part of a team. We have strived to create an office vibe in which everyone feels comfortable.  I believe it is important to create a happy environment where people feel free to express themselves creatively.

This is the fashion industry; it is hard work, but it should also be fun!

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
It might sound funny, but I would not change a thing. I have learned so much. This has not only been an experience in starting a brand but a crash course in e-commerce. In the past few years I was forced to learn about every facet of digital marketing, the knowledge I have gained majorly out-weighs the road blocks we have faced along the way. I truly appreciate the experience, and how far we have all come.

Pricing:

• Adventurer Classic Backpack $75
• Made in USA American Bison Wallet $49
• Competitor Ballistic Messenger Bag $149

Contact Info:

• Website: routsport.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/routsport/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/routsport/

Image Credit:
Arianne Tano
Nicole Neisius

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