Here’s some sweet insider info. They’re in! It took a bit longer than anticipated, cost a lot more than expected and turned out even nicer than anyone had hoped. I love watching things like this come together! Here is a glimpse at some of the progress.
Framing started back in January of 2018.
They built a larger shell than they actually needed which will give them option to have some rental units. This should help them generate a few extra bucks and simplifies the “need more space” problem that they have encountered in the past.
“Insulate it all!” I heard someone scream. The city required drywall on the warehouse ceilings. The rumor is that the owners cried in public but were secretly pleased. It’s a fantastic looking warehouse.
The drywall and painting getting done. This time they installed some real lightning in the warehouse (there’s a persistent rumor that in the last building people sometimes wore head lamps). Putting in the upstairs ceiling.
Moving Day! Here’s a time lapse I took of the new warehouse set up. The BHQ crew killed it.
I really like how the building came together. I rent an office in one of the upstairs wings (part of a company I’m starting). There’s still some move-in work to do and few things to tweak but I’m pretty pleased.
At the end of August Blade HQ celebrated the move with a grand opening party:
The turnout was really good (over 700 people showed up!). Blade HQ had manufacturers and makers attending, free food, games, contests and a legitimate grand opening hosted by Pleasant Grove officials. My buddy Vaughn (and the first in store customer ever) got to cut the ribbon and they even let me officiate in the ceremony. The family came out for a bit, threw a few axes, spun the prize wheel and then called it a day. I was so stoked to get a “STAFF” shirt that I stayed almost the entire time.
So here’s some business advice you didn’t ask for (I’m pretty sure I’ve given it before). If you have a business (or will have a business) with substantial space requirements then take the time to do some important math. Does it make financial sense to own your own building? Check out this excellent article for more advice on Buying vs. Leasing.
Do you work at bladehq? I would love to work there!
Too bad I’m in Ohio. I would have loved to be there and check out the new place and talk to everyone. You should open a store in Toledo ;-D
@ Nathan. Not anymore, but I still get to help out now and then.
We had people from all over the US! I’ll pass your Ohio suggestion along .
Love Blade HQ! Buy all my knives there and I’ve even met you a couple of times.