Merchant
Arkansas
Hi all, I'm Rod. Along with my wife of 7 years, Mandy, I run Stirling Soap company. I'm extremely hesistant to join a web forum thanks to some unsavory past experiences, but after reading through some stuff and also receiving a recommendation on the potential of this board from a reviewer whose opinion I respect, I thought I'd give it a try.
Personal stuff, uh, let's see. Got a Physics degree in 2001. Decided I hated Physicists, joined the Army. Became an Interrogator, learned to speak Arabic, spent 12 years in decided it wasn't for me anymore. Started working on a Master's degree in Radiation Health Physics (which I've finished, just need to fly back up to Oregon and pass an oral board) and got out of the Army in 2013 as a CW2. Started Stirling Soap about two years prior to getting out, have been doing it full time since. Brought on an another interrogator and my former roommate, Kurt, this February as our first real employee. Hoping to continue to grow and do this as a living.
Mandy and I have a son, Emerson, who will be 3 in August. Making soap affords me the opportunity to be at home with my wife and son all day every day. For that, I am extremely and eternally grateful to the wetshaving community that gives so much support to artisans like me. I hope I can contribute to this board in some way, and look forward to reading further.
Oh, we don't have a store, but we have one of the most awesome views you will find and we always have ice cold beer (or sodas, if preferred) for anyone who stops by to say hi and pick up some soaps. We live so far away from everything that if a customer wants to come by, the least we can do is give them a damn beer or two. :-)
Personal stuff, uh, let's see. Got a Physics degree in 2001. Decided I hated Physicists, joined the Army. Became an Interrogator, learned to speak Arabic, spent 12 years in decided it wasn't for me anymore. Started working on a Master's degree in Radiation Health Physics (which I've finished, just need to fly back up to Oregon and pass an oral board) and got out of the Army in 2013 as a CW2. Started Stirling Soap about two years prior to getting out, have been doing it full time since. Brought on an another interrogator and my former roommate, Kurt, this February as our first real employee. Hoping to continue to grow and do this as a living.
Mandy and I have a son, Emerson, who will be 3 in August. Making soap affords me the opportunity to be at home with my wife and son all day every day. For that, I am extremely and eternally grateful to the wetshaving community that gives so much support to artisans like me. I hope I can contribute to this board in some way, and look forward to reading further.
Oh, we don't have a store, but we have one of the most awesome views you will find and we always have ice cold beer (or sodas, if preferred) for anyone who stops by to say hi and pick up some soaps. We live so far away from everything that if a customer wants to come by, the least we can do is give them a damn beer or two. :-)
