Olan Rogers began as a small time Youtuber, sharing hilarious stories on his channel that gained over 85 million collective views in 2008. With the newfound fame, Mr. Rogers started his own clothing store online called Olan Roger’s Supply (later renamed Star Cadet). Realizing that an online store is not enough, Rogers starts the Soda Parlor in 2013, a small shop in Nashville that serves rootbeer floats, various dessert waffles, and his clothing line. Olan Rogers then discovered that small businesses require far more effort and endurance than he originally thought. “I’ve been in tough situations before, but this one was quite tough. The thing is that I love my country, but it just sucks for small businesses. I don’t even know how some businesses stay alive. It’s so hard,” Rogers tearfully explains in his video.
For months, Olan Rogers could barely make ends meet. After two years of tax errors, his entire bank account was empty. His wife, Rachel Rogers, quit her high paying job to help him achieve his dream. Olan never once complained about the situation he was put it, but he explains with tears in his eyes how he felt that everyone around him was being taken down as well. Olan mentioned that amidst all the sorrow he felt, he found the motivation to not give in. He felt that he could beat this.
As of today, Olan truly lived up to this promise. The Soda Parlor is now opening a second location, his online store is getting lots of traffic, and he launched his own cartoon series which may eventually be a show on Cartoon Network. While all this success has happened, Olan Rogers never once attributes it to himself, but rather says it was God’s work and the support of his wife, friends and fans that got him to this point in his life. His vision, endurance, and faith are all admirable attributes that pair well with entrepreneurship.
It is encouraging to see how someone can come back up through the struggle and sorrow. Also interesting to see how Olan was already a successful YouTuber before experiencing the many financial burdens that came with running a small business. This goes to show how faith and a support system can help you overcome the most challenging obstacles in life.
This is an extremely inspiring story. I have been a follower of Olan Rogers for years and it has been very encouraging to see his perseverance and his testimony. It should also be noted that Olan’s cartoon premiered on TBS last year and has been renewed for a second season! Olan provides an incredible example of what hard work combined with faith can accomplish.
This is so amazing!! It’s so encouraging to see that even the most successful business owners have their stories of failure. Recognizing and understanding that failure is inevitable can be liberating to business owners. Taking risks is necessary for innovation and often times the greater the risk is, the greater the reward. I think the true victory in the story of the Soda Parlor is the grit and passion the owner showed to press on even when it doesn’t seem possible.
This post could say so much more 🙁 Are you intending to expand on it sometime?|
Is it ok to clear up some misconceptions? You’ve written a highly informative post otherwise, so thank you!
May I clear up some misconceptions? You’ve penned a highly informative post anyway, so thank you!
You neglected something..
I find this actually well thought out. Can I ask one or two questions? Because..I know extra ideas that fit this.