President: David Campbell
Business Name: Boxman Studios
Website URL: http://boxmanstudios.com/
Year Founded: 2009
Number of Employees: 35
What does your company do?: We repurpose shipping containers into unique structures for brand immersion, pop up retail, restaurants, office buildings, multi-family complexes, and more.
Was there a specific turning point when you realized your business was moving to the next level?: I don’t think I can mention any one time where I believe things changed. We’ve outgrown our warehouse 4 times in 5 years. But it could be the time we created 4 suites for 4 different brands at Bristol Motor Speedway. Or when we had Red Bull came to us for a custom built mobile convenience store. Or when Google asked us for a 3,000 square foot multi-function space for the TED talks. Maybe the 2nd time Google came to us to help them set up shop for the HQ during the Democratic National Convention. Our team is constantly coming up with new ideas and solutions to elevate our business, meanwhile our clients our realizing new uses for repurposed containers to challenge our designers and fabricators. I won’t be cliche and say everyday is a turning point, but we aren’t ready to publish the “story of Boxman” since we aren’t done writing it.
What processes or procedures have you implemented that have helped grow your company?: Being that everything we do is custom, we’ve had to build custom processes and procedures and even tools to match. There is no guidebook on container architecture. We take these container structures from the clients vision, through design, into fabrication, and finally into deployment and setup. Our designers create custom 3d models which are built to the exact spec through fabrication. Our fabrication team uses custom built tools, materials, and procedures to create safe and quality structures that can also go down the road, and deploy efficiently for the logistics team. And the logistics team are trained in how to move these large containers around the country and deploy them with ease for our clients.
What is most rewarding about running your business?: We’re a team here, a family, and we have to be, if we aren’t we fail. Each project takes a team of designers, project managers, fabricators, truck drivers, account managers, and then some. And through the long hours, the longer conversations, and the hard work…Once it all comes together, seeing what we built in the field, and watching people interact and look on in amazement. That’s the best moment, because at some point every person in the company had a hand in that project, and it wouldn’t of happened without them.
What challenges have you faced and how have you overcome them?: Shipping Containers are built to travel around the world and withstand a heck of a beating, but the second you cut into one, it completely changes the integrity of it. Like I said, there is no guidebook to container architecture, so as industry leaders, we are in the process of writing it. We’ve made safety and quality our highest concern. Whether we’re working on a project that will hold a dozen people or ten thousand, from the moment of design we work with architects, structural engineers, and safety inspectors to ensure safety. Our structures exceed code in whichever location they will live, and all of our fabricators are trained in certified for the custom work we do. Sure you can buy a container and take a torch to it in your backyard, but if you want it done right, you come to us.
If you were starting over today, what would you do differently?: Accommodated for growth. If there’s one thing I didn’t plan on, it was how big and fast our company would grow. We’ve moved five times in four years. Had I known that our business would continue to grow at such a rapid pace, we’d have been in our current space in year two.
What advice do you have for other business owners?: Remember that your’s and every team member’s livelihood is dependent on the people you surround yourself with. Choose wisely and invest in progressive thinking, differing opinions, and encourage continual improvement.
Please list any favorite books, tools or resources (software, website, etc.) you would recommend for others: I’m a voracious reader and always look to learn but can’t say one book or individual is the end all be all. If you’re looking for a place to find new ideas the TED talks are a great start, and a resource I continually utilize.
What is something that people might be surprised to learn about you?: I’m a big believer in introspection and feel that you need to quiet your mind and often remove yourself from your routine for the most insight. I use yoga and meditation for quiet during the week but find my biggest leaps on the retreats I do every 90 days.
