Today we’d like to introduce you to Troy Roush.
Hi Troy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Fulfilling a longtime dream, in August of 2019, I (Troy) was given the opportunity to learn the craft of blacksmithing. Shortly thereafter, the passion grew as did my skills, and I wanted to share my journey with others. As a result of learning from some of the world’s most gifted smiths and teachers of smiths, I felt it would be good to share that knowledge and my ongoing path of progression via social media. In early 2020, I started a YouTube channel, with the sole intention of simply being a part of a growing community that I began to admire and love more all the time. The channel made nominal growth and began to incorporate not only my passion for smithing but for sharing the gospel message. Midway through 2020, my son Eli joined in on the channel and gained a similar passion for the craft. His input and skills added greatly to the channel and our exposure and was a great encouragement to us both. At that point, we began scheduling craft fairs and similar events to demonstrate and sell our handcrafted items. Since that time, both the channel and the hobby/business have made some exciting strides, which encourage us both more and more. Additionally, we farm our family farm, where we have continuously farmed for nearly 120 years. We now incorporate those activities and life events with our viewers, all while offering up a moral and Christian perspective on all that we do.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not always been a smooth road. The channel itself started at the very beginning of the pandemic, so there was a flood of content creators and new blacksmiths all at the same time. Balancing between getting a business/channel off and running and still keeping up with life obligations has often left us tired. There have even been times we considered ceasing the channel and the business and just “enjoying the craft.” Eli works a full-time job some distance away, and I not only farm but minister to a local church full-time. We have also had some backlash from a few others, regarding our “right” to be able to instruct others in the craft, being so early into the craft. Resources have sometimes been a struggle due to supply issues and pricing increases.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
We are a family-owned/operated business, specializing in handmade blacksmithing items and other related crafts, with the intent of sharing our joy for the craft, our desire to continually learn, grow that business to be productive and successful, while maintaining a need to share our love for Christ. Our blacksmithing items range for ornamental, practical household, structural pieces, cookware, campware, edged items, tools, and more. Each of our items are indeed handmade, using as close to standard smithing tools and practices as we can. Our items can be found on 3 continents; several countries and nearly every state in the continental United States, plus Canada. We like to focus on the practical items for everyday use, because of the great history of blacksmiths and their impact on the lives of everyday people. Such items would include wall hooks, shelf brackets, cooking utensils, pots/pans, hinges, handmade hammers, axes, chisels, punches, woodworking tools, fireplace tools, campfire cooking items, and much more. Our pride comes in the knowledge that it is not mass-produced and utilizes old-world skills and techniques. We offer custom orders of what we say, “If it’s made from metal; we can probably make for you by hand.” We are not afraid to take on new challenges. We ship nearly anywhere. In addition, the Barr Run Forge customer can be assured that the people they are ordering from desire to operate with integrity. Oh, and there’s MERCH (t-shirts and sweatshirt, just to start).
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
We try to operate, in all aspects, with sincerity and integrity. If I were to offer any advice to anyone; it would be similar to life advice. Be consistent and be genuine. Be the same to the customer, as you would to your close friends/family. I feel that a sense of community has faded a bit, and we try to promote the idea that once you deal with us; you become a part of that community. I think people deep down want to feel valued. We may not ever be Forbes 500, but that’s not our desire. We desire positive interactions with PEOPLE, that may result in a sale. Learn the difference between three words: CONTENT, HAPPY, and SATISFIED. CONTENTMENT breeds happiness and is not dependent upon circumstances. SATISFIED means there is nothing more to attain/learn, and that is not good.
Pricing:
- T-shirts = $15
- Hoodies = $35
- Custom items based on $35/hr shop rate
- All other items are listed on the website
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.barrrunforge.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barrrunforge/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarrRunForge
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BarrRunForge/featured
