Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniel Pannell.
Daniel, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up in Vincent, OH, and graduated from the business program at Ohio University in 2018. I made the typical rounds of job interviews following college but didn’t really connect with any of the options available. I enjoyed evaluating businesses’ marketing platforms and making recommendations for how to creatively maximize their marketing potential. Entrepreneurship ran in my family, so I was most interested in starting my own business. My parents had been in business for 25+ years, but I wanted to do my own concept. When I broached the subject of a smoke shop with my parents, they discouraged it at first, however, when I persisted my mom told me to go for it with one caveat. No debt. I could tap a small investment that I hadn’t used for college and they would assist with their time and general business knowledge. I accepted the challenge and opened my first Twisted Glass Smoke Shop in the Spring of 2019. Our product lines were limited but selected after research into what customers in my hometown might be the most interested in purchasing. We carried unique glass from local vendors whenever possible, plus typical vape, tobacco, and smoke shop offerings. It also helped to have a storefront on one of the busiest streets in West Virginia. I was able to utilize my knack for research to keep on top of product trends and my social media marketing skills to get our name in front of our target audiences. The first shop started with myself and a friend manning the counter and during portions of the pandemic I worked alone, 7 days a week. After a successful first year, I decided to open another shop on the opposite end of town in the Fall of 2020, then a third shop in Marietta, OH in the Spring of 2021. I have also purchased a commercial property next door to my original store with the intent of constructing a “super store” as my product offerings have outgrown our current facility. In the meantime, we are utilizing the small building on that property as office space and an industrial hemp dispensary. The goal is to also expand our stores into some other geographic areas as time goes on. I now employ 21 people. Oh, and other than a small loan for commercial real estate, I’ve stuck with the “no debt” challenge. I love what I do. How many people get to say that in their lifetime?!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It’s easy to gloss over the struggles when all of the hard work that goes into a business is paying off. I feel very blessed. However, it hasn’t been without its share of bumps. Sticking with a shoestring budget, in the beginning, was extremely difficult. I traveled to trade shows and saw glass that fascinated me and new products that I wanted to incorporate. I had so many ideas and wanted to expand my product lines, but didn’t have the funds to do that as quickly as I wanted. Learning to be patient and work within my budget was a challenge. Growth has allowed the budget to expand, but I still do a lot of research in order to add the best quality products to our stores. I also had to find my way as a “boss” when my number of staff members grew. I try to select staff that loves this industry as much as I do and we have an awesome team. I’ll be honest, it’s an ongoing process to learn how to effectively delegate and work with a larger number of employees. One issue that I ran into, more so in the beginning, was my age. I was 24 when I started the business and there were more than a few vendors and competitors that didn’t think I would stick around. I’m competitive so that attitude just made me work even harder to prove I would be successful. Keeping up with law changes relating to the vaping industry and new regulatory agencies that pop up, is also a challenge. In the middle of growing the business, I also started a family and it’s a work in progress to find a healthy balance between the company and my home life. I coach youth baseball, play on an adult men’s baseball team, and play basketball when I can. My family, staying physically active, and my love of travel help to keep me grounded in what otherwise can be a very hectic life.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Twisted Glass Smoke Shop, LLC?
Twisted Glass specializes in glass pipes ranging from basic inexpensive pieces to unique and custom pieces, many crafted by glass blowers within Ohio and West Virginia. We offer typical smoke shop offerings such as vaping products, cigarettes, smoking accessories, CBD and other industrial hemp products, Kratom, bags, and clothing. All of our locations are bright, clean, creative, and in safe neighborhoods so that customers feel comfortable visiting the stores. Our Ohio store even has a drive-thru. Our staff are personable, and knowledgeable and help create a welcoming environment for customers. It’s also nice to be a local. I grew up in the general area where my shops are located, so customers know they are supporting a local small business owner. And, having multiple stores gives us the luxury of name recognition. Our product offerings set us apart from the competition. Others in the area may carry similar brands, but we go above and beyond to carry a wide selection and the most up-to-date options at very competitive prices. We stay on top of product trends so that we can offer new and exciting items as quickly as possible. Our stores were also recently voted as #1 Reader’s Choice in our local newspaper contest in the CBD shop category. We have our own branded line of high-quality industrial hemp products that are fan favorites.
What does success mean to you?
Success is the ability to do something I love that provides for my family and employees while also serving my local community.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.twistedglasssmokeshop.com
- Instagram: @glass_twisted
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glasstwisted
- Twitter: @glass_twisted
Image Credits
Samantha Jo Parsons
