Positively West Virginia
Positively West Virginia
Episode 3: Gurkee's: Rope Sandals Handmade in Morgantown
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Gurkee's Owner, Ray SicklesRay Sickles is owner of Gurkee’s Rope Sandals, manufactured in Morgantown, West Virginia. Gurkee’s Rope Sandals are unique sandals made from carpet fiber that has been spun into rope and heat welded together. Gurkee’s are comfortable and durable. These sandals have been seen on fashion runways, and have been features in Vogue, Elle Girl, GQ Magazine, Muse Magazine and The Chicago Tribune.

Owner, Ray Sickles

 

 

 

 


Show Notes

  • 0:00 – 01:22: Jim introduces Ray Sickles.
  • 01:22 – 02:15: Sickles takes a minute to talk about his company, Gurkees.
  • 02:15 – 02:18: What’s one thing you’re most excited about with your company?
  • 02:18 – 03:42: Sickles talks about the difference in the economy in Morgantown and the facility that Gurkees has in 2018, as well as expanding into different products.
  • 03:42 – 04:03: Tell us a little bit about how your company began?
  • 04:03 – 08:02: Sickles talks about how Gurkees started in 1984 and the background behind it.
  • 08: 02 – 08:23: You bought the company when it was being manufactured out of a prison in Mexico, can you tell us a bit about that?
  • 08:23 – 13:16: Sickles bought the company when it was being manufactured out of a prison in Mexico. He talks about the process behind that.
  • 13:16 – 13:35: What would you say is the take away from that tremendous entrepreneurial moment?
  • 13:35 – 15:27: Sickles talks about knowing when to quit or don’t.
  • 15:27 – 15:46: Can you talk with us about the product itself?
  • 15:46 – 19:19: Sickles talks about being able to blend the ropes to mix colors and the price points of his sandals.  
  • 19:19 – 19:34:  What would you say the best part about working in West Virginia?
  • 19:34 – 21:00: “It’s close to a lot of different markets,” said Sickles. “To be in business in WV, and you have a company and you have a product, you have to learn to be creative.”
  • 21:00 – 21:16: What’s one piece of advice you would give people who are thinking about starting a business?
  • 21:16 – 23:00: “There’s no get rich quick scenario,” said Sickles. “Look at what resources you have yourself.”
  • 23:00 – 23:12: What would you say your vision for the company is?  
  • 23:12 – 24:47: Sickles talks about being able to expand his products.
  • 24:47  – 24:54: What’s one thing that you think you do everyday that contributes to your success?
  • 24:54 – 25:25: “Trying to stay focused on where you are headed,” said Sickles.  
  • 25:25 – 25:32:  Is there one resource in your business that you cannot live without?
  • 25:32 – 25:49: “My iPhone,” answered Sickles.
  • 25:49 – 25:53: What’s one book that you would recommend for business owners?
  • 25:53  – 26:68:  “Think and Grow Rich”
  • 26:68 – 26:43: How many countries is Gurkess available in right now?
  • 26:43 – 28:02: Through their website, Gurkees is available globally. Exporting wise, 25 countries.
  • 28:02 – 28:07: How can we learn more or buy the Gurkees products?
  • 28:07 – 28:34: Gurkees and order anything you want. Use the coupon code to receive 20% off: wvcode20
  • 28:07 – 30:00: Closing remarks!

 

  • Address: 1068-C Greenbag Road Morgantown West Virginia 26508
  • Phone: 304-212-4422
  • Website: http://www.gurkees.com