We are a tiny team of friends and family that handle all aspects of this business. Each of us has a part to play to keep us moving.
John aka JC
Founder. Chief executive and architect of all that is J&L… essentially it is his baby. Passionate about what he does, and compassionate about people. Always thinking and plotting new concepts for the company. Created/invented our most iconic products: Beard Butter and Junk Oil. This is his full time career. All production and operational activities are performed by him. He designs it, makes it, packs it, puts it on the website, and ships it. Also does our social media posts, writes newsletters, handles PR. As we grow, these roles will get passed on to others so he can spend more time simply advising and guiding.
Larry
Larry is JC’s husband. Although he has a very time consuming full time career outside of J&L, he puts energy into all aspects of our operations. Providing financial feedback and assisting in new product development.
Brandon
Brandon helps out with our Pop-Ups and has been a great brand ambassador. As we grow, we hope he is able to grow with us to take on our marketing and sales when the timing is right. Along with his wife, they are very much a part of our business Oh, and Brandon is JC’s nephew.
Other People behind the scenes:
We have quite a few friends of the business that have made a lot of our growth possible. From being strong Brand Ambassadors to lending a hand whenever needed. Some have provided us tremendous opportunities to gain exposure. Most of these folks have important careers that necessitates a level anonymity. What is important is that they know who they are and that we consider them a part of the J&L family.
Over the years we have had “models” and “customer assistants” that join in for the fun as the help our enterprise along. Folks like Dillon, Ted, Lela and Tim who have taken time away from their other activities to put some energy behind us. Especially during our Pop-Ups, they are essential to our success.
Diversity and Inclusion is a must.
It is true that we are led by a bunch of white dudes, a couple Gen-Xers with aid from a couple Millennials. When you start a small business, you often rely heavily upon family and very close friends to help with all the work. We know this tips the balance but it is not a definition of who we are as a company nor what we value.
Each of us have unique backgrounds which have taught us some basic values that seem to have been lost. We treat every person with decency and respect, without conditions. This is true in our personal lives as well as within our business environment. What the pictures above cannot tell you is that 3/4 of us dudes are also members of the greater LGBT+ community and have been actively involved in various organizations to improve the communities in which we are a part.
Although we personally may not have had the exact experiences that others have had; it does not negate the empathy we can feel and express for others. A key component of empathy is not having to have shared an experience but understand and feel for the experiences others have had; and the impact of those experiences upon one’s life.
We love people. We also understand that not every person is alike and that we each have different needs and wants. That is at the core of why we are in business. As we grow, we wish to be in a position where we can bring more people into our family that better represents the communities in which we live. Until then, we will continue to support every community the best way we can, by offering products that can meet a person’s needs regardless of gender identity, age, race, nationality, skin tone, physical appearance, physical ability, economic status, education or personal beliefs….. and anything else that makes each of us who we are. We love people! Not only that, but we love people who also love people.
By embracing each person as they are, without exceptions, we make this world more beautiful. Such a thing is not cosmetic but genuine. We wont carve out niches to exclude anyone! J&L is a community for all, no matter what other community you are a part of. You are welcome here!