Northern Nevada Business Weekly: Tell us a little about Reno eNVy.
Scott Dunseath: Reno eNVy is Reno's signature brand. We embrace our misfit culture and relish in how great this community is. We primarily make T-shirts but are expanding into novelty items, such as coffee mugs and shot glasses. Fuel Screen Printing, which I am a partner in, builds all of our products and is open to the public for shirts or promotional items. We just opened our first retail store located in the new West Street Market in downtown Reno and also just launched our new sister brand, Tahoe Envy.
NNBW: What role do you play in the company?
Dunseath: I am the brand manager, sales clerk, accountant, custodian ... basically everything outside of graphics and design. Dustin Wanco, my business partner, handles that.
NNBW: What kind of boss are you?
Dunseath: I think I'm a pretty relaxed boss; I try to lead by example. I am definitely a cheerleader for my employees and always thank them for their efforts and make sure that they know that they are appreciated.
NNBW: How did you get into this business?
Dunseath: I got sponsored as a snowboarder and quickly realized that I was far more interested in how the products were built than being sponsored. I was intrigued by manufacturing and the wholesale/retail relationship. I worked as a sales rep for Vans, the shoe company, for eight years, which helped prepare me for building the Reno eNVy brand.
NNBW: What do you enjoy about it?
Dunseath: Hands down, I enjoy the positive reactions that I get from our customers. People really have an affinity towards the brand. I love being out somewhere and seeing someone with a Reno eNVy shirt on. It gives me a huge sense of accomplishment.
NNBW: What do you find annoying about it?
Dunseath: People that don't understand the brand. The assumption that because we use a trailer as our icon, that we are all about trailer trash. The trailer is open to interpretation. It is the shape of an Airstream; do you have any idea how much an Airstream costs these days?
NNBW: What are some of the challenges that face your business in the next few years?
Dunseath: Financing our growth is the greatest challenge. Reno eNVy has grown slowly and organically over the last four years, which has been great. As the Tahoe Envy brand develops, we have all sorts of opportunities and ideas that we want to pursuit but are limited by capital.
NNBW: What's been the biggest surprise for you in this business?
Dunseath: I think the range of age and personalities that identify with Reno eNVy has to be it. People of all ages, all walks of life and all social strata relate to our brand.
NNBW: What do you do when you're not working? Why are these activities important to you?
Dunseath: I enjoy the region's natural bounty. I snowboard, windsurf, fish, ride my bike and motorcycle. These activities are important because I believe in having a balance in life work hard/play hard.
NNBW: If you could have a do-over in your career, what would you differently the next time around?
Dunseath: I don't think I would do anything different. Even when I have failed at something, I have learned from it. Every job or position I have had has been a stepping stone to where I am at now. I do wish I had taken more management and upper-level business classes in college.
NNBW: What's the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Dunseath: I have two favorite quotes:
1. The grass isn't greener on the other side, it's dirt.
2. The definition of luck: When preparation meets opportunity.
NNBW: Any final thoughts?
Dunseath: It may sound textbook or cheesy but I am a true believer in following your heart and your passion. If you do this first then success will have a much greater chance of finding you.
The basics:
Name: Scott Dunseath
Professional position: RENO eNVy, owner
How long have you been in this job? Four years
How long in the profession? 14 years
Education: Bachelors degree, international affairs, minor in economics, University of Nevada, Reno
Best book you've read? "James and The Giant Peach." That book kick started my imagination.
What's on your iPod? Haven't loaded anything, been on Pandora.
The best movie ever? "Hot Dog," filmed at Squaw in the '70s.
