Meet Jody Strauch, the co-owner of Out of the Box.
Tell us a little about your business. – Our business, Out of the Box, is focused on selling very high-quality, reclaimed home improvement products. These products, purchased new, are considerably higher priced. Because they are reclaimed, we are able to sell each product at a fraction of the retail pricing. We curate or individually select each and every piece in our store. They are NOT primarily vintage or antique; they are mostly “on trend” or very nice traditional pieces that you can put in a modern midcentury home, new home, or historic home. This is a very eclectic selection.
How did you get started in the business? – My business partner and I were involved in the restoration of high end homes in the Denver and Mountain Region of Colorado, and when searching for the perfect piece when restoring these homes, we discovered sources for selecting on trend, high-quality items in the resale/reclaimed market. We started the business in Lincoln and operated the business in Lincoln for eight years until just prior to the pandemic. We found the Historic Granary in Ralston and we renovated /restored the portion that is now our store.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Being able to tell our story to a larger audience. Since we are selling these items at a fraction of the retail cost, we do have the need to keep our operating costs down. The cost of marketing is extremely expensive. We really depend on the client that comes into our store to spread the word for us to friends and family.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – The ability to financially survive as a self-employed person for over ten years now. For my husband/business partner and I, it has been really rewarding to create a business that has been well received by the general public and architectural professionals.
Tell us a little about your family. – We love to travel. Our sons were born in Colorado and are 17 and 18 years old. Steen, my husband, is from Sweden so we have the daily influence of a foreign culture and also the delight of an alternative way to look at things other than how the American culture perceives life.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Traveling across America and in foreign countries. Day-to-day would be spending time in the outdoors.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I grew up in Lincoln but lived in Colorado for 30 years. I was fortunate to be one of the leaders of developing Breckenridge, CO as a major international brand in the world of skiing and outdoor recreational activities.
Who inspires you? – Other self-employed, motivated people that have high integrity and strong honest morals.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – My father taught me that you learn the most from your mistakes. Don’t be and do like everyone else. My mother in-law said to Steen and I that you can do some things with two hands, but with four hands the opportunities are endless.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Kind.
If you could have a super power, what would it be? – The ability to turn sad things in life into happy things and always see the brighter side of life.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – La Buvette.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (303) 669-9808; jodystrauch@msn.com.