Building a Million-Dollar Brand from a Simple Idea - RT Custer

Think Business with Tyler

RT Custer shares his incredible journey from a simple idea on a golf course to building Vortic Watch Company and Colorado Watch Company, reviving American-made timepieces. He reveals how he scaled a niche business, fought and won a six-year legal battle against Swatch Group, and is now expanding U.S. watch manufacturing to new heights.

• Transformed antique pocket watches into high-end wristwatches, creating a unique business model

• Battled and defeated Swatch Group in a landmark trademark case, protecting the right to upcycle

• Scaled Vortic Watch Company despite limited supply, maintaining exclusivity and high demand

• Launched Colorado Watch Company to bring modern, American-made watches to a larger market

• Balances passion for craftsmanship with strategic financial and operational growth

• Emphasizes the importance of sales skills, resilience, and hiring the right team to scale a business

• Uses direct-to-consumer sales, storytelling, and American manufacturing as key brand differentiators

Tune in to hear how RT turned a passion for history and craftsmanship into a thriving business, fought against industry giants, and built a brand that champions the American Dream.

My Links

Host: Tyler Martin , Fractional CFO and Business Coach

Having challenges scaling and growing your business? Book a meeting with me:

https://calendly.com/tylermartin/strategy

Link to show notes:

https://thinktyler.com/podcast_episode/a-million-dollar-brand-rt-custer/

https://linktr.ee/thinktyler

Podcast: ThinkBusinesswithTyler.com

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