Today we’d like to introduce you to Bryson Kenny.
Bryson, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In my senior year of high school, I realized I wanted to be my own boss. I had just started my own business on the side that dealt with decommissioning (recycling) old electronics from local businesses.
I would take those electronics, mainly desktops and laptops, and either recycle them for material value or sell them as-is. I continued working on this business throughout college but also entertained other opportunities. In February 2021, I was alerted that a local business in Knoxville I regularly shopped at, NTY Clothing Exchange, was being put up for sale.
I already had a good business relationship with the owner, Robert Lebus, so I reached out and looked into buying the business. After a couple of meetings, rather than buying the business, I came on as a business equity owner and became the active business manager at NTY Clothing Exchange. Since February, NTY has seen large growth and been revitalized to what it was intended to be before COVID hit.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
You should never venture off to start your own business if you assume it’s going to be easy. There will always be challenges and things sprung on you at the last moment. I highly agree and stand by the quote of “Entrepreneurs don’t want to work a 9 to 5, so instead, they work 24/7.”
COVID was a big struggle, as it was with every business. My tech business lost sales due to businesses being closed and large supply chain issues which we continue to deal with today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about NTY Clothing Exchange?
NTY Clothing Exchange is an upscale resale shop that caters to teens and young adults. We are cash on the spot store so customers can bring in their lightly used clothes and get cash immediately. We are known for our selection being premium compared to other stores that abide by the same business model.
NTY has been set apart from other stores by incorporating high-end sneakers and streetwear into the store as well as an online store presence. I am most proud of how NTY was able to be turned around quickly after COVID and watching our team of employees grow, whether in life or work roles.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
You cannot run a business without taking risks. Risk tolerance is a constant thing I think of and preach to our employees. With a shop that is buying inventory, you always have to think long-term.
With NTY, our risk is the legitimacy of the item and if we can sell the item in a timely manner for a profit. Every business will eventually take a risk that does not pay off, so it is up to that business to figure out how to recuperate that loss but most importantly, learn from it.
Contact Info:
- Email: bryce@ceplexchange.com
- Website: https://www.ntyclothingexchange.com/knoxville-tn/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ntyceknoxville/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ntyceknoxville
- Other: https://www.ebay.com/usr/ntyceknoxville
