Barrels, Business, & Beaches
Photo by Walt Petruska
by Deonna Osborn
“You were born to win, but to be a winner, you must plan to win, prepare to win, and expect to win.”
– ZIG ZIGLAR Zig Ziglar could have been talking about Steve Mayes, owner of Red Head Barrels. Steve graduated from Broadmoor Senior High in Baton Rouge, La. While still in school, he made the decision to join the Navy and serve his country, continuing on to active duty immediately following graduation. In the mid-1990s, Steve joined Amway, which introduced him to the business world and particularly the importance of goal setting, networking, and marketing. A book entitled “Rich Dad, Poor Dad,” by Robert Kiyosaki, taught him about building businesses that would act as both assets and passive revenue streams, launching a lifelong habit of goal setting and a quest to create such a business. In the early 2000s, Steve moved to Dallas and co-launched a company that helped thousands of people start their own successful internet businesses. In just six years, the company grew to a net worth of nearly $15 million and boasted over 250 employees.
This company, along with a string of subsequent successes, allowed Steve to enjoy increased flexibility while remaining active in the business world. He was afforded the opportunity to spend increased time with family and engage more actively in his beloved Wylie community through activities such as the Wylie Chamber of Commerce. During the 2012 State Fair of Texas, Steve and his soon-to-be-wife Amie discovered the idea for Red Head Barrels as they brainstormed other product models. Within three months, a website was launched. They enjoyed overwhelming sales success during Black Friday 2013, and Steve and Amie decided to fully commit to Red Head Barrels as a couple and a company. Red Head Barrels creates handmade custom whiskey barrels, ideal for smoothing and flavoring liquors, vinegar, or hot sauce. The barrels are purchased as gifts by individuals from the lay consumer to the most discerning liquor connoisseur. During the summer of 2013, Steve married Amie, his best friend and business partner. Her background as director of sales for Hilton Hotels brought some unique
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