We recently had the chance to connect with Brandon James Rose and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Brandon James, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A typical day for me as an entrepreneur is always quite different, but that’s why I love it. The only thing I try to keep consistent is the first 90 minutes after I wake up. I have found the first actions I take sets up my whole day, and the morning actually starts about 10p the night before. If I don’t get enough sleep, my morning routine will be off and therefore my day.
I have a no phone/ no technology rule 30 minutes before bed, and 30 minutes after waking. I like to start my day by stretching and getting natural sunlight. While stretching, I typically practice gratitude meditation and being thankful for the day. It may sound silly, but as soon as I check my phone, I know there will be a million things to respond to and this allows me to be tranquil and prepared for whatever fires I need to put out. After stretching, I usually do a 30-45 minute workout. This varies day to day – Sometimes it’s cardio and core, other times its weights, and sometimes it is just a walk while listing to a podcast. The whole goal is just to be active and break a a little sweat.
To me, this is like a natural coffee. The stretching makes me loose, and then the blood flow wakes me up.
Then, it is straight to the office and into the day. Typically WIS handles the fulfillment of orders first thing, and then right into our team meeting at 10a. This consists of goals for the day, as well as making sure we are on track for our weekly and monthly targets. Once everyone has a good understanding and on the same page, we dive into it! I don’t usually finish working until I am truly exhausted. Even upon leaving the office, there’s always calls to be had, social media posting, R&D, and more.
In the evening, I do like to try and take 20-30 minutes to just think, away from everything and write down ideas and big picture targets.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Watch Innovation Straps ( WIS ) offers premium watch bands in a variety of colors, styles, sizes, and materials to transform timepieces for enthusiasts around the world. From Italian leather, chemical-free rubber, waterproof sailcloth, rugged Nato straps and more – WIS has a strap for you.
It has taken some years to finally build a diverse product line that we are proud of. We have so much more on the way including new watch tools, watch rolls, strap storage cases, and even more band colors & designs.
Recently there has been so much happening at WIS, such as filling in watch strap line with odd size lug widths such as 19mm, 21mm, & 23mm, hiring on a Head of Retail Partnerships, brand new website, new office & showroom, etc!
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child growing up and going through the school system, I was always told “School is hard for me” or “I needed more time to test” etc. Thinking I was not as smart as everyone else. What I actually realized is that I was just never interested in busy-work. Some topics and classes I excelled at, while others I didn’t. It all had to do with how engaged I was. It took some time to realize that I actually do very well at what I put my mind to, and I think that goes for a lot of people. It is also ok to be different.
In school they have you work/study harder on topics you’re not as good at. In the real world you actually lean into your strengths, and hire for your weaknesses. As a business owner, you will find very quickly that you can’t do it all! So now as an adult I am confident in my ability, as well as understand where my weaknesses are. I think it is very important to internalize and understand yourself first, before trying to provide value to others.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering actually shows yourself how strong and resilient you truly are. I have found that the struggle is what gives success its sweetness. It is in the climb when you actually build the knowledge, strength, discipline, that defines who you are. It is a lot easier said than done, as in the hard time it can be quite lonely and isolating. But just like going to the gym, the pain of hard workouts are what actually makes you stronger.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
That we did not go to the moon. I know this is a controversial topic, but I just find it hard to believe that we telephoned NASA from the moon in 1969… 2 years before computer to computer emails were invented. I have not taken the proper time to dive down this rabbit hole to speak on it in depth, but if I can loose cell service in our two story office building elevator in downtown Dallas in 2025, it baffles my mind how we dialed the moon 238,900 miles away in 1969.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If immortality were real, what would you build?
If immortality were real, I think perspectives would change drastically. There wouldn’t be much of a focus on rushing. I think it would be a lot easier to plant the little seeds and be patient. Whether that is with investing, working out, relationships, etc. I know I would probably prioritize education much more. As the founder of WIS Watch Straps, I absolutely love what I do and would choose this again. The goal for any entrepreneur is to create something lasting, whether if we are mortal or immortal, our efforts will continue on.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wisstraps.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wisstraps/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wis-watch-straps
- Twitter: https://x.com/wisstraps
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wisstraps/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/wis-watch-straps-dallas
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wisstraps
Image Credits
@the_timist_ig
@ishootwatches
@kareltonwatchphotography
@atimeaffair
@realwatchbrotehrs
