How I Work: Bradley Rhyne, Co-Founder & CEO of Ole Mason Jar

Ole Mason Jar, an upscale menswear clothing and lifestyle brand founded and created in North Carolina in 2013, is rooted in its founders’ southern heritage and mixed with their love for menswear, style and clothing.

Co-founders Bradley Rhyne and Filipe Ho aspire to create a lifestyle brand that is sophisticated, right for the time and never overdone with their new business. Their mission: to give back, tell a great story and create high quality, great fitting and sustainable clothing made in the USA.

With his extensive experience in the finance and accounting industry as a Vice President for a fortune top 10 company, Bradley Rhyne, brings a wealth of knowledge, creativity and business acumen to Ole Mason Jar. Keep scrolling to learn more about this Charlotte entrepreneur. 

Office location

In historic Brevard Court (148 Brevard Court), right across from the French Quarter restaurant and above Valhalla Wine Bar.

Job title

Co-Founder / CEO

Commute

I live in the well kept secret of Belmont (west of Charlotte).  Only 12 miles and 20-25 minutes to the office…and rarely heavy traffic.

What do you do during your commute?

Usually podcasts but sometimes a book on tape since it is really hard to find time to read on most days.

Phone type

iPhone 6S+ (I love everything Apple)

I have a few emails I need to answer.

Desk

Computer

MacBook Pro

Gadgets you can’t live without

There is so much technology available today that does pretty much whatever you need. I would have to say my phone and PC are the most important ones, and on them I run a number of apps available to help organize life (Slack for day to day organization, social media apps, music apps, expense and accounting apps etc…)

Do you listen to music while you work?

Everyday, I am a huge fan of music. One of the first things we did when opening our showroom was install our sound system (priorities, right?!). Sometimes I just stream Apple music, but on a good day I put on some vinyl and listen via our showroom turntable.

What software are you a power user of?

As any small business owner will relate, my power user skills are across multiple areas. Adobe Lightroom, photoshop, quickbooks, Word and Excel.

What’s your favorite spot for a business lunch? Your order?

So many great spots in Brevard Court, I have to say Pho Plus (noodle soup), or Zablong Pizza (pretty much every topping). Also, if in South End, hands down Futo Buta (Miso Ramen).

Social media habits

I typically like to check Instagram first thing in the morning and then periodically throughout the day. We also try and post something early in the morning to catch folks before they go in to work. Our industry is so visual that any platform that helps us share the vision of our company is something we are on pretty frequently.

To-do list manager

Slack and Todoist, and a lot of times a good old-fashioned white board.

What everyday thing are you really good at?

I would have to say customer service. I like to think I do a lot of things decently but not many of them great, but I must say creating a phenomenal customer experience is something we are proud of. Custom making something, complimentary shipping and free alterations on anything they buy (provided by our in-house alterations partner Cassandra) to name a few examples.

What’s your one favorite thing about your job?

With such a large focus of making things here in North Carolina, to be able to help bring manufacturing back to not only the USA, but to our great state, is incredibly gratifying.

Best time-saving shortcut or Charlotte life hack

Off-the-street parking / Fourth Ward parking in Uptown Charlotte. Free after 6 p.m. and on the weekends (free for 2 hours anytime in Fourth Ward). Hopefully will make things less intimidating for folks that want to come Uptown for events, dinner and maybe even a little shopping!

Sleep routine

It doesn’t always happen, but I try to wake up around 6-6:30 a.m. The early morning is when I get the most work done.

Where do you go around Charlotte to get away from the office?

A great part about our location is that I can literally step outside to get away. I love taking my laptop and sitting outside Rush Espresso in Brevard Court or Founders Hall.

What did you eat for breakfast this morning?

Cliff bar and a banana

If you weren’t doing your current job, what would you be doing?

I actually recently left my full time job at Bank of America, so would definitely still be there (working in finance).

Best job advice you’ve received:

You don’t have to be great to get started, but you have to get started to be great.

Last book you read (grade it on a A-F scale):

The NIV New Testament Bible, A++

Last movie you watched (grade it on a A-F scale):

Captain America Civil War, B+

What other Charlottean would you like to answer these questions?

Cassandra Faulk (Cassandra’s Alterations)