We had the good fortune of connecting with Adam Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Adam, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind our success is to communicate with the customer and avoid saying no, while also understanding our limitations. In the beginning we took on many projects, that although stretched us thin, helped us grow. This got the word out that we were accommodating to our customers. Also, delivering to our customers was a huge value we provided that others weren’t doing. We also bucked market trends in some ways and price our products at a fair affordability rather than “market” rate.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I grew up working in my parents small business, so that was the initial influence. But I pursued my education during and after the military, to the point where I obtained my doctorate degree in Psychology. With that degree, I gained employment in the corporate world. So that employment provided me the financial means to have security and initially launch my business as a side hustle. Because I was employed full-time and operated my business on the side, I was able to invest time, money, and energy without panic or reaching for too much too early. When I finally quite my job after the pandemic, my business was at a point where I could sustain it. Giving up the corporate job, with the financial security, set hours, and benefits is still scary, but I now enjoy my time working for myself much more.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I like BBQ spots, so anything that involves BBQ or chicken wings. I’d like to visit the panhandle of Florida again, that’s where I was stationed while in the military, and it was wonderful; beaches, southern BBQ, and a night life. If out of the country, any all-inclusive resort is where I’m going.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
It’s difficult to pick just one person or group, but shoutout to those who believed in us in the beginning. Probably our biggest early win was our work with the Miss California Organization 3 years after we opened. That gave us a platform to showcase really elegant awards, and a market that was untapped in our local area.

Website: www.CalTrophy.com

Instagram: CalTrophy559

Facebook: CaliforniaTrophy

Image Credits
Wiii Photography for the headshot. All others were taken by me.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.