From Hardware Store Employee to Business Owner — Robert’s Patriotic Path to Independence with Freedom Candles
Robert Stinson had spent over a decade working at the local hardware store in Springfield where he knew every bolt and power tool by heart. But as much as he enjoyed the work, he was ready to be his own boss.
“I’ve always been good with my hands but I wanted to build something of my own that could make money even when I’m not actively working. I didn’t want to be entirely relying on a paycheck from someone else,” he explained.
That’s when he heard about Freedom Candle Co. — an American-made candle brand designed to empower small business owners and celebrate patriotic values through scent and story.
At first, he was skeptical.
"Candles? Aren’t Those for Women?"
Robert admitted that he laughed when he first heard about the idea.
“Honestly, I thought candles were just for women — you know, spa nights, yoga studios and frilly home decor,” he joked. “But then I started reading up on it, and I found out that men buy candles too — especially as gifts and for themselves when they want their homes to smell fresh. I learned that there’s actually a huge market for candles!”
He liked that Freedom Candles tell a story, about supporting American jobs, celebrating freedom, and building a better financial future.
“I realized this isn’t just wax and wicks… it’s patriotism in a jar,” he said. “Plus, there’s nothing frilly about earning good money from American-made products. So I signed up!”
A Business Built for Patriots
Robert had never owned a business before, but the Freedom Candle Co. model made everything simple — from setting up his business license to launching his online presence.
“They did all the business back-end set-up for me, designed my website, and even gave me a step-by-step guide on how to promote on Facebook,” he explained. “I went from zero to selling in under a week.”
The process was so smooth, Robert says he didn’t feel overwhelmed — even though he had no prior experience in marketing or e-commerce.
Selling Patriotism — One Candle at a Time
Robert launched his business with a lineup of patriotic-themed candles. He promoted them through Facebook posts focused on veterans, local businesses, and patriotic events and sold candles to his friends at a local club. Freedom Candle Co. handled the picking, packaging, and shipping directly to Robert’s customers.
To his surprise, sales took off quickly.
“Guys were buying these for their wives, their moms, their girlfriends — and some even kept one for themselves!” Robert said. “One customer told me, ‘Now my wife doesn’t complain about how the garage smells!’”
Robert also emphasized how proud he was to sell products that were 100% American-made.
“It means a lot to me knowing that each candle supports real workers right here in the U.S.,” he said. “I’m not shipping money overseas. I’m helping people here at home.”
Building a Brighter Future — One Sale at a Time
With the proceeds from selling Freedom Candles, Robert has been able to transition to part-time work at the hardware store. His goal is to eventually transition away from the hardware store entirely and run his candle business full-time.
“I’m now making my own money and part of a $38 billion dollar industry,” he said with a chuckle. “And honestly, I don’t care who buys them — man or woman — as long as they’re lighting up my bottom line.”
Robert’s Takeaway
Robert’s journey shows that entrepreneurship isn’t limited to any gender, background, or age. With the right tools and mindset, anyone can take a leap — even into something unexpected like selling candles.
Thanks to Freedom Candle Co., Robert has found a new income stream and a renewed sense of pride in his work.
Whether you’re lighting a candle for the Fourth of July, a veteran’s birthday, or just because you want your garage to smell like freedom — remember, it might have been sold by a guy who sells both power tools AND candles.
Ready to Light Your Own Fire?
Learn more about starting your own Freedom Candle Co. business today at FreedomCandles.us. Robert asked us to share his referral link where he receives a $50 bonus if you sign up because of his recommendation so here it is: (TBD)