Daily Inspiration: Meet Bob Arnold

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bob Arnold.

Hi Bob, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
TDW’s Rockin’ Seasonings. The name The Disgruntled Wannabeez (TDW) was created in 2008 when myself and 4 coworkers decided that a band was needed at the next company picnic. Everyone loved the name so much that “The Band name is now a Brand name”.

A few years ago my wife bought me a smoker for my birthday and I knew that a brisket was the first thing I wanted to make. I needed a tasty rub as I wasn’t thrilled with any of the ones I tried, I decided to create my own. My uncle owned a popular restaurant called Greg’s in Metamora, MI, a place well known for their ribs. He was over for dinner that night. Her told me it was the best brisket he had ever eaten and I should bottle and sell the seasoning mix that was on it. And so it began.
Unfortunately, I lost me full time job in the aerospace industry during the pandemic.
So what started out as a hobby, has now become a full time business venture.
My new position has given me the opportunity to develop and grow as a master “spiceologist”!

We believe our unique blends are different and better tasting than anything else on the market. There are no additives or preservatives AND they are gluten free! We offer sodium free options, as well.
With 18 special flavor profiles, even the most discerning pallets can find something they will enjoy. Our customers say these are some of the best seasonings they have ever used and we proudly agree.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I started out small with only 6 blends. I was setting up a simple booth in Shelby Township at our local farmers market. I soon had a strong customer base so I decided to branch out to other markets around Macomb and Oakland counties. The business started growing basically by word of mouth from my loyal customers. Which brings us to the 18 delicious flavors we offer today. I am currently making my seasoning blends under the guidelines of the Michigan Cottage Law requirements. I have recently been in contact with the state in order to move to the next level.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I was approaching retirement age and did not want to return to the corporate environment so that is when I started putting all my efforts into TDW’s Rockin’ Seasonings. I’m extremely happy I did. I am very passionate about my spice blends and I thoroughly enjoy meeting and talking to people at the markets. Many of which have become good friends. I am very proud that I have been able to grow my business over the last 5 years and am looking forward taking it too the next level.

This adventure has also allowed me the opportunity to partner with Macho Corps. Macho Corps is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization that helps provide holiday memories to Michigan children/families, however, they also distribute food, clothing, household items, etc. throughout the year as needs arise.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
After losing a career that I had built for 30+ years, the thought of starting over was daunting but also exciting. I think the most important lesson I have learned is that it is never too late to start over and to embrace what you are passionate about.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.tdwsrockinseasonings.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TDWsRockinSpiceMix