Life & Work with Michael Rodriguez of Wing Gap

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Rodriguez.

Hi Michael, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always considered myself an entrepreneur. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always been starting businesses or just trying to sell something. Never did I think in a million years I would be starting a business selling Organic Soap. It was sometime in October of 2021. I was out with my daughter walking in the mall. At this time, I have never even known there was actually a soap out there that was 100% natural and great for your skin. I’ve always believed that the soap I was using in my shower at the time was great for me. My daughter wanted to go look inside one of the Soap and body care stores in the mall. So, we went into one and that’s when I discovered all-natural soap. There were so many different kinds to choose from.

I ended up purchasing a few products from this store and went home to test them out. After a few uses all of my body acne cleared up and my skin felt better than ever. At this point, I knew this is what I wanted to do for my next venture. I wanted to get this type of product out to men and women who didn’t understand that this all-natural soap was extremely good for your body. I immediately started brainstorming and coming up with ideas.

After I was set on a few different names I gave my good friend Matt Telklinsky a call. I wanted to start this company with someone who I could trust, and someone with great ideas like myself. After pitching Matthew, the idea, he immediately loved it and wanted to be a part of what is now known as Mericle Soap Co.

As you know we are Veteran Owned. My partner in this business, the CFO of Mericle Soap Co, Matthew Teklinsky I’ve known  since 3rd grade. Matt was in the Army, He was on active duty for  6 years. Who has also had a combat tour to Afghanistan. His Primary job in the military was EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician).

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
If the road was smooth, then everyone would be doing it. In many cases, the road has been curvy and bumpy for us.

We come into the main challenge of getting our name out there into the world. Another obstacle we have is getting an individual to switch their soap brand for ours. Also, many people are skeptical about Natural soap. I’ve had many sleepless nights from getting our logo to designing the perfect packaging, and just learning a whole new process of entrepreneurship it has been a rough road so far.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I work in a Food Manufacturing plant based out of Bethlehem, PA. I am currently an Electrical, Mechanical Technician. I would say the thing I’m most known for is being positive and always getting the job done I’ve been assigned. I never show up anywhere with a poor attitude and I’m always willing to help.

The thing I’m most proud of is being consistent. I’ve always been a go-getter and I do not let failed projects or ideas bring me down, I get back up and try something else even when I fail. One thing I carry with me in life is “You only have to be right once.”

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up.
I would have to say one of my favorite childhood memories was going around to local dumpsters in the area and garbage picking out items that I could potentially resell on eBay.

We would do this twice a week and we would try and raise enough money to go Snowboarding every other weekend.

Pricing:

• Bay Rum 4.5oz: $7.99
• Sandalwood Rose 5oz: $7.99
• Raspberry Vanilla 5oz: $7.99

Contact Info:

• Website: www.MericleSoapco.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mericlesoapco/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087338186737
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@mericlesoapco