From Brothers to Entrepreneurs: Hardmill and Readywares’ Digital Journeys
When Ryan Barrie worked at a restaurant during college, he wanted a rugged apron that would withstand the demands of daily use. Unable to find an apron that met his needs, he crafted a leather one and started selling aprons with the help of his brother Michael. The brothers launched their company Hardmill in 2012, and had early success when their rugged aesthetic and durable product caught Starbucks’ attention, which commissioned aprons for its destination coffee roasting facility, Starbucks Reserve Roastery, in Seattle.
Today, Hardmill sells leather kitchen goods, refurbished cast-iron skillets, and other rustic home products through Shopify, Etsy, and a brick-and-mortar showroom and workshop in Seattle. Rent isn’t cheap, but making the space dual- purpose reduces costs and lets Ryan and his team fulfill most orders in-house.
Following Hardmill’s success, the brothers started Readywares, to offer customers affordable workwear, tool storage, and accessories made of waxed canvas. To keep prices low, Readywares is manufactured overseas. Ryan and Michael extensively vet potential suppliers to ensure fair wages and that the quality of Readywares’ products adheres to the high standards and intentional design that characterize Hardmill.
Readywares helped the brothers expand where their products are sold. “The price point is well-suited to Amazon and gives us a wider reach to meet potential customers,” Ryan says. Readywares also sells products on Shopify, Etsy, and wholesale to Bespoke Post, Woodcraft, Manready Mercantile, and The Simple Man. To fulfill orders, Readywares uses FBA, which works with them to pick up goods from their California warehouse and saves them space in Seattle.
With a strong foundation in quality craftsmanship and ethical production, Hardmill and Readywares plan to expand in 2025 with a distinctive line of high- quality corporate gifts. By adapting to market challenges and prioritizing thoughtful design, the brothers are set to grow their brands while maintaining their commitment to excellence.
