Former United States Army Veteran, world famous fitness model, social media star, and owner of America’s largest customized monogram steel company Redline Steel… Colin Wayne is a man who has done it all, but through it all he has stayed humbled and comfortable!
While Colin now runs a multi-million dollar company as a high power CEO, that doesn’t mean he has to wear a suit and tie to work daily. Nope! Not his style! Colin much rather be dressed in a pair of simple blue jeans and steel-toed boots!
While everyone knows this famed entrepreneur for what he does on the business side of things, we wanted to dig deeper into his style & fashion, and how New York has inspired him.
Why is it important for a CEO / leader to dress a certain way?
As the CEO, it’s important to create a foundation and set an example for my team to follow.
How would you describe your own "look & style" today?
I’m not your typical CEO in the sense that I’m not constantly wearing a suit and tie. I prefer comfortability over glamour.
What is your go-to outfit on a regular work day?
A pair of blue jeans, steel-toed boots, and a polo or comfortable t-shirt is an ideal look for me on a daily basis.
Any clothing brands you really like?
Honestly, I have more of a minimalist approach in terms of my fashion. I don’t wear too many “name brand” shirts, but if I had to choose I’d say Ralph Lauren or Buckle.
Fashion is not only about clothing, but overall style and design. Your products at Redline Steel are all incredibly designed. What is your process in creating new types of designs that you know your customers will love?
We have an amazing Facebook Group full of “VIP” customers that help provide ideas, feedback and suggestions all based on their interest. Letting them contribute to our designs we offer is beneficial in knowing what the consumer ultimately wants.
We are a New York magazine, so we have to ask: Has New York inspired you at all throughout your career?
My first taste of the city was for a photoshoot with Under Armour during my earlier days as a Fitness Model. Personally, I love the city and what it represents. Between being known as the “city that never sleeps” and the abundance of diverse opportunities, New York embodies the American Dream and what we all aspire to achieve from a young age. Although I like having my personal space too much to physically live there, I definitely enjoy visiting and have always treasured my time spent in NYC.
New York's own Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recently sent you a letter that he loves your work. How does it feel to be recognized by top tear people such as him, President Trump and others?
Being recognized by our nation’s leaders is extremely gratifying and even a bit surprising. I would have never imagined my products to reach some of the most powerful people in the world, so to experience something of that magnitude really puts things in perspective and adds purpose and meaning to what we’ve accomplished thus far.
What advice would you give to others wanting to start their own company or get into design work?
Don’t be afraid to fail. You can overcome failure, but you can’t overcome the challenges you never tried. Oftentimes, your biggest fears carry your greatest growth. Your internal critic is the only obstacle keeping you from achieving greatness.
What are you most excited about for 2020 with Redline Steel?
Growth. We haven’t expanded the business and continued to reach millions of new people every year by being complacent or continuing to have the same structure and procedures as we had when the company was founded in 2016. Trends are ever-changing and it’s critical to continue pivoting and re-structuring the business model to accommodate for such changes.
With the COVID-19 situation on-going, how are you helping to give back, as we know giving back is in your DNA?
After seeing the impact this virus has had on our healthcare workers, first responders, and many other essential industries, we wanted to show our appreciation by donating a free item to those that have sacrificed their personal health and the health of their family in order to protect and ensure the well-being of the entire country. For that, we are eternally grateful and will be proudly continuing our “Giveback” initiative for the foreseeable future.
For more on Colin, his style and Redline Steel, head on over to: http://www.RedlineSteel.com
