A local business now has a storefront. Rebel Works Mfg., has moved to 502 N. State in Iola.
Jeff and Kristy Richards have been in the metal business for 10 years. They bought the State Street building in October from the county, which had used it for storage purposes. They opened for business in November. For years the couple had worked out of their home shop at 301 S. Elm St. Steady business prompted the couple to expand.
Now customers can order a custom piece of metal work or shop around the storefront and purchase already made items.
The company creates a variety of metal products, signs for decor, business signs, fire pits and more.
“Customers can put their name on anything they want in the store and make it personal,” Jeff said.
Jeff said if a customer has their own idea he can also create that for them. Nothing is too crazy.
Jeff got his start in the welding business by attending welding school in Tulsa. He and Kristy then moved to Missouri for a welding job. The couple moved their family back to Kansas to be closer to Jeff’s family who resides in Iola and Kristy’s father who lives in Colony. They have four children.
Christmas time has always been busy for them. The Richardses work hard to get the orders out in a timely manner. Kristy said a majority of the orders are generated over the Internet.
Now that they have a store the company is working with other local vendors.
“We will showcase vendors who make their own products,” Kristy said.
With 10 years of business under their belts Jeff would like to see his business continue to grow.
“I want to see us expand to where we can hire local employees,” Jeff said. “I’m happy as long as we get to do what we love to do.”
A store grand opening will be from 10 to 6 p.m. on Saturday. From 11 to 1 p.m. they will serve hot dogs and pop. Store hours are Monday through Friday 9 to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m to 3 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m.
Rebel Works makes a business move
