BUCYRUS — Jason and Justin McMullen started their candle-making business with one turkey burner and a few tables in a 500-square foot space.
Students toured Crossroads Original Designs Thursday, May 18, as part of the Workforce Awareness for Graduates and Educators (WAGE). The program is sponsored by one of the Crawford County Partnership’s action teams that highlights local businesses and career options.
“Kids don’t know there’s opportunities here; teachers don’t know there’s opportunities here,” said Gary Frankhouse, Crawford County Partnership executive and economic development director.
The candle-making business, located at 115 Crossroads Blvd, was only one stop on the road trip. The group also stopped by The Pickwick, 1875 N Sandusky Ave. and the Hord Family Farm, State 911 Ohio 98.
The McMullen brothers at Crossroads employ 60 people annually, and about 40 more during the holidays. They can make ten 26-ounce candles every 8.6 seconds.
It contrasts sharply with the quantities they manufactured in the beginning.
“We were lucky to do a couple hundred per day, but if we can’t do 4,000 or 5,000 today, we’re not very happy,” said Jason.
They worked 70 to 80 hours per week in the beginning without taking off for holidays or vacations.
“A short-term sacrifice is an investment in your future,” Justin said to a group of middle school students.
The men work well together. While they strive to keep family matters separate from business ones, the duo spend a lot of time with each other.
“He’s my best friend and my business partner,” Jason said. “And we actually live next door to each other.”
They’ve worked with each other since the youngest graduated college. They started in a packaging business.
Crossroads Original Designs manufactures scented candles, reed diffusers, room sprays, framed art and home decor accessories.
“People around this area know us from a retail standpoint, but really the core of our business is wholesale,” Jason said.
An additional 30 percent of business comes from private branding. Not all the candles they manufacture are labeled with “Crossroads.” Department stores, restaurants and other businesses may reach out to Crossroads to have their own candles designed. Three full-time graphic design staff members design the labeling for these candles.
Crossroads was founded in Bucyrus in 2003.
