Courtesy Glens Falls Business Journal
By Ann Donnelly
Ginny Brandreth, COO of Zobel & Co. Kitchens, is a shining example of an entrepreneurial woman. Her journey, a rich tapestry woven with marketing expertise, international experiences, and a sharp eye for opportunity, is a testament to the power of adaptability and networking. Brandreth’s career has been a masterclass in embracing change and leveraging connections, from crafting hand-drawn package designs to navigating the digital landscape with finesse.
Brandreth’s professional life began with a marketing degree from Clarkson University and a rapid ascent in consumer products in Syracuse and Rochester. “It was the most fun time,” she recalls. “The company was dynamic and growing, and I got to see so many different kinds of business. Everything from a little ‘mom and pop shop’ to making presentations at Walmart and Home Depot, and traveling overseas for our business over in Europe.” Before the rise of digital marketing, this period involved hands-on work with design firms, meticulous package mock-ups, and late-night press runs. “It was just so much work,” she laughs, contrasting it with today’s streamlined digital processes.
Her career took an unexpected turn when she moved to Dublin, Ireland, as a “trailing spouse.” Though initially unable to work, Brandreth quickly found opportunities, first with a relocation agency and then volunteering for Paul Newman’s Hole in the Wall Camp, a sister camp to Double H Ranch in Lake Luzerne. Brandreth notes the stark contrast between her high-paced corporate life, “You went from being at 60 to 70 hours a week as a Product Manager to a housewife in Ireland where the stores close at five o’clock.”
Upon returning to the US, Brandreth transitioned to B2B marketing, launching a consulting business and filling a niche for medium-sized companies needing part-time marketing expertise. “My goal was for them to let go of me and hire somebody permanently,” she explains, emphasizing her commitment to building sustainable marketing departments. Her success was fueled by relentless networking, a skill she considers crucial for any entrepreneur. “If you can get the hang of networking, it’s incredible how business grows,” she asserts, “Just get to network, get to understand, listen to people, find out what they need, and help them.
Brandreth’s connection to the Adirondacks led her to Saratoga and eventually Glens Falls, where she and her husband, Arthur Zobel, opened Zobel & Co. Kitchens in 2016. Zobel, a seasoned kitchen designer, handles the design aspect, while Brandreth manages the business’s back end, including marketing, finances, and operations. Transforming a former factory space into a stunning showroom was a year-long endeavor, showcasing their dedication and vision.
Running a business, especially later in life, comes with its challenges. Brandreth candidly discusses the need to step outside her comfort zone. “One of the things with entrepreneurship is you have to do things you’ve never done before. You have to get out of your comfort zone and finally learn a piece of software or whatever it is,” she says. “That’s the difference between being an entrepreneur and not. You’re willing to put yourself in a position where it is not really what I want to do or really what I enjoy doing, but this is going to move me forward. Because you’re responsible for everything.”
Brandreth’s involvement in the community extends beyond her business. She’s currently the Chair of the Women’s Business Council (WBC) of the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC), which she praises for its supportive environment. “It’s worth the time that we put into it,” she says. She notes the strong community support for entrepreneurs in Glens Falls, emphasizing the ARCC’s welcoming atmosphere and the collaborative spirit of the WBC.
What is her secret for working successfully alongside her spouse? “If someone had told me in 2015 that I was going to work with my husband, work out with my husband, do grocery shopping with my husband, do everything with my husband, I’d be like, ‘No, I will eat him alive. It’s not going to work.’ But it has. I stay in my lane. I can’t design. When he tries to get in my lane, I’m like, ‘Back up!’”
Brandreth hopes to see Zobel & Co. Kitchens continue to thrive far into the future, possibly with her daughter Sarah taking over the reins. She appreciates the flexibility of entrepreneurship, allowing for spontaneous day trips and a less rigid work-life balance. When asked for advice for aspiring female entrepreneurs, her message is simple: “Just do it. Jump in. You don’t know until you try.” She stresses the importance of research and resource gathering, encouraging women to embrace the unknown and pursue their dreams. “Every time I’ve done that, I haven’t regretted it once.”
Ginny Brandreth’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and community. She exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit, proving you can realize any dream with passion and perseverance.
Zobel & Co. Kitchens is located at 11 Broad Street, Glens Falls. To find out more about the company, visit https://zobelandco.com.
To find out more about the Women’s Business Council of the Adirondack Chamber of Commerce, a supportive community for female entrepreneurs, visit www.adirondackchamber.org. The council provides a platform for women to network, share experiences, and learn from each other, fostering a collaborative and empowering environment for business growth.