Meet Louis McConnell Creator Of American Oak Hand Salve
Many of us know Louis from the Kansas City Climbing Community. He may have even helped you gear up when he worked at Moosejaw on the Plaza. Well, did you know that Louis is a rock climber AND a body builder AND Crossfitter! He is also a brand new entrepreneur. Louis is the owner of the American Oak Hand Salve Company.
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And now, get to know Louis McConnell in 15 seconds:
The exercise I hate the most is Jerks because I have terrible overhead strength.
You will hear me scream like a Howler Monkey when (google that, it is hilarious), anyway,
what would make you howl like that? When a new vegan restaurant is opening in Kansas City.
The last good book I read was: The Man Who Quit Money.
The last show I binge watched was: Dexter and Breaking Bad at the same time.
On my days off from my diet, I splurge on: Pizza and dark beer, but that’s every day right?
HCRB: Alright, Louis, what is American Oak Hand Salve?
Louis: AO (American Oak) is something I created when I was climbing. My fingertips were always extremely raw and it hurt like hell to climb–as much as I was climbing. Not to mention, having my hands covered in chalk drys them out a ton.
All the commercial lotions are designed to “soften” hands. That was never appealing to me because I wanted hard tough skin when I was slapping a tiny crimp.
I researched oils, butters, and herbs and used the best of each of those items to create AO. Fast forward a few years, my hands were taking the same abuse now from Olympic style weightlifting, instead of climbing. I revamped the recipe and saw some interest in the community and launched!
HCRB: Organic? Made in USA? Micro crafted? What is it that will set AO apart from the competition?
Louis: AO is 100% Vegan and Partially Organic. I make it out of my house in TINY batches. The thing that sets me apart is how small scale I want to stay; and how involved in the community I will be.
HCRB: Where can I buy it?
Louis: Currently only for sale on my Etsy shop.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/AmericanOakHandSalve
HCRB: Do you offer any discounts?
Louis: Use the discount code “HCRBETA” for 15% off
HCRB: How did you come up with the idea?
Louis: Like I said before, it was something I needed for personal use. There was almost no options in the Weightlifting / Crossfit world, especially a vegan-friendly product.
HCRB: How long did it take from idea stage to your first sale?
Louis: Its been on simmer for several years, but once I had the brand idea it was about 2 weeks until my first legitimate sale, (someone other than my mom).
HCRB: What promotion / marketing is working best right now FB, website, direct sales?
Louis: I have “sponsored” athletes and I use Instagram.
There are a few people that really loved it and wanted to be a part of my business so I offered them their own discount code to share with their fans. I really don’t like traditional marketing, I just want people to use AO and see how well it works and spread the message.
HCRB: Do you want to compare yourself to the icons Climb ON or Joshua Tree? If so, how are you different?
Louis: To compare the texture of American Oak: It is softer than Climb On and more solid than Joshua Tree. 
I use Lemon Balm, Calendula, and Comfrey to aid in healing and pain relief. Also, American Oak uses a plant-based wax making AO 100% Vegan.
HCRB: How can the Kansas City Climbing Community get behind you? How do we help one of our own become more successful?
Louis: Use the discount code “HCRBETA” and try some out. If you like it, tell your friends, post (to Facebook, Instagram, etc.) about it. If you don’t like it, tell me why and what I can do to improve!
HCRB: What is the biggest business mistake you have made so far?
Louis: Biggest mistake I’ve made is just not knowing really anything about business. (Haha, I’m learning about marketing, social media, and everything else right now!)
HCRB: What is a story you can share about your business getting lucky or a break?
Louis: I’ve had a few big named Weightlifters, a GRID athlete and a International Level coach volunteer to try AO and they loved it. That helped get me some more exposure.
HCRB: If you could ask for an introduction to a store or retail space, who do you want to be introduced to?
Louis: I’d like to be in some climbing gyms, Crossfit gyms and Weightlifting Gyms. So if you are willing to help, direct message me though Facebook.
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT OF A FELLOW KANSAS CITY CLIMBING COMMUNITY MEMBER BY:
- Purchasing American Oak Hand Salve
- Giving Louis feedback about how it works for you
- If you know the pro-shop manager (the person who buys the gear that is sold at the front desk) of a Climbing Gym, Crossfit Gym or Weightlifting Gym; make that connection with Louis
- If you have a blog, write up a short review ow how AO worked for you
Read more interviews with some of the climbing community’s most influential and fascinating folks in HCRBeta’s Interviews Category.
Jason Clements is the founder of and writer for HCRBeta, Hike Climb Relax: How to… Jason has served as the President of the Kansas City Climbing Club. He lives in Shawnee, Kansas and also runs the cell phone recycling company, Cells for Cells, which recycles cell phones to raise money for families battling cancer. You can follow Jason on Facebook or on Twitter @jasonclements.
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