Today we’d like to introduce you to Adams Ropp
Hi Adams, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
As an avid golfer, I found myself with a closet full of golf polos—each featuring the same club logo. My wife jokingly referred to me as a “walking billboard,” and it didn’t take long for me to realize she had a point. Wanting to add some fun to my wardrobe, I turned to my sister for help. She came up with a creative and playful design: a martini glass. We loved the concept and started to build on it.
After collaborating with several manufacturers, we settled on Cutter & Buck because of their ability to create DST files, handle stitching, and offer direct shipping. From there, the drink theme took off, and we built the foundation for what would become NotherRound.
But the story doesn’t end there. Our family summer cottage in Tennessee is affectionately called “Nother House,” and we thought it would be fitting—and a bit Southern—to name our company NotherRound, paying homage to both our personal connection and the laid-back, fun-loving spirit of the South.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
What started as a playful idea evolved into a real vision, but it wasn’t a smooth road. The classic business model for logos involves placing the same design on multiple shirts (think of iconic brands like IZOD, and Polo). We, however, are doing the complete opposite: we’re selling the logo itself, not the shirt. While quality is paramount to us, especially with Cutter & Buck’s craftsmanship, getting the exact color scheme and perfect logo placements was no easy feat.
In the beginning, our website was a collection of screenshots we had to painstakingly build from scratch. What we truly wanted was a technology that would allow customers to create their own shirts, with different logos and customization options. Simple in theory, but so much harder to execute. Yet, we kept pushing forward, working with manufacturers and tech partners until we could make this vision a reality.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
With 25 years of experience in technology sales, I’ve had the opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds and most innovative companies. My career has been built on a passion for solving problems and creating solutions that drive revenue. I’m most well-known for my 11 years at IBM, where I not only developed my technical expertise but also learned the importance of perseverance and strategic thinking. People often still associate me with the company, and that’s a testament to the incredible experience I had there—IBM was truly a great place to grow.
Alongside me in this journey is my sister, who leads marketing for an early childhood learning company co-founded by her husband. Together, we’ve combined our diverse skill sets to create something truly special—a brand that is both fun and sustainable. We’ve managed to take our experiences in technology and marketing and build something that we’re proud of, with an eye on the future.
At my core, I’m a salesperson. I’ve always enjoyed the challenge of finding problems and solving them, and I’m driven by the opportunity to create meaningful revenue. It’s about building relationships, understanding the needs of others, and delivering impactful solutions.
But while my career has been a huge part of who I am, what truly sets me apart is my commitment to pushing through life’s challenges. My father instilled in me the belief that “passion and perseverance will win the day.” It’s a mindset that has shaped how I approach both my professional and personal life.
I’m most proud of my family—my wonderful wife of 30 years and our two daughters, both proud South Carolina Gamecocks. They’re the heart of everything I do, and they’re the reason I keep striving for success in all aspects of my life.
Through every challenge and triumph, my passion for what I do remains at the forefront, and I continue to seek ways to innovate, grow, and, most importantly, make an impact.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I grew up in Jacksonville, FL, where my childhood was filled with sports, adventure, and a deep sense of family. Each season seemed to bring a new sport to dive into: fall was for soccer, winter meant basketball, and spring was all about baseball. Summers were spent playing around the neighborhood, soaking up the sun at the beach, and enjoying tennis and golf at our local club.
One of my most cherished memories was pitching to my father, who had been a college baseball catcher in his past. That experience taught me the art of pitching and gave me the foundational skills that I carried with me all the way to Mercer University, where I pitched Division I baseball for four years. The lessons I learned on the field were invaluable, but it was the time spent with my dad that left the biggest mark.
I was always an active kid—sometimes a little too active. I got into my share of trouble, but I always knew when to pull back and avoid going too far. As the youngest in my family, with one older brother and two older sisters, I quickly learned how to keep up and carve my own path.
My parents were huge influences in my life. My father, an artist and the owner of an advertising agency, and my mother, a music and English teacher, instilled in me the importance of creativity, hard work, and staying grounded. Music played a big part in our household. We had a grand piano, drums, guitar, saxophone, dulcimer, and all sorts of percussion instruments. We were encouraged to try every instrument, and it’s something that I truly believe every child should experience—music has a way of shaping and enriching life in ways that words can’t quite capture.
While we didn’t take many vacations, the best one each year was our month-long trip to the Tennessee mountains. It was a time to unplug—no TV, no distractions—just music, games, and the freedom to explore. There were simple rules like “don’t go too far,” but beyond that, it was a place of pure adventure. Those summers are some of my fondest memories, filled with timeless experiences that shaped who I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.notherround.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notherroundapparel/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/notherround
