By Tim Priebe
September 23, 2024

Professional Q&A: Andrew Lopez

Explore Andrew Lopez's journey into entrepreneurship and his passions for music, family, and helping people.
Andrew Lopez, Renegade Supplies in Edmond (Photo: Brent Fuchs)

Meet Andrew Lopez, Owner and Operator of Renegade Supplies, a company that installs Aquathin Water Softeners and Reverse-Osmosis filters for homes and businesses, while also dealing in liquidation merchandise, focusing on musical instruments. Lopez’s journey from an accounting career to becoming an entrepreneur reflects his drive to combine his business expertise with his passion for music and self-sufficiency. Learn more about his journey and what he loves about living and working in Edmond.

Q: Do you live in Edmond, work in Edmond, or both?

A: I live and work in Edmond. My family and I moved here in the fall of 2022 to be closer to my wife’s work. It has been a great move. We love our neighborhood and how easy it is to get around town.

Q: Where did you grow up and go to school?

A: I grew up in Yukon, not too far from Edmond. I went through all the grades there, elementary through high school. For those readers familiar with Yukon public schools, I attended Skyview Elementary, Lakeview Middle School, and Yukon High School. Not only was I a Miller, but I was also a Skyhawk! I’m not sure if the other elementary schools had a mascot and song, but ours did, and it was always fun to sing it at the morning announcements when we gathered in the gym.

For college, I attended UCO here in Edmond, graduating with a degree in Accounting and a minor in Marketing. I made some lifelong friends while I was there, several from the Nepalese community who were attending the school at the time. If I hadn’t attended at the time that I did, I would have missed out on these wonderful friendships that I have today. For that, I am very grateful.

Q: What did you do before starting your businesses?

A: I was in the accounting profession for several years after graduating from UCO. I held positions in general ledger, accounts receivable, reconciliation, income tax, auditing, and special projects. My experiences have given me a good understanding of that side of business and what it takes to stay on top of all the processes that go into accounting for a business’s activity. I obtained my CPA license in 2011 and still hold it to this day.

After my time in accounting, I decided to try commercial truck driving. A CDL license was something that had been on my mind for a while because it would allow me to drive a semi-truck if needed for different projects or business ideas that my brother or I would come up with from time to time.

After passing my CDL exam and getting my license, I drove for an oilfield service company and a trash service company. The work was enjoyable, but my wife and I decided that the hours and working conditions weren’t going to work for our family in the long run, which is why we decided to open our company in 2021.

Q: How did you start Renegade Supplies? 

Andrew Lopez in his barn in Edmond
Andrew Lopez in his barn in Edmond (Photo: Brent Fuchs)

A: Prior to wrapping up my time as a CDL driver, I had been talking with my wife about an idea I had about selling liquidation merchandise. I had researched different suppliers to figure out which ones had the best prices and merchandise quality. During the same time period, I was building a barn that would be large enough to hold a truckload of merchandise.

When I wrapped up my driving job, my wife and I were discussing options for finding another driving job. She looked at me and asked why we shouldn’t just get the business started now, and that’s how we got going. After that conversation, I got to work on the paperwork and finishing the barn. We sold a pickup truck to fund the first truckload, and that got us rolling.

On the water treatment side, we happened into it by chance. We were looking at a house in Edmond, and after we finished, I parked down the street to make a business call. One of the neighbors came out to see why I was parked there. She happens to be married to the Oklahoma distributor for Aquathin water systems. They were looking for a dealer for our area, and after talking with them about the product and company, we signed on.

Aquathin systems are American-made, efficient, durable, and affordable. We’re proud to install these systems and help people with their water needs.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love finding awesome, unique items that I can provide to our customers at great deals. With the water systems, we discovered the best-designed system on the market that’s also affordable. What’s great about supplying these systems is that we’re able to provide people with a way to purify their water on their own. Whether the municipal system is working properly or not, our customers can ensure their families have clean drinking water.

For the liquidation music gear, it’s always fun seeing what comes into inventory—brand new, vintage, or trade-in gear. We especially love when we’re part of someone starting their musical journey.

Q: What’s something you’re passionate about in your personal life?

A: I’m an amateur musician and enjoy writing and recording music. My main instrument is guitar, but I’ll pick up other instruments as needed to complete a song. It brings me joy, and it’s something I look forward to passing along and teaching to my children.

I also enjoy trading music gear. This year, I started the Oklahoma Music Gear Swap Meet to bring people together to trade gear more easily. We’re currently hosting them every couple of months at The Patriot Event Center in Del City. I hope the events help foster relationships and make it easier for people to create music together.

Q: What do you like about Edmond?

A: It’s easy to get around. We used to live in a rural area, and getting out for anything was at least a 30-minute trip. Now, most of what we need is less than five minutes away. The convenience is great, and we have wonderful neighbors and a safe neighborhood for our children.

Q: What is your number one tip for other professionals?

A: Consistency and relationships are crucial for success in business and life. Being consistent allows people to depend on you and your services. Relationships open doors to opportunities and provide information that you may not find on your own. Always take the opportunity to talk with people—opportunity is on the other side of a conversation. Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask the question. Opportunity often lies on the other side of asking.

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About Tim Priebe

Tim is a public speaker, author, publisher of Edmond Business, and the owner of Backslash Creative. He helps businesses that are worried they don’t have the expertise or time required to invest in doing their own digital marketing. He helps them plan where and how much to invest and often helps execute the plan.

Tim started the Edmond Business online magazine in May 2020 to fill a need in the community when The Edmond Sun shut down and stopped publishing their monthly magazine, The Business Times.