Meet Jacob Schlichter

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jacob Schlichter. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jacob below.

Jacob, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

My work ethic comes from recognizing how differently my life could have turned out and wanting to make the most of every opportunity I have. A major part of that motivation comes from losing my best friend. His passing was a turning point for me — it reminded me how short life can be and how important it is to use the time we’re given wisely.

I don’t want to look back with regret about goals I didn’t chase or risks I didn’t take. I’m driven by the idea that this is the only life we get, and I want to build something meaningful with mine.

I’m also fortunate to have a circle of ambitious friends who support and push each other. Being surrounded by people who strive for excellence keeps me motivated to hold myself to a high standard.

Overall, my work ethic is fueled by gratitude, perspective, and the desire to make choices today that my future self will be proud of.

Carpe diem.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

My journey as a creator and entrepreneur has always been driven by curiosity and a desire to make the most of every opportunity. Early on, I realized that life is short and that pursuing meaningful work is the only way to leave a lasting impact. That perspective shaped my path into art, fashion, and business.

I founded SLICKS in 2019 (GetSlicks.com), designing apparel inspired by nature, personal expression, and modern streetwear. Through SLICKS, I’ve collaborated with celebrities, musicians, breweries, activist groups, and larger brands to create wearable stories that resonate with people. I’m also a photographer, working as ‘Jacob the Fox’ (JacobFox.art), capturing wildlife, landscapes, night skies, and urban scenes. In a world dominated by screens, I aim to help people reconnect with their surroundings.

What excites me most about my work is that all of these creative outlets come from the same place: a drive to create something meaningful. Each project pushes me creatively and helps build a community that values authenticity, quality, and meaningful impact.

I also dedicate time to various charitable efforts (BringsPeopleTogether.com). I serve as Vice President of the board at a local art center and provide free clothing to children in need every holiday season, now in its third year. People are welcome to reach out if they have a child, or know someone with a child, in need of winter clothing.

Currently, I’m focused on launching The Smoking Tree, a cannabis dispensary in Minnesota. I’m proud to be the first state-licensed retail store in the state, and this venture represents the next step in taking on new challenges and building something pioneering.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three qualities have been most impactful in my journey: fluidity, curiosity, and passion.

Fluidity is about adapting to changes and hardships and continuing to move forward. In my experience, being able to pick yourself up after setbacks and keep going has been essential — whether in business, creative projects, or personal challenges. For those starting out, I’d suggest practicing flexibility and learning to embrace change rather than resist it. Every obstacle is an opportunity to adjust and grow.

Curiosity has kept me constantly learning and exploring. Staying forever curious allows me to discover new ideas, experiment with different creative muses, and adapt to new situations. My advice is to remain open-minded, ask questions, and seek knowledge in unexpected places. Curiosity fuels both innovation and personal growth.

Passion is what makes the work feel alive. If you don’t love what you do, it can quickly feel like boring work. I approach life with excitement and embrace each new day’s challenges with energy. For anyone starting out, I’d say find what truly excites you, immerse yourself in it, and let that passion carry you through the inevitable ups and downs.

Combining fluidity, curiosity, and passion has allowed me to navigate challenges, continuously grow, and build work that feels meaningful and inspiring.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

I’m fortunate to have two sets of parents, and each taught me invaluable lessons that shaped who I am today.

My two mothers instilled in me a strong sense of right and wrong, charity, and giving back. As a child, I spent my free time volunteering, playing violin at retirement homes and nursing homes, and donating gifts to local charities during the holidays. They showed me that helping others and contributing to your community is a fundamental part of life.

My other set of parents emphasized the importance of social connection and community. They taught me how to build lifelong relationships, be reliable to friends, and support family through challenges. I learned that people grow and change when you invest in them and never abandon them.

Beyond my parents, my extended family, mentors, and neighbors have also shaped my perspective. I’m deeply grateful to all of them for sharing their time, wisdom, and guidance. Their collective example reinforced the idea that you need to contribute to your community before expecting it to support you.

Overall, the most impactful lessons I was taught are to live life with a heart full of love, seize the opportunities each day brings, move forward without fear, and never give up on the things you want to accomplish.

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