Founder of Wrenched Marked Lighting: Transforming the Broken Into Bold Design

Summary

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Living Your Legacy Podcast

Episode: Founder of Wrenched Marked Lighting: Transforming the Broken Into Bold Design
Host: Rudy Mawer (with guest host Ray Gutierrez)
Guest: Adam Gensler, Founder of Wrenched Marked Lighting
Date: December 1, 2025

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Episode Overview

This episode explores the journey of Adam Gensler, a resilient visionary and founder of Wrenched Marked Lighting. Adam’s company is known for creating striking, soulful lighting fixtures from discarded industrial parts. The conversation dives into how Adam’s own life transformation is reflected in his art, the value of hands-on creation, the challenges of starting fresh in a new creative field, and his advice for aspiring makers. Listeners will find insights on finding value in the broken, the power of perseverance, and honoring the human side of craftsmanship in an increasingly digital world.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

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Adam’s Origin Story and Philosophy

• Transformation Through Adversity:
  • Adam launched Wrenched Marked Lighting during a personally transformative period. He relates the broken, cast-out brass and industrial parts he uses to his own experience with adversity and growth.
    • Quote (Adam):
      "I looked at that material and I saw a version of myself. I was blemished, I was broken, I'd been cast out. And so I took these old parts that I saw within myself and I put the hard work to them." (00:24, reiterated at 05:22)
• Art as Self-Expression and Healing:
  • His art reflects his journey: by restoring discarded materials, he restores parts of himself.
  • Adam believes this approach is universally relatable: "I think as people, we can all relate to that concept." (03:08)
• On Finding One’s Craft Later in Life:
  • Adam admits he did not always have confidence as an artisan; discovering this side of himself is recent and rooted in personal upheaval.
    • "This is something that I think I've just recently found confidence in doing... ever since that life changing experience." (03:15)

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The Process: From Electrician to Artisanal Innovator

• Practical Skills Meet Creativity:
  • Adam combines 10 years of electrical trade experience with another decade in water distribution, channeling both into his functional art pieces.
    • "I've combined the two to create this and create benchmark piping." (04:14)
• Product Features and Intentions:
  • Highlights his lamp design that includes practical additions: outlets, cupholders, and phone stands.
  • Pieces are designed to "free up space" and "be a conversation piece." (01:56, 04:33)
• Selling Artwork & Its Value:
  • Adam has sold several pieces, mainly as functional "nightstand" art.
  • On valuing art:
    • "For me, it's the material that I use and the person I was when I made it... I took these old parts that I saw within myself, and I put the hard work to them then. Since then, I've done hard work myself, and again, here I am." (05:22)

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Expressing Yourself – Advice for Aspiring Makers

• Start With What You Love:
  • Adam encourages beginners to make something for themselves before worrying about others’ opinions or artistic standards.
    • "The true artists make something for themselves. So look for something that you see beauty and make something for yourself. And I think others will see the beauty in that as well." (10:26)
• On Building a Legacy in a Digital Age:
  • Adam expresses doubt that all of his work could even be reproduced, highlighting the uniqueness of hand-made art.
    • Suggests plans to expand, hire others, and pass down knowledge.
    • "Well, some of these I don't even think that I can recreate. But having said that, you know, grow the business big enough... get employees, younger guys in, other artists that want to express, you know, what they feel in life through their artistic vision." (10:52)

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The Role of Mindset and Motivation

• Motivation from Podcasts and Positivity:
  • Adam's workspace soundtrack is motivational podcasts (e.g., Joe Dispenza, Chris Williamson, Alex Haro) rather than music.
    • "The whole time I'm building these, I listen to podcasts from Joe Dispenza, Alex Haro, Chris Williamson... those guys are cheering me on the whole time." (08:42)
    • "Just stick with this, you know, this would be the hardest time right now... once you can get through this, you know you can. Things are only going to get easier from here." (08:57)
• Host Reflection:
  • Ray relates, sharing the importance of hearing voices of encouragement during tough times.
    • "Sometimes we just need someone to go, hey, you're doing a good job. You can do it. Good for you. Kick ass. Crush it." (09:48)

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Personal Outlets and Alternative Expression

• Country Swing Dancing:
  • Adam shares a lighter side: he’s an avid country swing dancer, which helps him express himself and adds entertainment to his life.
    • "I like to country swing dance." (07:24)
    • "There's no rules to it. So listen to music and you make it your own... make it dramatic." (08:00)
• On Making Art Dramatic and Personal:
  • Emphasizes bringing personal flair to both his art and his dancing.

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Legacy, Human Touch, and the Future of Art

• Human-Made vs. AI:
  • The hosts warn of AI-generated art’s rise, but believe Adam’s handmade pieces will increase in value due to their human authenticity.
    • "There's going to be a massive sweep of AI art, and this is just going to make human art, so much more valuable. It's... you're going to be irreplaceable." (11:10)
• Passing On Wisdom:
  • Adam hopes to mentor others—sharing what cannot be simply YouTubed or replicated by machines.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Quote | Speaker | |-----------|-------|---------| | 00:24 | "I looked at that material and I saw a version of myself. I was blemished, I was broken, I'd been cast out. And so I took these old parts that I saw within myself and I put the hard work to them." | Adam Gensler | | 03:08 | "I think as people, we can all relate to that concept." | Adam Gensler | | 05:22 | "For me, it's the material that I use and the person I was when I made it." | Adam Gensler | | 08:42 | "The whole time I'm building these, I listen to podcasts from Joe Dispenza, Alex Haro, Chris Williamson... those guys are cheering me on the whole time." | Adam Gensler | | 10:26 | "The true artists make something for themselves. So look for something that you see beauty and make something for yourself. And I think others will see the beauty in that as well." | Adam Gensler | | 11:10 | "There's going to be a massive sweep of AI art, and this is just going to make human art, so much more valuable. It's... you're going to be irreplaceable." | Ray Gutierrez |

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Essential Timestamps

• Adam’s Approach to Value in Art: 00:24, 05:22
• Building Functional, Artistic Lighting: 01:56 – 04:44
• Advice for Beginners & on Legacy: 10:26 – 11:10
• Personal Motivational Practices: 08:42 – 09:52

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Conclusion

Adam Gensler’s episode leaves listeners with encouragement to start creating with what they have and who they are—even if broken. The ability to transform both materials and self is central to his legacy. Adam’s story is a testament to resilience, hands-on problem-solving, and the enduring value of human artistry in a digital world.

Find Adam online:

• Based in Grand Junction, Colorado
• On Facebook, Instagram, designmarklighting.com and rensmartlighting.com (11:32)

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Transcript

[A]

What you have is all you need. Effort beats talent. When talent doesn't try.

[B]

Oh boy, that's awesome.

[A]

And that people that are willing to do the things today will have the things tomorrow that others won't have.

[B]

Adam Gensler is a resilient, visionary craftsman and the founder of Wrenched Marked Lighting, a custom lighting brand known for bold industrial design with soul. So let's talk about the value. It's very difficult to put a value to art. How do you put any value to any of your art?

[A]

For me, it's the material that I use and the person I was when I made it. I looked at that material and I saw a version of myself. I was blemished, I was broken, I'd been cast out. And so I took these old parts that I saw within myself and I put the hard work to them.

[B]

Give us a peek of that transformational experience where these pieces of artwork are now living inside of you.

[A]

I think it's just. It spans the globe like a super highest cold Internet Elvis. Brandon.

[B]

Today Apple is going to reinvent Lefontein. It's not over until I win the living your legacy podcast for those who live to leave a legacy that's extraordinary. The impossible has happened. Oh, that is sensational. Jordan Open Chicago. With the lead. Usain Paul is the fastest man on the planet. You can live your dream. Welcome back to another amazing episode of the legacy makers podcast for inside success. I'm your host, Ray Gutierrez. Joining me today is Adam Gensler. He is quite an amazing, I would say magician because this magically appeared out of nowhere. Adam, I gotta ask, what am I looking at, bud?

[A]

This is a conversation piece. This is my functional lamp that I build. This is one of several Rensmart gliding lamp lines that I build. I also have a limited edition. It's time for a drink lamp line. And those will actually pour you a drink as you see here. This one has a cup holder, cell phone holder, and an outlet to charge.

[B]

Your phone, all the things.

[A]

And it's even a light right on.

[B]

Yeah, very cool.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

But what brought you here? What is your. I almost feel like I'm running a one of these talent shows where it's like, what do you bring us today? Like, dude, like amazing artwork. First of all, introduce yourself. Who are you and what are you about?

[A]

So Adam Gensler and I launched Rensmar Gliding in the midst of a life changing experience. Oh boy. It was an experience that taught me that sometimes when you're faced with what seems like is an impossible situation, it's really Just a chance for transformation and growth as a person. Very cool. I take these brass parts and they're quite blemished when I get them. They're broken, they've been cast out. And I think that when you do the hard work to them, well, I know that when you do the hard work to them, they can shine. And I think as people, we can all relate to that concept.

[B]

For sure.

[A]

For sure.

[B]

Have you always been this clever with your hands and arts and crafts, or is this something you.

[A]

This is something that I think I've just recently found confidence in doing.

[B]

Oh, cool.

[A]

Ever since that life changing experience.

[B]

Yeah, you keep saying about, you keep talking about this life changing experience. I'm not sure if I should bring it up on the podcast or if Lauren should bring it up in your interview, which we're about to film, actually. Your Legacy Makers episode. Yes. So this, your, Your genius, your. Your, Your superpower has brought you here.

[A]

Indeed.

[B]

Can we talk about that journey? How did you end up here in our studios in South Peach, Miami?

[A]

Yeah, so I'm, I'm actually quite new to all this. Very cool. You know, I talked to Mark Jefferson in the interview and it says, this is not for beginners. But I told Mark, I said, let's tell a different story. Sure, let's. Let's tell a story about somebody who's just starting out. He doesn't know what he's doing. All he knows is that he's going to make this work. And here I am making it work. Making it work.

[B]

Where does, where does one begin? Like, how did, how did this begin? Did you just find a pipe and step on it and then just turn it to art and made you feel good? Like, how did this work?

[A]

I have 10 years experience as an electrician and 10 years experience in the water distribution industry. I've combined the two to create this and create benchmark piping.

[B]

So how do you position this? And do you put it on an art gallery? Do you put it in your shop? Are you even selling these?

[A]

Yes, I've sold a few. This is actually made to go on your nightstand. The idea, the concept is you put this on your nightstand and it will actually free up space.

[B]

Okay. Oh, obviously, because you can put your mug there and you can put yourself on here. For folks that are watching this in our visual podcast, as an artist to artist, I almost feel like it's. You're kind of trolling reality where it's like, look, a lamp that can do it all. Like, what is, what is your concept? Like, I almost See a personality in some of these. In this piece, I think that the.

[A]

True artist makes something for themselves, and then I think other people see the value in it.

[B]

Oh, absolutely. So let's talk about the value. It's very difficult to put a value to art. How do you put any value to any of your art? Is it the time of day you made it, the person you were when you made it, the material you use? How do you put a number to a moment?

[A]

For me, it's the material that I use and the person I was when I made it. I looked at that material, and I saw a version of myself. I was blemished. I was broken. I'd been cast out. And so I took these old parts that I saw within myself, and I put the hard work to them then. Since then, I've done hard work myself, and again, here I am.

[B]

So I'm not sure if you're into dimensions, but I'm pretty sure in this dimension, you're making this kind of robot. But in the eighth or ninth dimension, you're practically making C3PO, if you were Anakin Skywalker, which means you're about to turn to the dark side, which means you'll be for my friend. So that's good. So I wish we had, like, a collage or, like, a montage or Runway of all your pieces just walking by, because this one clearly can walk like the one from the Beauty and the Beast. What's the. The candle holder.

[A]

Oh, it does kind of resemble.

[B]

I'm totally seeing the candle holder.

[A]

Yeah. Yeah. You need to keep.

[B]

Stop looking at me.

[A]

Stop.

[B]

So, yeah, I kind of want to. I kind of want to break the fourth wall here. What was. Give us a peek of that transformational experience where these pieces of artwork are now living inside of you.

[A]

I think it's just, again, doing the hard work to the. To the brass and making it shine again.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Just like myself. You know, it. I think that we can put our. When we can put our problems and our pain in the past. We can create a future where those things don't exist anymore.

[B]

Wow. That's pretty powerful. Do you. When you sell these art pieces. Gosh. Is there, like, a poem or something that goes with it? Like a. Like a certificate that says, I was doing this when I made this, and here's the proof. Like, how do you certify these as, like, actual, like, pieces of you?

[A]

I do relate them to, you know, doing the hard work on ourselves and that they can one day shine again. Very cool. They can bring some light to the.

[B]

Room when you're literally not physically making these. How else are you expressing yourself? And the reason why I ask is I'm sure there's tons of folks listening that are very much like you and are having a difficult way of expressing themselves. How does one express themselves while having to start here? Any tips?

[A]

Well, you know, I like to country swing dance.

[B]

Hell yeah, you do.

[A]

And you know, I'm probably one of the best country swing dancers in.

[B]

Oh, no. Look at western Colorado. His confidence is kicked in.

[A]

So I think with that, it kind of. You bring that entertainment aspect to it.

[B]

Sure, dude.

[A]

And. And that, you know, this is a form of entertainment.

[B]

Can you. Can you tell me what you feel when you dance? When. Like, when you're. What do you call it? Hold it. Like what? I'm sorry, I don't want to sound like a. An idiot from Miami.

[A]

No, that's all right. Country swing dance.

[B]

Country swing dance. Great. Just confirmed. What do you feel, dude? Like what. What is the romance of a country swing dancing?

[A]

There's no rules to it. So listen to music and you make it your own. You know, I think a lot of people that go out there and they try and run through the motions, but you gotta listen to music, make it your own. Gotta make it dramatic.

[B]

You gotta make it dramatic.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Is that why country music is so, so dramatic? Like, so it's almost like it's very dark.

[A]

Sometimes I tend to listen to the beat more than the words.

[B]

I'm the same way. Yeah.

[A]

That way it doesn't make me sad.

[B]

Exactly. I listen to the harmonies and the timber, but never the actual words. I'm like, what are they all saying? I do not care.

[A]

I swear. My life used to be a country song, man. And. Yeah, so.

[B]

So are you listening. Jamming out to country when you're making these, or are you like. Are you like, what's going on in the garage? Like, what's your environment like?

[A]

The whole time I'm building these, I listen to podcasts from Joe Dispenza, Alex Haro, Chris Williamson.

[B]

Wow.

[A]

Positive guys.

[B]

Positive guy.

[A]

And, you know, I haven't had. I'm just starting out. I haven't had a lot of success with this, but it's like those guys are cheering me on the whole time.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You know, they're telling you that. Just, just stick with this, you know, this would be the hardest time right now. And once you can get through this, you know you can. Things are only going to get easier from here.

[B]

Yeah. I went through everything's peaks and Valleys. And one of these were a valley. And it was right before I met Rudin. But I would blast just podcasts around my house. I'm like, no music, just podcasts. I just need, like, motivational speak. Even. Even folks speaking the words, the words of the Lord. I'm like, I just need preach. I just need to hear that timber of like, rise, rise, rise. You can do it. You can do it. You can do it. The motivational tone and it definitely works. You going, yes, yes, it works. It definitely does work. Especially for folks like you and I. We're called men that work, that use our hands and. And in our. In our small little brain, sometimes we just need someone to go, hey, you're doing a good job. You can do it. Good for you. Kick ass. Crush it.

[A]

Exactly.

[B]

Good for you. You did a good job. Kick ass. You crushed it.

[A]

And that's pumped up.

[B]

Yeah. You know, that's. This is why. This is the opening ad to your Legacy Makers episode. So what are we going to learn in your episode today?

[A]

We're going to learn that what you have is all you need. We're going to learn that effort beats talent. When talent doesn't try.

[B]

Oh, boy, that's awesome.

[A]

And that people that are willing to do the things today will have the things tomorrow that others won't have.

[B]

Right on. Where does one begin if they want to get their hands dirty and start expressing themselves the way you have? What's a tip for you? Is it go to a Home Depot talk to look for this specific thing to get your hands dirty? Where does one start again?

[A]

I'd say that the true artists make something for themselves. So look for something that you see beauty and make something for yourself. And I think others will see the beauty in that as well.

[B]

How do you think you're. You can keep your legacy up? Like, this is something you can't just YouTube. Like this is something you have to hand down. You know, a lot of folks in carpentry, even in my circles, are having a hard time, challenging times, passing on the wisdom of, you know, being a welder. How do you plan to pass on this knowledge?

[A]

Well, some of these I don't even think that I can recreate. But having said that, you know, grow the business big enough.

[B]

Sure.

[A]

Get employees, younger guys in, other artists that want to express, you know, what they feel in life through their artistic vision.

[B]

Yeah. Hang on to that because this is a physical piece of art and there's going to be a massive sweep of AI art, and this is just going to make human art, so much more valuable. It's. You're going to be irreplaceable. So I keep going. Keep going, Keep going. Trust me, you're on the right path, my friend.

[A]

Thank you.

[B]

Especially when they have eyes that keep staring at me. Is. Where can folks find you before we wrap up today, bud?

[A]

I'm out of Grand Junction, Colorado. You find me on Facebook, Instagram or my [e-mail] right now or rensmartlighting.com very cool.

[B]

All right. Well, that concludes yet another amazing episode of Legacy Makers for Inside Success. I'm Rigatiers.