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

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.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

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)

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)

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)

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)

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.

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.

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 |

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

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)