Are you sabotaging your product's success?

If your factory is not the right fit for your product or your company's growth goals you could be hurting your product's success drastically!!

If you are unsure of the questions you need to be asking yourself and/or your factory make sure you watch "How To Find a Factory That Meets Your Production Needs" on our bonus episode of Founder's Field Notes!

In this episode, ⚙️Jason Klug

In this episode of Founder's Field Notes, your host, Jason Klug, engages in a dynamic conversation with Jeremy Howlett, an accomplished growth marketer and co-founder of Altra, a revolutionary shoe brand. Prepare to be inspired and enlightened as Jeremy takes us through the incredible journey of creating a distinctive shoe brand that redefined comfort and functionality.

Episode Highlights:

The Genesis of Innovation: Discover the fascinating story behind Altra's inception, from the creation of a hacked-up shoe to a game-changing 3-mile run. Jeremy recounts how this genuine pain point of running form and knee pain triggered the birth of a revolutionary concept and fueled their determination to reimagine footwear comfort.

Walking the R&D Path: Dive into the depths of research and development as Jeremy explains how early research and development played a pivotal role in the early stages of Altra. Uncover the intricacies of crafting a zero-drop shoe and the critical elements that make up a winning footwear formula.

Stepping into Validation: Explore the power of word-of-mouth validation and market interest. Learn how Jeremy and his team harnessed user feedback and scientific backing to turn their visionary product into a validated success. Discover the challenges they faced and overcame in introducing groundbreaking heel technology.

Journey to Manufacturing Excellence: Delve into the behind-the-scenes process of bringing a revolutionary shoe to life. Jeremy shares insights into the pivotal moment when a product developer reached out. Understand the critical steps involved, from product development to finding investors who share your vision.

From Brand Building to Marketing Mastery: After co-founding Altra, Jeremy delves into the world of marketing. Get a sneak peek into his expertise in customer segmentation and lifecycle marketing. Learn how he translates brand value into resonating stories that captivate customers.

Founder's Wisdom: Tune in to Jeremy's sage advice for fellow entrepreneurs. Embrace the power of a strong "why" behind your product, and learn how to infuse it into your brand's core values. Jeremy shares his personal growth journey, encouraging everyone to stay open, humble, and continuously seek opportunities to learn.

Join us in this captivating episode of Founder's Field Notes, where innovation, passion, and determination converge to reshape the footwear industry. Whether you're a founder, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply curious about the journey of turning a pain point into a groundbreaking solution, this episode is a must-listen.

Remember, every product has a story, and every entrepreneur has a unique journey. Don't let fear hold you back—let hope and optimism drive your future. As Jeremy Howlett beautifully puts it, "Be open and humble to learn. We don't all know everything, and being humble enough to seek help is the key to success."

Tune in now to gain invaluable insights and embark on a journey of entrepreneurship that's sure to leave you inspired and motivated. Don't miss out on this enriching episode of Founder's Field Notes!

#productdevelopment #running #altrarunning #shoes #manufacturing #productdesign #newproducts #golden #newproduct #entrepreneurship #development

Discover the inspiring journey of Jen Clyde and Michelle Money Weir, co-founders of Fore All, a trailblazing women's golf and lifestyle brand. Hosted by Jason Klug, Founder and CEO of Klugonyx Group, this episode delves into Fore All's commitment to enhancing the golf experience for women with stylish accessories and apparel. Learn from their insights on team building, embracing imperfection, staying focused, and leading by example. Tune in to Founder's Field Notes for a dose of entrepreneurship, innovation, and empowerment in the world of golf.

In this episode of Founder's Field Notes, host Jason Klug invites Michael Wolfe, the founder of both Wolfe Optics and Wolfe Media, to share his unique journey of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Throughout their discussion, Wolfe provides an inside look into his experiences developing his own line of goggles and sunglasses, breaking down complex processes, and sharing insider knowledge gained from his time working with ski and golf shops. Together, they delve into the realities of patent filings, the intricate art of balancing business demands with a persistent drive for innovation, and the necessity of building a diverse team to navigate the competitive landscape.

Wolfe's perspective shines a light on the real challenges entrepreneurs face in product development, from prototyping to scaling and even handling inevitable failure. He also underscores the critical importance of consumer feedback in the iterative design process.

This episode isn't just about optics and media; it's a lesson in resilience, risk-taking, and constant learning for anyone in the world of start-ups. With valuable insights into marketing and strategic partnership, Wolfe paints a vivid picture of the entrepreneurial landscape, which is sure to be an enlightening listen for founders, engineers, and innovators alike.

Whether you're just starting your entrepreneurial journey or looking to sharpen your product development skills, this episode with Michael Wolfe is a masterclass in bringing an idea to life. Listen in for a candid and illuminating conversation about entrepreneurship, innovation, and the highs and lows of building a product from scratch.

About Michael:

Michael Wolfe is a seasoned entrepreneur and industry veteran hailing from Chugiak, Alaska. His early experiences in the Last Frontier cultivated a fervor for launching various business ventures. Michael’s entrepreneurial journey led him to Salt Lake City, Utah, where he graduated from Ensign College with an Associate's degree in Entrepreneurship. He also holds certificates in Digital Marketing and Professional Sales.

Michael's multifaceted career encompasses a broad spectrum of roles, with his expertise lying in the intersection of technology, marketing, and entrepreneurship. He currently serves as the Founder and Owner of Wolfe Optics, a company specializing in advanced optical technology. 

In addition to his work at Wolfe Optics, Michael is the owner of Wolfe Media LLC. Since November 2018, he has been managing the day-to-day operations, implementing strategic plans, overseeing sales services, and coordinating various tasks necessary for client fulfillment.

He also has his own podcast called, “Outdoor Innovators” where he interviews brand owners and innovators in the outdoor industry space. 

With his compelling journey from Alaska to Utah and his multifaceted experience in product development and digital marketing, Michael Wolfe stands as a beacon of resilience, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit. His ventures into the world of optics and media, coupled with his education in entrepreneurship, mark him as a significant figure in his field, inspiring fellow founders, engineers, and innovators.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/miketwolfe/

https://www.wolfeoptics.com/

About Klugonyx:

Klugonyx is a leading full service product development company that specializes in bringing innovative ideas to life. With years of experience in the industry, Klugonyx has a proven track record of helping clients turn their visions into successful products.

At Klugonyx, we provide end-to-end services to support our clients through every step of the product development process. From ideation and engineering to prototyping and manufacturing sourcing, we work closely with our clients to ensure their ideas become a reality! 

We work with clients across all industries, and our goal is to be an educational and collaborative asset to them throughout the entire product development journey. Our team in Salt Lake City, UT, brings together a wealth of expertise and experience, while our team of 35+ professionals in China provides boots-on-the-ground support and white-glove service to help manage and source all aspects of manufacturing.

At Klugonyx, we believe that innovation is the key to success, and we are committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions that exceed our clients' expectations. With our comprehensive product development services, we provide a one-stop-shop for all your product development needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you turn your ideas into reality.

https://www.klugonyx.com

https://www.instagram.com/klugonyx/?hl=en

In this episode of Founder's Field Notes, host Jason Klug engages in an insightful conversation with Zach Miller, founder of ZLM Lighting, an Atlanta-based manufacturing representative. Zach's expertise in the lighting industry makes this episode a must-listen for founders and entrepreneurs seeking guidance for their startups. They discuss key aspects of running a successful business, sharing personal stories and highlighting valuable lessons learned along the way.

During the podcast, Zach asks Jason probing questions about his own startup journey, making it a perfect episode for founders looking to grow their businesses and gain practical advice. The conversation emphasizes the importance of selecting team members who align with the company's vision and enrolling in programs like the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business for better financial decision-making. They also touch on the topic of burnout, providing strategies to handle and prevent it.

In his own field notes, Zach highlights the significance of prioritizing wants and responsibilities. Overall, this episode of Founder's Field Notes offers valuable insights, actionable tips, and relatable stories for entrepreneurs at any stage of their journey. Tune in to gain inspiration, learn from their experiences, and propel your business forward.

In this episode, host Jason Klug sits down with Rachel Nilsson, the CEO and Founder of Rags to Raches, a rad apparel company. Rachel's entrepreneurial journey began in high school, where she discovered her talent for creating custom clothing. From selling her tees to a JMR, a skate boutique in Utah, to finding a niche market in second-hand kids' clothes, Rachel realized the demand for her unique creations.

Throughout the episode, Rachel imparts valuable advice for entrepreneurs. She emphasizes the importance of avoiding burnout by outsourcing tasks and learning from mistakes. She also shares insights on hiring and delegating, encouraging founders to trust their instincts and consider the type of leaders they want to be. Rachel's perspective on smart money and the virtue of patience adds another layer of wisdom to the conversation.

On the latest episode of Founder's Field Notes we dive into an insightful conversation with Jon Bradshaw, multi-founder and current President of Codebase. During the episode, Jon shares his personal story of overcoming self-doubt and depression, which ultimately led him to develop the business idea for Codebase. As the President of Codebase, Jon leads a company focused on scaling teams by connecting businesses with talented software developers. He also sheds light on the intricacies of working with India and navigating cultural differences in a global business landscape.

One of the key takeaways from Jon's journey is the importance of aligning intentions with partners and ensuring that leadership roles provide the necessary support for success. He emphasizes the need to avoid relying solely on one source of income, ads, or platforms to mitigate risks. Additionally, Jon highlights the value of investing in quality and understanding the complexities of software development.

For entrepreneurs looking to expand their knowledge and gain practical insights, this episode of Founder's Field Notes is a must-watch!! Join Jason Klug as he delves into Jon Bradshaw's experiences and explores the power of resilience, self-discovery, and cross-cultural collaboration in the world of entrepreneurship.

In this episode of Founder's Field Notes, Jason Klug sits down with Jared Ward, CEO and founder of Luminous, to discuss his vast experience in launching products and sourcing and selling new things. Jared shares his tips and tricks for working in China and sourcing products. He also talks about his journey of starting Luminous, how he identified a gap in the process and created a software to follow through with the RFQ process, and the significance of being intentional with equity distribution. The main takeaways from the episode are the importance of nailing your product before scaling it, being consistent in your actions, and everything you do should be intentional. Tune in to this episode for valuable insights on working with China and expert advice on launching and scaling your business! 

In this episode of Founder's Field Notes, host Jason Klug sits down with Allyse Jackson, Founder and CEO of Beehive Meals. Beehive Meals is a women-owned business that provides pre-assembled slow cooker-ready freezer meals and delivers them straight to your front door. Allyse shares her journey of turning her skills and passions into a successful and fast-growing business, including how she started out by prepping freezer meals while pregnant with her first child and giving them to neighbors in need. She also shares some valuable insights for fellow entrepreneurs, including the importance of surrounding yourself with other entrepreneurs for support and the necessity of failure for growth. Tune in to hear more about Allyse's journey and the lessons she's learned along the way.

Want a discount for Beehive Meals? Use discount code: "foundersfieldnotes"

In this episode of Founder's Field Notes, we sit down with Allison Roberts, CEO and Co-Founder of Fastercise, a science-backed fitness program that aligns your lifestyle with your body's survival mechanisms to help users lose excess fat easily. Allison shares her self-discovery journey to becoming an entrepreneur and the challenges she overcame to launch a successful business with her father, Dr. Denis Wilson. She emphasizes the importance of shifting your focus to internal motivators, relying on data to make key decisions, and prioritizing actions over results. In the Field Notes section, Allison provides a quick clip of how easy it is to do Fastercise anywhere, and encourages listeners to check out the program at Fastercise.com. Tune in to learn more about Allison's journey and the science behind Fastercise!