Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Zach Keck, Co-Founder of EDGE Spray, located in New York, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
EDGE is a spray product that restores and improves sneaker grip in seconds. Over the last four years, we discovered a way to improve sneaker grip in seconds without harming people or the environment. Our customers are primarily indoor athletes but extend to anyone looking to prevent slips and/or improve agility on indoor surfaces. The earliest users we have are in basketball, volleyball, pickleball, fencing, squash, and table tennis.
Tell us about yourself
I first started working on EDGE after discovering the problem. Four years ago, we observed basketball players (and other indoor athletes) licking their hands, wiping their sneakers, spitting on the floor, carrying around wet towels to wipe their shoes, etc. After determining that all of these habits have the same goal of improving sneaker grip, we knew there had to be a better way. I'm a Materials Engineer and lifelong athlete, and I thought that I could actually make a product that solves this issue. I got to work immediately. Four years later, this is still what drives me. I know I can make an impact, and I won't stop until I have.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I have very high standards for consumer goods. I don't believe you should need a Chemistry degree to determine whether a product is safe for your family to use. Early into our R&D process, I was told by experts in multiple fields that what we were trying to do was impossible.
Our criteria:
- Effectively improves sneaker grip on indoor surfaces.
- Ingredients that are safe for people, the environment, and sneakers.
- Formula dries in seconds, not hours.
To do any 2 of the 3 was easy, but combining all 3 factors made our process extremely difficult. After four years of testing ingredients from around the world and working with experts from organizations, including the EPA and Binghamton University, we have a product that does what we set out to do without compromising. This is my biggest accomplishment.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Determining where to spend your time. There are infinite options for things that might help grow your business. Deciding what NOT to spend time on is the hardest thing for me and will continue to be an area of focus for me for the foreseeable future.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Self-care is extremely important. Develop habits that you feel good about and take care of yourself each day. The healthier you are, the healthier your business will be.
- Prioritize progress over perfection. Getting things done is much more important than making sure it looks pretty out of the gate.
- Learn what you're good and bad at and what you like and dislike doing. Do the things you like and are good at, and delegate or partner with people who are good at the things you're bad at or dislike doing.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://edgespray.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edgespray/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/edgespray
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-keck/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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