Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jaron Lodge, CEO and Founder of Stonne Products LLC., located in Scottsdale, AZ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I created a new backyard game that combines cornhole with foam skipping stones for the pool. Our customers are families that are looking for a fun backyard game that they can play with their kids while also staying cool in the pool.
Tell us about yourself
As a cub scout and boy scout, I spend some time skipping stones at summer camps and other outings. I guess this caused me to associate skipping stones with the love I felt for being outdoors and going on these trips. This was a big inspiration, along with the love I grew from being involved in so many sports when I was younger. What motivates me now is knowing that families and kids are growing the same love for sports and the outdoors and creating memories while playing my games.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is probably getting my products into the top 2 largest sporting goods retailers in the U.S., Dick's Sporting Goods and BIG 5. We are also in several SCHEELS locations.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Seasonal products are really tough. You can work all year to get ready for the summer season, but if your inventory isn't ready to go for peak season, then you can miss a big chunk of the season. Then you have to wait again till next year.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Think big and really think about how large the market opportunity is before building a product or business. It takes just as much time if not longer, to be in a small market and think small than to just go big in the beginning.
- Sometimes the worst possible outcomes will happen. But use the tears, pain, and frustration to push you to take things to the next level in order to solve the issues.
- If you don't go to a tech business, it will be difficult to raise money. Not impossible, but just harder.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://scorenn.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scorennhole/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaron-lodge-stonne/
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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