Shopify Masters The Founder Who Turned Plastic Waste Into a Multimillion Dollar Travel Brand
Oct 9, 2025
Adrian Solgaard, founder of Solgaard, transformed ocean-bound plastic into a successful travel brand focused on sustainability. He shares his journey from video production to launching innovative products like the solar-powered LifePack backpack. Adrian discusses the power of storytelling in crowdfunding, the importance of customer-first product design, and how he uses collaborations to tackle user pain points. He emphasizes impact over profit, his sourcing methods for eco-friendly materials, and gives insights on navigating business growth and team dynamics.
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Pivot From Bike Lock To Million-Dollar Backpack
- Adrian turned a stolen-bike frustration into a Kickstarter bicycle-lock product that sold internationally.
- He later pivoted to a solar anti-theft backpack that raised $1.2M on Kickstarter and became the company's foundation.
Hyper-Focus When Backed Into A Corner
- When you're backed into a corner, monotask and hyper-focus on the one thing that can get you out.
- Cut the noise and prioritize important over urgent to find the path forward.
Storytelling Is Universal Leverage
- Storytelling is a timeless skill that adapts to new formats and attention spans.
- Mastering memorable stories helps in leadership, marketing, and product narratives.
