How I Built This with Guy Raz Dyson: James Dyson (2018)
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Jul 22, 2019 
James Dyson, the inventive mind behind Dyson vacuums, shares his journey from concept to market. He discusses the struggles he faced, including skepticism from established brands and financial challenges while perfecting his bagless design. With over 5,000 prototypes, Dyson's relentless innovation transformed the household appliance industry. He also reflects on the emotional toll of grief and how it fueled his creativity. The story reveals the power of persistence and believing in one's vision, ultimately leading to tremendous success.
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Boarding School Experience
- James Dyson's father died when he was nine, leaving the family with little money.
- Dyson attended boarding school for free after his father's death and had to become self-reliant.
Working with Jeremy Fry
- Dyson's first job was with inventor Jeremy Fry, who encouraged learning by doing and disliked experts.
- Dyson designed a high-speed landing craft and learned to weld and use engineering tools through trial and error.
The Ballbarrow Venture
- After working with Fry, Dyson started his own company, Ballbarrow, making wheelbarrows with a ball instead of a wheel.
- The business struggled to make money despite capturing 50% of the market due to low prices and the small market size.