How I Built This with Guy Raz Tempur-Pedic: Bobby Trussell (2018)
Jul 6, 2020
Bobby Trussell, co-founder of Tempur-Pedic, transitioned from a career in horse racing to the mattress industry at 40, driven by a need to support his family. He discovered memory foam, originally from NASA, which sparked a revolution in sleep products. Trussell shares his early struggles of selling only 70 mattresses instead of the anticipated 10,000. Through innovative partnerships and targeting chiropractors, he turned Tempur-Pedic into a luxury mattress leader. His story highlights the blend of luck, perseverance, and creativity in entrepreneurship.
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Early Horse Racing Passion
- Bobby Trussell's passion for horse racing began at age 11 when his dad bought a riding horse.
- He followed race results, attended races with friends, and even majored in finance while reading racing forms.
Belmont Park Beginnings
- After college, Trussell pursued his passion, writing to top horse trainers.
- He landed a job at Belmont Park, starting as a hot walker and working his way up.
Gainesway Farm Success
- Trussell got his trainer's license, trained his first winner at Keeneland, and then landed a job at Gainesway Farm.
- There, he became an expert in pedigrees and started racing at a high level.