Product Startup
Kevin Mako of MAKO Design + Invent
The Product Startup Podcast is the hardware product development industry's #1 podcast. From invention idea to getting onto store shelves, and everything in between. Hear how inventors, product startups, & small manufacturers created their inventions and launched their physical product businesses. Learn from the industry's top industrial designers, mechanical engineers, PCB designers, consumer product managers, manufacturers, patent attorneys, hardware investors, product sellers, wholesalers, retailers and more. Learn about industrial design / product design, prototyping, 3d printing, additive manufacturing, product manufacturing, marketing, selling, patenting, logistics, and product business scaling. Hosted by Kevin Mako, North America’s leading expert on product development for physical product startups, founder of Mako Design + Invent, keynote speaker, and Masters of Engineering lecturer. Produced by MAKO Design + Invent, the original firm providing world-class consumer product development services tailored to startups, small manufacturers, and inventors.
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 23, 2017 • 49min
053 - Manufacturing, Quality & 3D Printing
Today we will focus on manufacturing and quality assurance - answering some of the most popular questions that we get asked. Also, how to know when to call it quits, and how much money or time to invest...
May 9, 2017 • 47min
052 - The business model behind custom window coverings, Alice Orozco of Pret-a-Portiere
Competing with companies much larger than her small business and why success isn't straight line.
May 2, 2017 • 44min
051 - Launching a turmeric-based alternative to coffee, Samantha & Elaine of Midas Cup
Testing their product with their target market and finding the right suppliers and co-packers for their product.
Apr 25, 2017 • 46min
050 - Creating environmentally-friendly athletic apparel, Tim Christian of OORR
We talk about going from prototype to manufacturing and validating the market and also cover Tim's tips for launching on Kickstarter.
Apr 18, 2017 • 57min
049 - Getting Angel Investment, with Juliana Garaizar of the Houston Angel Network
The application process for startup companies to get funded and what investors look for in companies.
Apr 11, 2017 • 45min
048 - As-Seen-On-TV Products & Product Licensing, Bill McAlister of Top Dog Direct
What direct response television (DRTV) marketers look for in consumer inventions and how an at-home inventor can get a product to market without breaking the bank.
Apr 4, 2017 • 46min
047 - Financial, legal and HR traps of buying and selling small businesses, Chris Ray & Chariss Tatman of C2 Group
We talk about the top reasons why owners typically want to sell their business. Also - accounting issues that business owners may be blindsided by during a sale: reoccuring expenses and perishable inventory calculations
Mar 28, 2017 • 44min
046 - Bootstrapping Product Development, Stephanie Cummings & Tal Berke of Shlocker
We get into solving that unmet need, validating their idea and creating the initial prototype. We talk about creating a refined prototype, sourcing manufacturers in the US and abroad and placing their first order.
Mar 21, 2017 • 47min
045 - Product development and Kickstarter launch of Botanium, a product that helps people grow herbs and chilis - The Product Startup: Product development for small business
Johannes Roselius is a development engineer with 10 years of experience in Product development. He has worked in design engineering, manufacturing, and product management and loves to find simplicity in the most complicated problems.
Mar 14, 2017 • 50min
044 - Turning customizable jackets into a multi-million dollar business, Elyse Daniels of Exodus Wear - The Product Startup: Product development for small business
Why Exodus Wear does not use an online customization tool - and instead prefers to have students hand-draw their jackets designs. Why Elyse isn't worried about competing on price. Not starting a culture of discounting.
