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
Mar 7, 2017 • 51min
043 President Trump's Proposed Trade Policies & U.S. Manufacturing, Chris Mitchell of mfg.com - The Product Startup: Product development for small business
General findings of the mfg.com survey and the do's and don'ts of submitting designs for quote to manufacturers.
Feb 28, 2017 • 35min
042 - All-Natural Insect Repellant & Reusing Failed Products, Stacy Marking with Lemongrass Trading Co - The Product Startup: Product development for small business
We talk about creating the early prototypes and import constraints and regulatory approvals. What Stacy wishes she knew before she started.
Feb 21, 2017 • 51min
041 - Testing Stereo Components with Jay DeMerit of RockIt Logs - The Product Startup: Product development for small business
The acoustic and manufacturing properties of different woods. Other design factors that Jay h.ad to consider. Testing the speaker components and selecting the right manufacturer
Feb 14, 2017 • 42min
040 - Stop Overpaying Your Small Business Taxes, Diane Gardner of Tax Coach 4 You - The Product Startup: Product development for small business
The most common deduction people miss on their US tax return. How you can hire your children over 7 years old, and aging parents to work for your business and deduct their wages.
Feb 7, 2017 • 36min
039 - Developing a Rock Crushing Machine & Quality Control with Tim Pannell of Rocksgone - The Product Startup: Product development for small business
The process that Tim followed to build the initial prototype and how Tim found the manufacturer for his equipment. We also talk about Tim's deep understanding of the industry and the huge advantage of working as a contractor using the equipment for oth...
Jan 31, 2017 • 44min
038 - Validating Conflict-Free Jewelry in Pop-Up Shops with Farah Qureshi - The Product Startup: Product development for small business
How Farah comes up with new designs for her products and starts a new collection and validating creative ideas that are subject to interpretation (beauty is in the eye of the beholder).
Jan 24, 2017 • 33min
037 - Launching a Minecraft-Inspired Product with Ruth Stone of Boxhead Crafts - The Product Startup: Product development for small business
Where Ruth got the inspiration for her first product and how she kicked off her production run of 100 units to test the market. Why she was comfortable creating a product in "someone elses' sandbox."
Jan 17, 2017 • 57min
036 - Helping Wildlife & Developing Ceramic Products with Gavin Christman of Green&Blue - The Product Startup: Product development for small business
Why Green&Blue doesn't use a "one stop shop" approach to manufacturing. Keys to maintaining good relationships with retailers through product quality, customer service, product news, soliciting feedback.
Jan 10, 2017 • 51min
035 - A 90-Day Advertising Strategy on a Budget with Paul Potratz of The Growth Mindset - The Product Startup: Product development for small business
Finding your target audience using social media and asking them questions and what to do if your message isn't resonating with the audience. Using what your target market says about your product to create call to actions and one-liners.
Jan 3, 2017 • 34min
034 - Staying Motivated & Overcoming Lack of Money, Time & Skills - The Product Startup: Product development for small business
What are your core motivations for starting a business? This needs to be something that you don’t have to remind yourself of every day – it should be a part of you.
