Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Brunett.
Hi Michael, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
When Beard Bro started, I was working at the University of Central Florida in the Multi-media field. I wanted to create a product that would be widely used throughout the world, and luck would have it; one day a co-worker was always struggling with his beard, so I had the idea of making a template for him. It started out as a joke, but then I realized it could actually be a thing. So, after having 3d drawing made, I took it over to the Engineering Lab and had them print a 3d print of a few prototypes. And after a few changes, it became a real-life, working tool. After that, I had a company I used to work for in Michigan make a mold and started producing them, and the business began to take off. First, a front-page article on The Orlando Sentinel, then an appearance on Fox 35, but what really made it take off was a feature on Insider Beauty, a page on Facebook for all things in the cosmetic industry. I made an appearance on a Steve Harvey Show out in California which was great but very stressful ha. All while there were thousands of orders a day coming in, and production was way behind with the sudden burst of orders.
Now today, the company has been really hurt by a ton of knock-offs coming out of China and anywhere else you can think of, so we have lawsuits pending. We have gotten into a few retail stores, like Urban Outfitters, barbershops, some grocery stores, but since the start of everything, but we continue to come out with new products and look to create the next big product.
Me personally, I am starting a new sports accessories business which I am excited about; I am pretty much a serial entrepreneur; it’s in my blood since I come from a family of business owners. Throughout this journey, I have learned a tremendous amount and try to share what I have learned with others. Business is tough, there are so many facets of it one person has to manage now, but when you find something you’re passionate about, it’s all you can think about, so you have to see it thru and bring it to fruition for all of the world to see.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been a difficult road, lots of copycats, and with the selling channels like Amazon, eBay, Wish, etc… to facilitate the spread of them, it is extremely difficult to police and stop these. There are companies you can hire to help, but they are costly. Early on there were production issues that really hurt when we were getting 10,000 orders a day, and people didn’t care that we were a three-person operation; they want their orders now. Patents were filed, but that is a mirage of security that is very costly to try and use for your defense and easily sidestepped, especially since they are only good in the country you file them in. The best advice is to build your audience and try to get brand loyalty, it’s difficult to do with cheaper products, but you have to use influencers and other means of promotion every day. Eventually, there will be copycats, so be prepared the best you can and keep innovating your product.
As you know, we’re big fans of Beard Bro LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
Beard Bro is an American company, Veteran owned, specializing in men’s grooming products, both hair and skin; the name kind of says it. We are known for our first product, the first complete facial hair shaping tool, The Beard Bro. We started with our facial hair shaping tool and some beard oils, and have now expanded into a line shampoos, our new beard jellies, which are amazing and non-greasy. A new oil for the face that really makes the skin look healthy and glowing. Soaps, all kinds of stuff really, soon we will have hair clippers, our own brand of razors, and more.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Covid was interesting; we saw everyone’s beards and wearing these masks and looking ridiculous with half of it hanging out, so we made an extended version and sold quite a few of them. We lucked out finding a local source to make them which was nice.
Pricing:
- Products range from 5 to 30 dollars
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thebeardbro.com
- Instagram: beardbropage
- Facebook: thebeardbro
- Twitter: thebeardbro
- Youtube: beardbro
