Inverview with Garrett from startup TravelRelic.com
Garrett from new travel product startup TravelRelic.com has been kind enough to grant me a quick interview about his business, marketing, and the startup process in general. I was thinking it could help give College-Startup readers some motivation and a glimpse into a real startup business and an entrepreneur making it happen. So read, enjoy, learn, travel and then go buy a travel relic.
Tell me about your background
My undergraduate degree is in Industrial Design from Georgia Tech. After undergrad I worked with a major packaging company and managed the development of new packaging for Coca-Cola from the supplier-side. I’ve always loved being at the point in business where new business/product ideas are discovered and carried out.
Why did you start Travel Relic?
Travel Relic came from my passion to travel (41 countries and counting) and my desire to own and manage my own consumer product business. Years ago, I would create Travel Relic’s by-hand for friends when returning from big trips and the excitement that would arise convinced me it was an idea worth looking into. It was a major driver for my attendance at MBA school and a lot of the strategy and details were worked out during that time.
What’s been the most difficult part of your startup process?
The easy answer is the proprietary technology, but looking a little deeper, finding the business case for the RELIC (a premium product) was tough. But we have found some unmet needs that our products do fill and we’re really excited about creating a new product category.
What are the focuses of your marketing? More offline or online?
Getting the word out is always the most challenging part, especially with a product that seems to blend functions and categories. So we have to spend some time explaining what the product is and what purpose it serves, but a lot of excitement follows when people really how cool and novel it is. We’re mainly in the online world and will analyze the value of offline projects on a case-by-case basis.
What is your Favorite travel destination?
This is a sucker company for someone that loves to travel as much as I do. I’d have to say my favorite city is Queensland, New Zealand. Yeah, it’s a cheeky, money-sucking place, but if you’re between 18 and 25, you’ll have the best time in your life there. A close second is Kuala Lumpur/Malaysia – not as expensive as Singapore but less coup-inclined than Thailand, it’s a great place to hang out.
Got any future travel plans?
I’d travel tomorrow if it wouldn’t distract me from launching a business. I’ve decided to plant roots a bit so I can build something from the ground up, which is hard to do when you’re living out of a pack.
What are some tips you have for college entrepreneurs?
You need to think through every strategic facet of the business. Find times of the day and locations where you can easily get distracted and think about the business. Also, get yourself involved in business plan competitions whenever possible. As an undergrad, it’s REALLY easy to win due to the lower amount of competition. Regardless, you have to forcefully put yourself in a situation where you HAVE to think about the details.
Got any future projects you’re thinking of
I can’t tell! No, I’m actually trying to stay focused on Travel Relic. I do have my journal of product ideas, though, should I get the chance to launch another company
Share your thoughts!!!