It’s been a few years since we worked with Blendtec to create the Designer Series blender so we were eager to hear Tom Dickson speak at a UVU entrepreneur lecture. Tom is he founder and original CEO of Blendtec. He’s also the star of the “Will it Blend” series on Youtube which has hundreds of millions of views and counting. He shared fascinating insights from his entrepreneurial journey. His story of turning powerful ideas into game-changing products reminds us of many of our clients who are starting their journey to introduce the world to something new and innovative.
One standout example was how Tom’s love for putting powerful engines in unexpected places (like putting a Corvette engine in an Aston Martin body) translated into his blender business. He followed that approach with his business and not only put powerful motors in his blenders but also made big moves by giving away free blenders to companies like Jamba Juice and Zuka Juice and only asking for a nickel per drink which turned his simple strategy into millions. It’s a great reminder of how thoughtful design paired with smart business decisions can make a significant impact.
He knew his technology was great but was having trouble connecting to the market so he hired a marketing specialist who proposed making a promo video for YouTube. “You-what?” was Tom’s initial reaction. Starting with a $50 budget they filmed the first “Will if Blend” video which immediately went viral over weekend. News outlets came pouring in and Tom was featured on Jay Leno’s late night show which launched him into internet stardom.
Tom also shared a time when he made an “unexpected” breakthrough technology when he built a prototype pitcher by Frankensteining several products together into a new form. The design (dubbed the Wildside) had several unexpected results that have become a cornerstone of the business. In our business we’ve also learned that it’s that kind of innovative thinking and tinkering attitude that brings out the best solutions.
Tom’s keynote was followed by a Q&A session. Here’s a paraphrased summary:
- Q: Do you have any specific advice for startups?
- Find a mentor you can trust. Never hire anyone you can’t fire (hiring family can make things complicated). Miracles can happen when good people are behind something important.
- Q: You mentioned you have ADHD. How has that helped or hindered you?
- I see things no one else sees. I’m able to come up with ideas that no one is thinking about and that let’s me go to new places before anyone else.
- Q: How are you not deterred by other brands knocking off your technology?
- It’s inevitable that there will be challenges. It’s surprising but even rich billionaires steal. You have to plan on facing it at some point. You just have to go with it and move on. Do you best to work things out but realize that not everything will resolve in this life and that’s okay.
- Q: How did you get the bank on your side when asking for loans?
- Generosity and connections. I had some seed money but I loaned it to a friend instead. People told me I’d never see that money again but my friend’s bank asked how he was able to fund his project without a loan and he told them about me and put in a good word. That caught their attention and I was able to secure the loans.
- Q: Do you have any advice for students who are just beginning their entrepreneurship journey?
- Find something you like to do and get a job. Learn everything you possibly can and keep your day job while you work on the side. Don’t give up on your dreams but don’t leave your job too soon. Don’t try to do everything at once ( I started an aircraft company but haven’t been able to give it the attention it needs).
We’d like to thank the UVU Business Resource Center for hosting the “Entrepreneur Insight” event and for connecting up-and-coming entrepreneurs with people who can help mentor and guide them to success. If you’d like to learn more about Tom Dickson you can watch the “Don’t Breathe This” documentary on Prime Video here.
A bobblehead we’ve had for years!