Today we’d like to introduce you to Sohaib Qudah.
Sohaib, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My friend and I are entrepreneurs with a business thirsty mindset and are always looking for the next big idea. Back in 2017,we were sitting in a coffee shop early Saturday morning and he pulled out a sketch of what appeared to be a plumbing tool. Turns out to be a ground meat processor that works with skewers. We call that a kabob. We turned what was a messy complicated task to an easy 3 step process. Me being the marketing guy working for multiple marketing agencies had a light bulb shine over my head and I knew it was going to be a cool gadget that actually works.With Muhannad’s chemical engineering background and project management, he was in charge of optimizing/manufacturing the product and managing logistics and I took charge of all marketing aspects and introducing this product to customers in different demographics.
So we started that same day with no delays. The first step was testing the design so we both went to home depot and started making the tool out of piping components and we tested it and it worked. But we still weren’t content with that because we wanted to make sure 100% that the design is adequate before we spend thousands of our hard earned money on manufacturing the tool then we find out it wouldn’t work. Muhannad then designed the tool professionally using an engineering software and got the 3D prototype within a week. After seven iterations/prototypes and many failures over a period of three months we finally got the optimum design which is easy to clean and easy to use.
The next challenge was sourcing a manufacturer/factory that will create a mold for our design and is reliable in production while fitting our budget. We had an oath to work within our budget and not go to any banks for a loan. After contacting and vetting tens of manufacturers, we found one that was willing to work with our budget and invest in us.
KICKSTARTER FAIL
While the mold for the product was being manufactured we decided to start a kickstarter campaign on kickstarter.com/EasyKabob to take pre-orders to help raise funds for marketing and manufacturing costs. I tried applying all the marketing tactics I learned from previous experiences but they all failed and the campaign to raise $10k failed. Three months later, the product mold was manufactured and we were able to get inventory to start selling on the market (mainly online). Right when we were ready to start launching online and start contacting local retailers, hurricane Harvey hit. That introduced new challenges as we were looking after our safety and our families’ and that halted us for a month or little more.
Finally, we started selling online and Amazon was the first platform that we launched on. Despite our excitement and posting videos to Facebook and Instagram to sell the product, nothing really worked. For six months to a year, sales were really low, and I was ready to move on. A few more months of reaching out to influencers and collaborating.Then I realized how powerful social media influence marketing is on Facebook and Instagram and decided to keep collaborating with influencers. As well as go beyond Amazon to selling on Ebay and our very own website EasyKabob.com. In a few weeks, we ran out of inventory and what we used to sell over months we sold in one week.
WORLDWIDE SALES
After receiving so many messages and emails from international customers, we had to expand and hire a logistics team to take care of all inquiries outside the U.S.
Within days, Easy Kabob was selling in over 50 countries. So we contacted a patent lawyer to start the long tough process. Knowing that we have an engineering background in our partnership we decided to move forward and after two years of paperwork filing and initial rejection, we got the patent granted in 2020 and the intellectual rights of the design protected.
We are now the sole seller of the product and we also launched in Bed Bath and Beyond which is a big milestone as Bed Bath only takes in successful Shark Tank products. We also got contacted by Home Depot and they are interested in selling our product.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Not at all. Starting a new business is hard. Let it alone, a new product. The struggle is getting the idea out there and creating demand.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Easy Kabob – what should we know?
My business is in the cooking and grilling market. The Easy Kabob is a product that turns any type of ground meat and vegetables into a perfect shaped kabob on a skewer. However, this isn’t a kabob maker. You can use it to make homemade hotdogs, corn dogs and skinless sausage. We even have vegan kabob and hotdog recipes. This is why I think our product is unique. Versatility.
What I’m most proud of is how families can get together and have a great time cooking. Especially during these difficult times where everyone is stuck at home and looking for a fun activity to do.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My business partner Muhannad Rabeh is an engineer. This was his idea and product. He handled all the engineering and design work. As well as the legal work. I took care of marketing and sales.
Pricing:
- Website: $17.49
- Amazon: $27.49
- Bed Bath & Beyond: $16.99
Contact Info:
- Address: 11807 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77077
- Website: https://www.easykabob.com/
- Phone: 8325546971
- Email: marketing@easykabob.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/easykabob/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/easykabob/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/EasyKabob
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075CVN98N
https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/easy-kabob-kabob-maker-in-red/5472482
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/easykabob/easy-kabob-the-healthy-alternative?ref=discovery&term=easy%20kabob
Image Credit:
Insider Instagram @EasyKabob
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