Today we’d like to introduce you to Channon Kennedy.
Hi Channon, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am a banker by trade and still work in the industry. I am currently the Senior Vice President of Startup Banking at Silicon Valley Bank and have worked there for over 27 years.
Becoming an entrepreneur was never in my plans. I have a friend who lives in New Zealand, and he had a son who passed away from leukemia at the age of 8. One day we were chatting about life (as friends do), and my friend told me that, before his son passed away, he had to build him a bicycle because his son could no longer walk due to his disease, and he wanted to take him outside for fresh air. My friend went on to say that he wished he had a tool to build things faster, so he could spend more time with his son. That conversation stuck with me, and after some time, I understood how a tool like this would work and be used, so I started designing a prototype. Soon I learned that a product like this didn’t even exist yet, so I filed a patent application and trademarked it. Originally, I was going to pitch the idea to a manufacturer, but after conversations with cabinetmakers and woodworkers, I realized it was an idea I should keep for myself. Eventually, I decided to name the product The Morgan Square after my friend’s son, who inspired it all, and to name my company Kiwi Vision because native New Zealanders are called Kiwis.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, and if it were, more people would try to become entrepreneurs and build their own businesses! Every day I learn something new. From prototyping to manufacturing, to cost of goods, to determining the correct pricing, and everything in between. There’s a lot of work that goes into every little detail. Also, I launched The Morgan Square in 2020, and we all know what happened in 2020! So I had a two-year delay because all the trade shows I was supposed to attend got canceled. I didn’t attend my first trade show until 2022. Even through all the delays and struggles, I’m still here and thriving, so I’m happy about that.
We’ve been impressed with Kiwi Vision, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Kiwi Vision is a new manufacturer of The Morgan Square, a woman-owned, innovation-driven tool brand that I created. I set out to simplify and modernize measuring for builders, woodworkers, and DIYers.
The Morgan Square is a groundbreaking measurement tool trusted by professionals and hobbyists, improving accuracy, and is compatible with most standard tape measures. This one-step measuring and marking tool is made of aluminum for durability; easy to use, and reduces time on projects.
What sets me apart is that I am a woman, which is almost unheard of in this space. In addition, my product is not a competitor of existing squares; it’s a complement to tape measures. Also, I have an extensive background in numbers, which has prepared me to own my own business and understand what things cost, how to manage finances, etc.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
It’s never been about luck for me. My mom always told me to always bet on myself. So, every opportunity I’ve ever had, I’ve approached it by believing in myself before anybody else did. Whether it was going to college or buying a house, I’ve been able to do it because I always tell myself I can. Quitting is not an option for me. If you don’t try, you can’t fail!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.themorgansquare.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themorgansquare/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themorgansquare
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kiwi-vision/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ3K6D710t4tTW31ZzWp9iQ
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@themorgansquare
