Today we’d like to introduce you to Kansas Sartin.
Kansas, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
As a husband, sportsman, father to 4 tiny humans and 2 dogs, a suburban was often too small for a road trip. Unimpressed with the products available on the market, I developed PAKMULE to accomplish 3 basic tasks, but purely as a selfish endeavor. While afield and on the road, however, I constantly stopped as folks asked about my hitch basket. I found that others were looking for the same features. People wanted something intuitive, something tough. People wanted PAKMULE!
1) Lightweight: PAKMULE is made from 100% aluminum, only weighs 42lbs, and will never rust! www.pakmule.com/pakmules-ultimate-test/
2) Anti-Wobble Connection – carriers rocking all over, or hanging sideways in a hitch? No Thank You! PAKMULE stays horizontal, even loaded unevenly. And it doesn’t wobble, so your gear stays secure.
3) Easy Access to Gear: I wanted to lift the rear hatch of my suburban, even with two 65 Quart Yeti’s side-by-side. Why? So I can work my hunting dogs! How about access to cooler contents? Our MULEstraps are designed to secure your Yeti under the lid, so accessing your cooler’s contents is easy!
The market lacked a premium product, and I had one that solved all the basic problems. I knew the cost would be an obstacle, but I also saw an opportunity in branding and marketing. As an outdoorsman who demands quality products, this was an easy fit. I just needed to cater to folks like myself!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Every day is new obstacle or challenge, but it’s one of the things I love about a startup! Creating solutions to arising problems, and the opportunity to make it perfect. Doesn’t always happen the first time, but you always have the opportunity to refine and make it perfect, and when that moment occurs, it’s an incredible feeling.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about PAKMULE – what should we know?
PAKMULE is an adventure-oriented company, manufacturing the worlds best cargo carrier. My hope is to make it easy for folks to get out of town. We all work hard to make ends meet, but we’re often so exhausted that the effort to pack up and get out of town often daunts us. My hope is that PAKMULE will help make it easier, and that people will GO more often, explore God’s creation and the numerous state and national parks our great Country was so wise in establishing. Put down the devices, exhale, reconnect and laugh with your kids, learn something new about our country, and about yourself. Work hard, play hard. Otherwise, why do it?
We make everything in the USA, including our hats, patches, and stickers. It’s important to me to support manufacturing jobs here in the states. We have stringent safety and health requirements for employees here, and that costs more. But in the end, I want to ensure that everyone connected with PAKMULE is well cared for. Why save a few bucks at the expense of someone’s well-being overseas?
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
There were a lot of people that told me it wouldn’t work in the beginning, including manufacturers. You have to believe in yourself, and in your product. You have to look at the small step in front of you, and determine how to climb it.
If you look at the 20 story staircase, it’ll overwhelm you and you won’t start. Curiosity, determination, and drive. These have to be checked sometimes though. My challenge is turning off. I am constantly thinking, innovating, and wanting to create. Focusing that energy and not let it get carried away is a learned behavior, my wife has been instrumental in helping me taper.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pakmule.com
- Phone: 713-726-4141
- Email: kansas@pakmule.com
- Instagram: @pakmulegear
- Facebook: @pakmulegear
- Twitter: @pakmulegear
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