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While Bros hold down jobs of all types, there is no career aspiration more common among us than the prospect of becoming a successful entrepreneur. What Bro hasn't had an idea for a new business and dreamed of making it big -- and yes, striking it rich? And so, every week, BroBible picks the mind of a successful Bro entrepreneur and discovers what it takes to turn a simple idea into a thriving business. You've already met Maverik Lacrosse's John Gagliardi, Tap'd Founder Craig Zucker, New York party promoters Derek and Daniel Koch, TOMS shoes founder Blake Mycoskie, sports agent Doug Eldridge, Hollywood agent Ben Press, YouRenew.com co-founder Rich Littlehale, Tanteo Tequila founder Jonathan Rojewski, Bonobos co-founder Brian Spaly, and 30 Words co-founder Andrew Kitchell.
Up next is Jeffrey Pandolfino, the founder of Gear Rx, a Connecticut-based company that super-cleans sports gear, emergency crew equipment, flood and fire damaged items, and equestrian equipment. Gear Rx uses the Esporta Wash System, which is just about the most bad-ass washing machine in existence. BroBible caught up with Pandolfino recently and learned just how important it is to keep your gear and equipment clean.
BroBible: How did you come up with the idea for GearRX? Something makes us think you're either a longtime athlete or your house recently flooded.
Jeffrey Pandolfino: The idea for GearRx came from my father-in-law, who has spent WAY too much time at hockey rinks over the past 20 years. He saw this machine at a tournament in Canada about 5 years ago and thought it would be well received in the area.
[inline:gearrx]What's so unique about the GearRX treatment? What can you guys do that can't be done with a washing machine or at a dry cleaners?
The GearRx treatment kills 99.997% of all the harmful bacteria that is in your sports gear, using a proprietary blend of eco-friendly detergents. The treatment does not damage the equipment -- it returns it to LIKE NEW bacteria levels.
How often should an athlete bring their sports equipment to GearRX? Once at the end of the season or more frequently?A. If it stinks it is full of bacteria, so clean it. B. If you are getting rashes often, clean it. C. If it is youth gear and going to be handed down to the next generation, clean it. So the answer to that is really situational, but at least 2 times a year.
GearRX isn't just for athletes -- you also work with emergency personnel and flood/fire victims. It must be a great day at work when you can bring someone's belongings -- which they previously thought were destroyed -- back to life.
It is really a rewarding experience when a home owner can get back that cherished handbag or other items that have been deemed "lost."
You're located in Stamford, Connecticut, although you do pick-ups throughout the region and customers can ship gear to you as well. Do you have plans to expand your operations? Is this something you can franchise throughout the region/country? What's next for GearRX?
Our plan is to develop a network of GearRx "Partners": Dry cleaners that have the pick-up and delivery infrastructure in place as well as an existing customer database to draw from. The will act as agents to market the power of the machine through.
What has been the biggest challenge you've faced in launching this business?
This is a totally new segment we are creating here, so education is the biggest challenge we face.
What's the best piece of advice you've received about how to run a successful company? What advice do you have for an aspiring entrepreneur?
I have always been a believer in starting businesses that you are excited about, businesses that you can be the authority in.
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