Tomorrow will mark the beginning of our 5 Year Blogiversary celebration and giveaway event! Naturepedic is our premier event sponsor and we are bringing you this exclusive interview with the company's founder - Barry Cik.
1. What inspired you to create Naturepedic?
About ten years ago my wife sent me to a baby store to buy a crib mattress (and a few other items) for our first grandchild. I am a Board Certified Environmental Engineer, a Certified Hazardous Materials Manager, a Diplomate Forensic Engineer (entitled to testify in court as an expert witness) and author of an environmental textbook. So I know something about chemicals. After examining the baby mattresses in the store, I realized that they contained nasty plasticizers, flame retardants, pesticides, and more. I came home without a purchase and told my wife that I’d rather that our grandchild slept on straw like my grandfather did, than on the materials that I saw in the store. One thing led to another, and here we are.
2. What were the most important factors that contributed to your business success?
Education. At first, no one would believe that a baby mattress could contain potentially harmful chemicals. People just needed to open their eyes and pay attention. We educated and people are opening their eyes.
3. Do you spend more time working in your business than you did when you were employed by someone else?
I’ve essentially never been employed by others, at least not in the past thirty years. I’ve always charted my own course.
4. What is the biggest misperception people have of you?
They think that I’m a nutty professor type. Not at all.
5. Why do your customers select you over your competitors?
People aren’t stupid. When you show them the difference, and explain the issues, they get it.
6. How does Naturepedic contribute locally to the community?
We donate all materials that we’re unable to use, plus all returned products, to the Amish. They have large families and are able to put everything to good use.
7. What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs looking to create a kid and parent friendly business?
Moms want straight answers. Provide a good product, stand behind it, and don’t give people a hassle. The public acknowledges it.
8. What are you most thankful for in your life?
The ability to raise a family in the USA. My parents suffered in order to get here. I appreciate what they did for me, and I try to continue that love to my family and to everyone who I encounter.
Come back tomorrow and see what awesome prizes from Naturepedic and nine other sponsors we will be giving away as a "thank you" to our readers. There will be 3 winners!
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Congrats on your 5 year blogiversary! It was nice reading the interview with Barry. We have purchased both an organic naturepedic crib mattress and changing pad for our baby who is due in 11 days or so. I really like the quality and the lack of chemicals!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment Laura! Wishing you and baby a wonderful birth! :)
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