B2B Breakthrough Podcast: Trailblazing Female Founders - Inventing OME Gear with Jules and Stacy

Release Date: August 28, 2024

Introduction

In the August 28, 2024 episode of the B2B Breakthrough Podcast, hosted by Sharon Guy from Alibaba.com, listeners are introduced to Stacy Pierce and Jules Weldon, the co-founders of OME Gear. This episode delves deep into their entrepreneurial journey, the challenges they've faced as female inventors in a male-dominated industry, and their commitment to empowering other women through their nonprofit, Bold Sky Foundation.

The Origin Story: From Personal Inspiration to OME Gear

Jules Weldon opens the discussion by highlighting the humble beginnings of OME Gear. Inspired by observing a single mother struggling on the beach, Jules and Stacy revisited an idea initially conceived by Jules’ parents—a 2-in-1 lounger that could transform into a dolly [00:01]. This concept evolved over the years into their current 6 or 7-in-1 transformer product. Despite initial setbacks, including aligning values with manufacturers and financial hardships, Jules states, “We don't give up control of the decision-making in our company. And so that's what we did” [02:15].

Facing Adversity: Financial Struggles and Manufacturing Woes

The journey was far from smooth. Stacy recounts a pivotal moment when their manufacturer failed to deliver the correct product for their Kickstarter backers, compounded by the onset of COVID-19 [04:32]. The duo faced severe financial strain, leading them to sell their house and exhaust personal savings. Jules reflects on this period, saying, “When you have to earn your respect at the table as opposed to automatically being afforded respect... the hardest part has been just being women in a very male-dominated space” [11:40].

Pivoting During COVID-19: The RV Branding Strategy

In response to mounting challenges, Jules and Stacy adopted a creative marketing strategy by branding an RV with OME Gear's logo and QR codes [07:03]. Traveling across the United States, their website traffic surged by 200-300% each time they hit the road [08:07]. This unconventional approach not only increased brand visibility but also fostered community connections, turning a dire situation into a "blessing in disguise" [08:11].

Building Strong Partnerships: Navigating Manufacturer Relationships

Initially partnering with a manufacturer in Cheyenne, Stacy encountered product inconsistencies and transparency issues [03:54]. Their search for reliable manufacturing partners led them to Oliver, a manufacturer based in South Carolina with a unique background that facilitated better communication [04:33]. Despite the challenges of remote collaboration during the pandemic, they successfully transitioned to a U.S.-based manufacturer, reinforcing Jules’ belief that “finding the right partners who you can trust... has been one of the hardest parts” [10:04].

Overcoming Gender Barriers: The Struggle for Funding and Respect

Jules underscores the significant hurdles women face in securing funding and respect in the entrepreneurial space. With only 1.6% of all funding going to women, OME Gear has managed to raise a couple of million dollars and is on the brink of securing a major investment [10:28]. The lack of representation and support for female inventors in male-dominated industries presents ongoing challenges, as Jules points out, “We have to pitch very differently to investors... It has been a huge challenge” [11:40].

Creating Bold Sky Foundation: Empowering Female Inventors

In honor of a dear friend lost to ovarian cancer, Jules and Stacy founded Bold Sky Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting female inventors [11:45]. The foundation uniquely focuses on investing in female inventors without requiring debt or equity in return. Instead, beneficiaries are encouraged to reinvest in Bold Sky once profitable, fostering a self-sustaining community of women supporting women. Jules passionately explains, “We're creating an engine of women inventors investing in each other” [13:30].

Navigating a Business Partnership as a Married Couple

Stacy and Jules share insights into balancing their personal and professional relationships. They emphasize the importance of clear role division based on individual strengths—Stacy excels in sourcing and product development, while Jules handles sales, marketing, and strategy [19:34]. Effective communication and maintaining gratitude through daily practices help them resolve conflicts swiftly and maintain a harmonious partnership. Stacy notes, “We keep very short lists... we always hug and get back to center” [21:32].

Looking Ahead: The Future of Women in Entrepreneurship

Both founders express optimism about the evolving landscape for female entrepreneurs. Stacy highlights a growing movement of women demanding their rightful place at the table, supported by male allies [16:13]. Jules adds, “There is a tide that is changing... we're on the right path to make a difference” [16:57]. Their commitment to Bold Sky is a testament to their belief in collective empowerment and the potential for significant change in the industry.

Advice for Entrepreneurs: Perseverance and Passion

In concluding the episode, Jules offers candid advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women. She emphasizes the importance of resilience, acknowledging that entrepreneurship is fraught with unexpected challenges: “It's going to be harder than you ever imagined... it is 100% worth it if you know what you're getting into” [26:16]. Their story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that with determination and the right support, overcoming obstacles is achievable.

Conclusion

The episode of the B2B Breakthrough Podcast featuring Jules Weldon and Stacy Pierce of OME Gear provides a compelling narrative of resilience, partnership, and advocacy. Their journey from a personal invention to a thriving business, coupled with their dedication to empowering other female inventors through Bold Sky Foundation, offers valuable insights and inspiration for entrepreneurs navigating similar paths.

Notable Quotes:

• Jules Weldon [00:01]: "It's hard for anybody being an inventor. It's one of the hardest roads that you can choose."
• Stacy Pierce [03:49]: "We keep surviving."
• Jules Weldon [11:40]: "We have to pitch very differently to investors... It has been a huge challenge."
• Jules Weldon [16:57]: "There is a tide that is changing... we're on the right path to make a difference."
• Jules Weldon [26:16]: "It's going to be harder than you ever imagined... it is 100% worth it if you know what you're getting into."

Upcoming Event Mentioned:

While not central to the main content, the podcast briefly mentions Co Create, Alibaba.com's largest annual in-person event returning to Las Vegas on September 5th and 6th. Hosted by industry experts and featuring over 100 speakers, it offers valuable opportunities for business growth. Use code ALIPodcast for exclusive discounts.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the heart of the conversation between Sharon, Stacy, and Jules, providing listeners with actionable insights and a narrative of perseverance and empowerment in the B2B landscape.