Podcast Summary: The Unshakeables Episode – "Storm Tested: re:3D"
Episode Information:
- Title: Storm Tested: re:3D
- Release Date: June 24, 2025
- Host: Ben Walter, CEO of Chase for Business
- Co-Host: Ryan Pavel, CEO of the Warrior Scholar Project
- Guest: Samantha Snabbs, Co-Founder and Catalyst at re3D
Introduction to Resilience in Business
The episode opens with Ben Walter emphasizing the importance of building a business capable of weathering unforeseen storms. He introduces Samantha Snabbs, who faced not one but two major hurricanes that threatened her company, re3D.
Ben Walter [00:08]: "There's a lot to be said about building a business that can weather any storm."
Samantha's firsthand experience with Hurricane Irma in Puerto Rico becomes the focal point of the discussion, showcasing her resilience and strategic thinking during crises.
Samantha Snabbs: A Multifaceted Leader
Samantha shares her unconventional journey, highlighting her diverse experiences that shaped her entrepreneurial spirit.
Samantha Snabbs [03:16]: "I am co-founder and catalyst for RE3D. We're bootstrapped. We don't have an investor."
She defies traditional CEO roles by positioning herself as a "catalyst," emphasizing her role in driving change and facilitating progress within her company.
Early Aspirations and Education
Samantha's ambition led her to aspire to become an astronaut from a young age. Her academic pursuits included co-inventing a significant project in stem cell research, which garnered attention from the Army.
Samantha Snabbs [04:23]: "We kept the bone marrow equivalent going for over a year... a milestone at the time in stem cell research."
Her quest for knowledge and experience extended beyond academia, as she engaged in roles like EMT and volunteer firefighter to bolster her astronaut candidacy.
Transition from Military to Entrepreneurship
Samantha's military background profoundly influenced her leadership style and business approach. Balancing military obligations with entrepreneurial ventures required immense dedication and adaptability.
Samantha Snabbs [10:13]: "With $120,000 of student loan debt... I enlisted in the military because I do everything."
Her time in the military equipped her with the decisiveness and risk tolerance essential for navigating the uncertainties of running a business.
Re3D: Innovating with Open-Source 3D Printing
Re3D distinguishes itself in the 3D printing industry through its commitment to open-source principles and community-driven innovation.
Samantha Snabbs [08:11]: "We saw that really predicated on this opportunity to provide a low cost, low power, easy to maintain printer that people could purchase or people could build that was open source."
The company's mission transcends typical commercial objectives, aiming to enable communities to solve local problems through accessible technology.
Product Launch and Early Success
Leveraging the Startup Chile program, Samantha successfully launched Re3D at South by Southwest, securing significant funding in record time.
Samantha Snabbs [12:31]: "We raised a quarter of a million, which at the time was the biggest campaign anyone in that cohort had done."
This milestone underscored the market's appetite for innovative, community-focused 3D printing solutions.
Facing Natural Disasters: Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria
Samantha's leadership was put to the test when Hurricane Harvey struck Texas, followed by Hurricane Irma hitting Puerto Rico shortly after.
Samantha Snabbs [15:48]: "We say if a Puerto Rican designs the design for a Puerto Rican need and they run it, we will let you use it for free."
Despite the devastation, Samantha remained committed to supporting the community by leveraging Re3D's technology to address immediate needs, such as creating anatomical models for menstrual cups and shelters for bees.
Business Model: Open Source and Community Engagement
Re3D's decision to remain open-source is a strategic move to foster widespread adoption and continuous improvement through community contributions.
Samantha Snabbs [17:14]: "We provide full transparency around everything. We have had people... start their own company and their geography... I think that's awesome."
This approach not only builds a loyal customer base but also cultivates a vibrant community of makers who contribute to the product's evolution.
Challenges and Adaptations
The company faced significant challenges, including a key vendor disappearing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Samantha's resourcefulness led her to innovate by pilfering spare parts to keep production running, demonstrating her commitment to resilience.
Samantha Snabbs [19:04]: "I had a moment of desperation... it's not a simple replacement because it changes the layout of all your electronics."
Her ability to adapt under pressure ensured that Re3D continued to operate and serve its customers despite unforeseen setbacks.
Impact of Military Experience on Leadership
Co-host Ryan Pavel draws parallels between Samantha's military background and her entrepreneurial success, highlighting traits like decisiveness, risk tolerance, and a strong sense of purpose.
Ryan Pavel [24:34]: "Her story about trying to balance these sorts of things as well, launching this, getting this grant, while also trying to launch her business... requires deep resiliency."
These qualities, honed through military service, are instrumental in navigating the complexities of running a business amidst crises.
Closing Insights and Advice
As the episode concludes, Samantha imparts valuable advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of embracing imperfections and seeking external feedback.
Samantha Snabbs [32:27]: "It's okay to be ugly. Let your ugly baby fly."
This philosophy underscores the necessity of iterating and improving based on real-world experiences and user interactions.
Conclusion
"Storm Tested: re:3D" serves as an inspiring testament to the resilience and ingenuity of small business owners. Samantha Snabbs' journey with Re3D exemplifies how diverse experiences, strategic openness, and unwavering commitment can transform challenges into opportunities for growth and community impact.
Notable Quotes:
- Ben Walter [00:08]: "There's a lot to be said about building a business that can weather any storm."
- Samantha Snabbs [03:16]: "I am co-founder and catalyst for RE3D."
- Ryan Pavel [24:34]: "Her story about trying to balance these sorts of things as well... requires deep resiliency."
- Samantha Snabbs [32:27]: "It's okay to be ugly. Let your ugly baby fly."