Many of you have been SlimFold customers or fans since we started in 2009 while others may have just stumbled across the site recently when looking for a thin wallet. Whether you saw me in San Francisco when I set up my first booth to sell wallets and it rained… or you backed a Kickstarter campaign for the MICRO Tyvek Minimalist Wallet, Soft Shell Minimalist Wallet, or Slim Pack, it’s certainly been a journey. I’m tremendously grateful that so many folks have enjoyed using my products.
SlimFold Booth from 2013
But what you may not know is that up until recently I also maintained a full-time career as a mobile user experience designer. It runs counter to the advice most folks give about “taking the leap” into entrepreneurship, but it was definitely the right path for me. And an experience I’m starting to share with others so they can consider whether it’s right for them too.
As the company grew, I essentially had two full-time jobs but was able to manage things by being efficient with my time and getting help where needed. For example, I hired a local fulfillment company to do all the shipping, implemented systems to automatically synchronize our inventory with theirs, and hired some local stay at home moms to help with customer service. But when my son was born almost 2 years ago, I knew I couldn’t do it all… at least not well. So I committed to focusing on Fatherhood and SlimFold.
At first, this was just a trial to see if working only on SlimFold could work both financially and emotionally.
Like any major transition, it took a little getting used to. I remember listening to TGIM (Thank God it’s Monday) and thinking that the distinction between days had indeed faded… that every day was Monday yet every day was Friday. But I was thankful to be doing what I loved each day. Well, most days. This was also during the time when I was trying to produce the Slim Pack and there were lots of challenges with producing that many bags in a short amount of time… and then some major snags we hit with trying to ship the ones we had made.
Now that all the Slim Packs are shipped and the holiday rush is behind us, I’ve been looking ahead at the coming year and all the products I want to make… and I’m pleased to let you know that I’ve decided to make my focus on SlimFold permanent.
As a designer for major tech companies, I needed to make the best designs I could while supporting their business model and balancing the desires of many stakeholders. While running my own business has a lot more moving parts in terms of the logistics, in many ways the mission is much more simple. Now you’re really the only stakeholder that matters. So in a very real way, I work for you now.
I’m looking forward to continuing to do my best to listen to your feedback and suggestions about the products you’d like to see me make. And am optimistic that if I continue to create compelling solutions, you'll continue to support us.
Comments
So inspiring to know the path you have been on over the years, Dave. I am truly so happy for how all of life has been for you since we first met! Will always want the very best for you and the ongoing success of slimfold!
Good to hear from you Joe and congrats! Brings back fond memories of college v-ball! Take care buddy!
I too took the leap this year and left the corporate tech space and opened my own shop. I just came to check on you and I am excited for you and your family. Congrats my friend! I just ordered a bag!
Joe Harvey
I am my own boss also and it’s been great. Being your own boss affords a level of complete autonomy that working for another person doesn’t. You get to decide how you do business – where to source your materials, how you treat your vendors and customers, how you manage your marketing, and every other aspect.
Congrats.
Fantastic news, Dave. Amazing products as always.
Waiting to see what the (minimalistic) future holds (Dopp Kit!).
Keep ’em coming!
CONGRATS DAVE!
@Steve @Prashant @Ahmed @Kiera @SCWan – Thanks so much for your support and kind words! Yep, would like to do a taller version as well. The Slim Pack was a labor of love so glad you guys enjoy it!
Great job balancing life and delivering amazing products. The Slim Pack is not only the best backpack I have ever had, its one of the best products I have every had!
Congratulations Dave! This is great news. I own a Slimpack, the Original Soft Shell and the Nano Soft Shell. Such great products and I’m glad that this is now going to be your full time effort. All of us can now look forward to cooler Slimfold products more frequently. My best wishes.
Congratulations!. I love my slimfold wallet, its the best wallet I owned so far and have recommended to many…
Thank you. :)
Congratulations! Your wallets seem pretty cool. I’m super excited that you are able to go permanently full time with this! I had the privilege of being your sales consultant during the summer and hearing about your story. As an aspiring entrepreneur with an up and coming online business, I appreciate you sharing your story.
Great design, material and workmanship, SlimFold is the best wallet I ever used. Keeping a good job!
I hope you would consider designing the wallet that can accommodate other currencies like Singapore.
Congratulations ! I am really happy for you, and wish the best for this new adventure.
Sincerely
Angel
Slimfold is the best wallet I’ve ever owned, and I’ve used some previous generation slim wallets in the past. Looking forward to trying your newer products in the near future!
Very well done Dave! congratulations for this move!
I’m very happy with the wallets I’ve had so far, and if you are asking for suggestions, I’m ready to buy a new one as soon as you start accepting btc ;)
@Steve – Thanks for your long time support and for helping make it all possible!
@Hary – Great, thanks for the suggestion and I’ll definitely consider it!
@Ozer – Thanks for your support and glad you like the products! Definitely a lot of possibilities and every vote and feedback counts! I’ll add your feedback and vote for that direction!
I have been a devout user of all your products over the years and have been very happy with the quality, functionality, and desigb of your products (both wallets and the bag). Is there any chance that you might be considering a smaller messenger style shoulder bag or perhaps a smaller urban style unisex sling bag?
I am hoping that a Passport wallet with slots for Credit Cards and a space for bills that could accommodate US Dollars or Euros or Mexican Pesos is in the works!
Hary Kozlowski
708.651.1092
I am very happy for Dave. I have been using my SlimFold wallets nearly since the beginning, and I will never own another wallet. I love Dave’s story and am glad he is finding success!