Today we’d like to introduce you to David Goldman.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Growing up there were a few things I absolutely loved. Playing outdoors and building/fixing things. After attending college at Indiana University, I started to work a real job. I, along with many other people started working a job behind a computer not involving any of my passions. Although, I wasn’t fulfilled I was lucky because it gave me the skills I needed to follow my dreams. I spent 10 years in digital marketing selling products for Target, General Mills, Ameriprise Financial and many other big corporations. While I was working at Target, I had this itch to do more and to follow my dreams. I kept thinking “why am I selling other people’s products when I can sell my own and work hard for my own family”.
That summer, I needed to repair a boat seat and I started looking for marine vinyl. Most marine vinyl was extremely overpriced and I realized there was a market for a more affordable option without sacrificing quality. I did my research, crunched some numbers and a few months later I quit my corporate job to start my own eCommerce website selling marine vinyl out of my garage. Here I am, two years later running a business out of a warehouse with several employees and over a million dollars in sales.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest challenge I have faced as a small business owner is adapting to marketplace changes. I have a certain amount of dollars allocated to shipping, inventory, advertising etc. When our shipping rates increase it hits our bottom line hard. When we over spend on advertising it has the same impact. I am constantly monitoring this balance to ensure we are making money and not losing money.
www.MarineVinylFabric.com – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
www.MarineVinylFabric.com simply sells high quality marine vinyl fabric online at incredible prices. We have 1500+ people that have reviewed our products and the feedback is incredible. People simply love it. People are using our vinyl to make bags, gym equipment, upholster exam tables, boat seats, car seats, enclose porches and so much more.
We are most proud of our customers work. We love hearing stories on how people are using our material. Mattel has used our clear vinyl to make Barbie wigs. SpaceX has used our vinyl in one of their secret projects. We have material at Six Flags and other major theme parks. Large hotel chains are using our vinyl in their headboards, dining/lobby chairs and outdoor pool furniture. Upholstery shops are making boat seats, couches and chairs look fabulous with our vinyl. Many smaller entrepreneurs and DIY lovers are making purses, embroidered key chains and other crafts. We love being a part of these stories and helping other peoples dreams come true.
Besides having awesomely talented customers we are very proud of our charitable work. We have been able to donate a lot of money to help marine conservation. We understand that every day marine animals are threatened by our trash, habitat destruction and our general carelessness. This is why we feel it is our job to give back to the wonderful world of nature that everyone explores daily. We have been able to support the Marine Conservation Institute, The Marine Mammal Center, Marine Conservation Society and many other wonderful organizations.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
There are two moments that make me extremely proud. The first is simply knowing I have disrupted an entire market. Marine Vinyl has typically been sold by distributors or larger companies. We have seen a shift away from these larger corporations in favor of smaller business that offer smaller quantities and better prices.
The other proudest moment of my career was hitting a million dollars in sales. It was very exciting counting down the days until we hit that goal.
Pricing:
- Marine Vinyl Fabric – $7.95 per yard
- Clear Marine Vinyl Fabric – $5.95 per yard
Contact Info:
- Address: www.MarineVinylFabric.com
3540 W Potomac Ave.
Chicago IL 60651 - Website: https://www.marinevinylfabric.com/
- Phone: (775) 623-7613
- Email: sales@marinevinylfabric.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marinevinyl
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarineVinylFabric
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarineVinyl
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/MarineVinyl/
Image Credit:
Photo Images Inc.
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