Issue 018: What Happens when You Recognize a Problem
– Robert Schuller
Over the past few years, I followed SnackNation and its co-founder Sean Kelly. One of the reasons I like this company, in addition to Sean’s innovative solution to a problem and his ability to shift, is its social giveback, following other companies like Bombas, Warby Parker, and Love Your Melon.
In 2012, while still in college, Sean watched a fellow gym member grab a Coke, take a sip, and hop on an elliptical.
Witnessing this, Sean realized most vending selections were unhealthy, which created a problem for anyone wanting more nutritious options. Access to good-for-you snacks became Sean’s goal, which prompted his first venture H.U.M.A.N. Healthy Vending in 2014. Vending machines that provided better snack options. As his business grew, he found schools, hospitals, YMCAs, and gyms were great locations for his snacks because kids loved using the vending machines.
However, this concept wasn’t great for adults because they didn’t like using the machines. Targeting another problem, Sean offered an in-office snack delivery service. Employees could buy healthier alternatives through an in-office kiosk SnackNation provided and maintained. Or employers could enroll and fund a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly snack box subscription that would be delivered and they could give out the snacks.
Though SnackNation changed the way we snack, the pandemic changed the need for office deliveries. With most employees working remotely, office deliveries became a challenge.
Although the pandemic interrupted Sean’s one business stream, he sought out answers.
He asked, “What challenges are they [employers and employees] facing right now that we [SnackNation] can solve?”
Sean polled his membership and found most would bring back less than half their staff to an office.
He discovered, via the poll, the majority of workers needed safety essentials, too.
Using this key information, the company created several new product lines with subscription boxes delivered directly to remote workers. With a 90 percent customer retention rate, SnackNation became the country’s leading Workplace Experience Services company. All because Sean spotted a problem.
Your Momentum Questions
What challenges are your colleagues or clients facing right now?
How do these challenges impact you?
What problem can you spot?
Who Do You Know?
Who do you know who could use business strategies, momentum builders and positive messages? Help us spread the word by sharing Bounce-Up Chronicles with others.
Until next time, have a Bounce-Up™ day!
Mj
P.S. Thank you for your support!
