Interview with RJ Batts
Tough Tip
RJ Batts - Founder at 12 years old
Maryland, USA
RJ Batts, aged 16, is an innovative tycoon when it comes to simplicity in invention. By acknowledging a problem around him – his father, a chef, injuring himself in the workplace – RJ came up with the idea of the Tip Tough. This innovation, whilst deceptively simple, has been a great success and proven a useful addition to the everyday kitchen drawer. Tip Tough helps families and friends enjoy food together, giving them the tool needed to create a delicious meal, safely.
Impressed by the direction of this driven entrepreneur, Kebloom asked RJ about Tip Tough and his business values:
1) How would you best describe Tip Tough?
Tip Tough is a stainless-steel finger guard that helps to protect your fingers in the kitchen. Easy to use on either the right or left hand, the Tip Tough mimics the chef hold with prongs on the bottom to stabilize the food you are cutting. Tip Tough is dishwasher safe and made in the USA. It makes cooking safe and fun for everyone!
“Take advantage of every opportunity to present yourself and your product.”
2) How old were you when you founded your company?
I was 13 years old when I founded my company Picklehead LLC. I invented the Tip Tough when I was 12.
3) What passions inspired Tip Tough?
I was inspired to invent Tip Tough to protect people and most importantly my dad, who is a chef, from cuts. One day my dad came home from work with a really bad cut and it upset me to see. In that moment I got the idea for the Tip Tough. Now, families can prepare a fresh healthy meal in the kitchen without worrying about cutting their fingers!
“Networking is very important to furthering your business and your success as an entrepreneur.”
4) Who supports you with your business?
My mom and my sister are at every event helping me sell Tip Tough. I was also blessed with the opportunity to attend the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA) sponsored by the Salisbury Chamber of Commerce when I was in middle school. There, I learned how to build a business from the ground up with the help of local business owners as mentors. I made lots of contacts who continue to support me including Parkside High School, The Perdue School of Business at Salisbury University, the Eastern Region of the Small Business Administration, TEDCO of MD, and MD Capital Enterprises,
5) What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs/inventors?
Stick with what you are passionate about. Keep a journal or book of your ideas and inventions. Networking is very important to furthering your business and your success as an entrepreneur. Take advantage of every opportunity to present yourself and your product.
What’s more, as you build your business decide on at least three core values. Ours are:
1. Families
and friends should be able to prepare fresh healthy meals, safely. Food is love and memories are priceless.
2. We believe
in local jobs for local people, so all our products are made in the USA.
3. Giving
back to the community by encouraging students to invent and start their own businesses.
6) To what extent would a platform like Kebloom have helped you achieve your dreams?
Kebloom supports young entrepreneurs and helps build a community, something that I am passionate about and hope to encourage also. I have made a Facebook page called Kid Entrepreneurs to help others on this journey.
7) What has been the best part about running your business?
The best part of running Tip Tough has been being able to experience the world. School doesn't teach young people about the wider scope of life. With my business I have been lucky enough to travel and have experiences I definitely wouldn’t have had otherwise. It’s also been great to meet business executives in my community, learn from them and then take that information and expand my mindset.
8) What has been the most challenging part?
The most challenging thing about starting my business was the funding of Tip Tough’s production, paying for the patents, packaging, and events. You really have to stay on the hustle to make the bills and move forward. I would definitely suggest trying pitch competitions. I was able to get some funding there and also meet others who gave me insight into receiving additional funding.
9) What skills do you feel you have developed since becoming a business owner?
The most important skill I have learned is the ability to speak in a business situation and to hold a professional conversation. I have also honed a work ethic that is very different to that of my peers.
…and anything else you’d like to add!
Facebook @Pickleheadllc and @Kid Entrepreneurs FB group
Instagram @pickleheadllc and at www.tiptough.com
Cut your food, not your fingers with Tip Tough!
About the Author:
Ellie McRae is the blogger, interviewer and content creator for Kebloom! When she’s not writing kick-ass articles, you’ll find her studying marketing and drinking copious amounts of coffee. Find out more about Ellie here.
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