Tom Gerhardt and Dan Provost, Studio Neat: Making Whatever You Want – Well Made E54

Tom Gerhardt and Dan Provost aren’t afraid to create something different. The founders of Studio Neat are pioneers in bringing physical products to market through Kickstarter. Their first campaign, the Glif tripod mount, helped launch other Kickstarter gadgets back in 2010. Since then, they’ve crowdfunded seven more projects, everything from a wide-grip stylus to an ice making kit. Their products are simply designed and delightful to use.

On their podcast, Thoroughly Considered, Tom and Dan talk about all the ups and downs of entrepreneurship and making their products. Above all, they’re interested in solving problems with cool, functional tools — and so far it’s working. Their operation is simple — mostly going on gut and leaving room for more kernels of whatever interesting idea they have next.

On this episode, Tom and Dan share how a diverse product offering and slow-but-steadfast audience growth are tenets of running their business (7:00). Stephan, Tom, and Dan ponder being generalists versus specialists (12:17). Tom likens Studio Neat to a band (16:04). They talk about growing their email list through Kickstarter (21:18) and the long tail benefits of selling through Amazon (22:40). They talk about the creative process of making practical products (25:10) and how a product story is important (28:05). They explain why outsourcing works for their small operation (40:44), and finally, they talk about jealousy as a source of inspiration and motivation (48:25).

Keep up with Dan and Tom and Studio Neat on Twitter.

Also mentioned on the show:

• Edgemade Episode 1 with Studio Neat: Massive Spreadsheets
• Mark One Pen
• 1,000 True Fans by Kevin Kelly
• Well Made Episode 6 with Kevin Kelly: Embracing the Inevitable
• Well Made Episode 7 with Aaron Draplin: Making the Rulebook for Your Life
• Basecamp
• Cards Against Humanity
• Well Made Episode 32 with Ken Tomita: Failing Without Fear
• Studio Neat Gazette