Happy Accidents #022 - OXO

This week, we're going to talk about OXO, the maker of ergonomic and innovative kitchen products, and the love filled happy accident that led to its creation.

Let's dig in, shall we?

SETTING THE STAGE

First, let's rewind the clock back several decades.

Sam Farber was born in 1924 in New York City and later attended the University of Illinois where he received a degree in industrial design.

After college, he ventured out to work for various design firms, including Raymond Loewy Associates, where he helped design the interior of the former Pan Am building in New York.

Betsey Farber, Sam's wife, was born in 1930 a few miles away in Brooklyn, New York. She attended Syracuse University and earned a degree in fashion merchandising. Betsey would work for various fashion companies before partnering with Sam (but we’ll get to that in a minute).

Sam and Betsey were both go-getters, building successful careers in design and fashion, respectively.

They both worked hard, followed their interests, met interesting people, all which helped set the stage for their eventual Happy Accident. 

But it was their shared frustration with everyday kitchen tools that led them to stumble across a new passion.

THE HAPPY ACCIDENT

Fast forward to the 1990's where we find Sam, now a retired entrepreneur with a passion for cooking. 

One day, he noticed that his wife Betsey, who had arthritis, had difficulty holding and using traditional peelers due to their hard and slippery handles. You know, the kind of peelers you use for potatoes or carrots (I’ve peeled a LOT of potatoes in my day…so I know all too well how frustrating those peeler can be at times).

Empathizing with his wife, this inspired Farber to put his design skills to the test.

He started by observing and interviewing people with limited hand dexterity and mobility, including his wife, to understand their needs and challenges in the kitchen.

This research led to the creation of the first OXO product: a vegetable peeler with a soft, non-slip handle that was easy to grip.

Sam had stumbled across something extremely useful out of love and empathy for his wife (awww....that's so awesome).

CAPITALIZING

At first, Farber didn't intend to start a business with his invention. He simply wanted to make something that would help his wife and others like her.

However, when he showed the peeler to his son John, who was working in the design industry at the time, John recognized the potential of the product and convinced his father to start a company around it.

Sam got to work.

The first OXO products were launched in 1990, and they quickly became a hit among consumers for their user-friendly designs and high-quality materials.

With some business savvy and further inventions, OXO took off!

Today, OXO produces a wide range of kitchen products, including cutting boards, can openers, measuring cups, and more.

Check out the 'About Us' section on their website and you'll see the exact mindset needed to capitalize on Happy Accidents 🙂

Special thanks to Matt Lyles for bringing the OXO story to my attention 🙏

Some fun facts:

• The name "OXO" is a reference to the OXO cube, a popular bouillon cube in the UK that Farber saw as a symbol of good design.

• OXO's iconic handle design, featuring the soft, non-slip grip, is patented and trademarked. The company also uses this design on other household items, such as toothbrushes.

• OXO has won numerous awards for its innovative and user-friendly designs, including the prestigious Red Dot Design Award and the International Housewares Association's Innovation Award.

The lessons here:

• Keep an open mind: OXO's founders were open to new ideas and ways of doing things. They were willing to experiment and try new things, which ultimately led to the creation of their iconic product.

• Pay attention to customer needs: Sam Farber created the OXO product line after seeing his wife struggle to hold and use traditional kitchen tools due to her arthritis. By identifying a specific customer need, OXO was able to create a product that appealed to a wider audience.

• Design matters: OXO's success was in large part due to its innovative design. The company's products are designed to be easy to use and comfortable to hold, which sets them apart from their competitors.

• Embrace happy accidents: OXO's success was not the result of a carefully planned strategy, but rather a series of happy accidents. By embracing the unexpected and being open to new ideas, OXO was able to create a product that has had a lasting impact on the kitchenware industry.

YOUR Happy Accidents

Check out this story from Michelle B Griffin where she details the Happy Accident that led to launching her Personal Branding and PR company ‘The Brand Therapist’

Looking to bet on yourself? Here're a few ways I can help:

If you're looking to start your own one person coaching or consulting business (like I did), here's a couple of resources that might help:

→ The Accidental Solopreneur This best selling book brings you a gripping parable along with a playbook for leaving corporate and starting your own solopreneur business

→ The Solopreneur Playbook This 90 minute video course brings you a 6 step playbook (and workbook) for finding your niche, packaging and selling your offer, and building your audience.

Having trouble establishing or gaining credibility as an expert in your niche?

→ The Author's Playbook Establish yourself as the credible expert by publishing a great book. This 90 minute course teaches you everything I've learned about writing, publishing, and marketing best-selling books.

Need to work through some challenges in your business?

→ 1:1 Coaching Call  Book at 60 minute coaching session with me. Together we can work through your niche, your branding, your marketing, your offer, or various other challenges you may be facing in your business.