Business student Dom Mazzuca plans to revolutionize the cooler. The patent-pending design for his Maple Mountain Rocky Soft Coolers promises an end to lukewarm drinks, soggy sandwiches and crushed snacks at your next picnic or camping trip.
Dom’s been working on this business idea for about a year, and while he knows he's up against established well-known brands, he believes his product delivers a “wow factor” that will win over customers. What’s more, his launch comes at a time of increased interest in outdoor activities and online shopping due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s a slam-dunk product,” he said.
The coolers are made with an indestructible nylon. They are waterproof, provide superior storage and close tight with a zipperless design.
“Every single soft cooler I’ve used or done research on is so difficult to open,” he said, noting his research showed most people don’t use the zipper and their ice melts faster. “What I’ve done is ditch the zipper altogether and make a soft cooler you can open with just one hand."
Dom’s product closes with a winch that provides a “satisfying snap.”
A 30-day Kickstarter fundraising campaign to get his product off the ground and onto store shelves launches on August 17. Funds raised will go toward creating more retail-ready samples, product molds and inventory. Anyone who donates gets 50 per cent off a cooler purchase.
How startGBC helped kickstart the cooler company
Dom, a student in the Business Administration – Project Management program, worked with startGBC, George Brown College’s entrepreneurship hub, which provided mentorship and marketing strategy expertise. The time he spent working on his business with startGBC counted as a co-op credit in his program.
“I’ve never been happier with a decision in my entire life,” he said of his time with startGBC. “It helped me kickstart my company and get me in contact with people who can help me get the word out.”
Dom says the future of his business hinges on the success of his 30-day Kickstarter and he keeps a favourite saying in mind to stay positive: “You’ll never find new oceans if you’re afraid to lose sight of shore.”
When asked what advice he has for other student entrepreneurs, Dom says: “You’ll never go broke gambling on yourself. Take the risk and try and have some fun along the way.”
