Tinker Tin: From Side Hustle to $20 Million Business
Jaime Holm and Matt Hannula, siblings and co-founders of Tinker Tin, have carved out a niche in experiential marketing for notable brands like Lexus and Facebook. What began as a side hustle more than a decade ago has blossomed into a thriving venture worth $20 million today.
Initial Beginnings
Holm launched Tinker Tin 13 years ago after a nostalgic moment reminiscing about her adventures in a camper while surfing in Australia. Together with her husband, she envisioned renting vintage trailers, akin to her experiences abroad. The couple acquired their first trailer for $800 and soon pivoted from camping rentals to servicing Hollywood studios for movie and commercial needs, leading to collaborations with brands like LUSH, Pepsi, and Williams Sonoma.
Transitioning to a Full-Fledged Business
Initially centered on vintage camping experiences, Tinker Tin quickly gained traction in the advertising sector, prompting a shift from rental services to designing retail displays. Over time, client requests evolved from trailers to bespoke product displays and entire retail environments.
Key Growth Insights
Holm reflects on early challenges, admitting, “I might hire for key positions faster.” Their initial approach involved a lean team, which sometimes led to burnout. The addition of Hannula as CEO allowed for specialized focus, leading to rapid growth as he implemented lean manufacturing and a unified vision for the company.
Challenges Faced
Hannula emphasizes the complexity of manufacturing, stating, “The devil is in the details.” The intricacies involved in creating client-specific products can lead to significant setbacks. He highlights the importance of precision in manufacturing, where even a minor error can disrupt operations.
A Lesson in Persistence
Both founders have experienced setbacks. Holm recalls a time when early designs were taken by clients without contracts, which taught her the value of protecting intellectual property. On the manufacturing side, Hannula faced a crisis involving a lost shipment of $250,000 worth of product due to supply chain issues in Mexico. This experience led to a complete overhaul of their logistics partners to ensure reliability.
Revenue Growth
The initial year saw Tinker Tin generating a few hundred thousand dollars, propelling the business well beyond its side hustle origins. Current estimates put annual revenue at $20 million, with plans for further growth focused on domestic manufacturing, particularly in the U.S. and Mexico.
What Drives the Founders
Holm expresses her passion for creating aesthetically pleasing products, emphasizing the importance of beauty and functionality in design. Conversely, Hannula finds fulfillment in addressing daily challenges, commenting, “Pressure is a privilege.” Both agree that the entrepreneurial journey is about continuous learning and improvement.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Holm’s Recommendations
“Don’t let your hobbies take a back seat,” Holm advises, highlighting the necessity of maintaining personal interests to fuel creativity and inspiration.
Hannula’s Work Ethic
His mantra is straightforward: “Work your ass off.” He emphasizes the need for dedication and long-term commitment, asserting that consistent effort is key to achieving success.
Through perseverance, smart decisions, and a collaborative approach, Jaime Holm and Matt Hannula transformed Tinker Tin from a humble side hustle into a significant player in the experiential marketing space.
Conclusion
The journey of Tinker Tin showcases the potential of entrepreneurial spirit combined with strategic thinking and a commitment to quality, serving as an inspiring case study for budding entrepreneurs.