The Inspiring Journey of Matt Orlic: From Early Entrepreneur to Skincare Innovator
A Young Start in Entrepreneurship
At just 17 years old, Matt Orlic embarked on his entrepreneurial journey while working at a business coaching firm, focused on lead generation. “I was calling businesses all day, trying to set appointments for business coaches to come out and see them,” Orlic recounted in an interview. This experience exposed him to a diverse array of businesses and honed his skills in the entrepreneurial arena.
Starting His Own Ventures
After six months, inspired by his experiences and support from a mentor, Orlic launched his own lead generation business aimed at serving business coaches. By the age of 20, he sold that venture and subsequently founded Pro Sports Group and Inspire Brands Group, which focus on producing soccer training products and developing consumer brands, respectively.
Facing Adversity
At 25, Orlic faced a significant setback when one of his largest clients, the billion-dollar Australian retailer Dick Smith, filed for bankruptcy, resulting in a loss of $5 million overnight. “I pretty much lost that whole business, lost millions of dollars in cash,” he shared. This moment catalyzed a shift in Orlic’s business approach, leading him to adopt a digital-first strategy, “because I understood [that I was] at the mercy of all these retailers.”
Transforming Adversity into Opportunity
Although Orlic initially struggled with a ‘victim mentality’ following the loss, he sought inspiration from other successful entrepreneurs who overcame failures. “I felt like it was just my piece of debt I needed to pay [for success]”, he explained, adopting a mindset focused on recovery and resilience.
A Passion for Skincare Leads to Qure
Recognizing his sister Kristina’s passion for skincare, Orlic wanted to ensure she wouldn’t replicate his past mistakes in entrepreneurship. The idea for Qure was sparked during his time in Croatia when Kristina sent him skincare packages, explaining how to use the products. Upon her visit, a transformative realization occurred when Orlic was prompted about a costly LED light panel he had purchased— “She’s like, ‘Oh my God, what’s that? I want one,'” he remembered. This interaction ignited the ambition to create an accessible skincare solution.
The Birth of the Qure Brand
The siblings invested two years in developing the Qure LED light therapy mask, collaborating with a design firm in the Netherlands. They aimed to set their product apart by incorporating clinical-grade LEDs and customizable features. Today, the Qure Red Light Mask, known as Q-Rejuvalight Pro, is an FDA-cleared device that addresses various skin concerns, including acne and fine lines, through efficient three-minute targeted treatments.
Market Success and Product Expansion
Launched in 2022, Qure is on track to achieve $50 million in revenue by 2025, bolstered by a diverse product line that includes not just the LED mask, but also neck and chest masks, micro-infusion patches, and serums. Orlic stresses, “Having world-class products is the single most important factor [in success].” The brand’s reputation draws endorsements from dermatologists and influencers, further solidifying its market presence.
Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
As a seasoned entrepreneur, Orlic advises budding founders to maintain focus and persistence in their endeavors. Reflecting on his experiences, he stated, “I had 13 businesses at one stage, which was a horrible idea.” His counsel underscores the importance of commitment to a single venture rather than spreading oneself too thin across multiple pursuits.
Looking Ahead
With aspirations for continued growth in product development and expansion, Matt Orlic is committed to innovating the skincare industry through Qure, ensuring everyone has access to effective beauty solutions that promote confidence.