In Founder Focus we introduce entrepreneurs and change-makers working on innovative startups, social enterprises and SME’s around Aotearoa New Zealand.
At a glance
Founder: Paul McKernan
Business: Drip Waterproof Socks
Founded: 2023
HQ: Auckland
Can you tell us a bit about your business?
We have designed a waterproof sock for outdoor enthusiasts and sports lovers, we do it for those that don’t mind getting caught in the rain or might end up in a puddle or stream but don’t want to pay the heavy price of wet feet for the rest of their round, match or day.
Our feature product has a waterproof membrane between comfortable and durable fabric layers that keep your feet dry and deliver all day comfort whether it be rain or shine.
We have a pipeline of other products in mind but we are currently in the early stages post launch and are focused on driving customers to try our product, the word of mouth sales that we have been seeing has been really encouraging.
We spent time researching and testing all types of products on the market for around a year, these products made similar claims but we found that they all fell short of expectations and were too expensive and feature poor for customers to love.
Then after a number of samples, product tweaks and testing, we came up with what we believe is the most comfortable, durable, grippy, easy to take on and off and most natural feeling waterproof sock in the market today.
What’s the backstory for your business idea?
The idea was born of frustration, living in a country that has changeable weather but epic things to do, and where a rainy morning often turns into a stunning afternoon.
Enduring a day with wet feet frankly sucks and I found that even when wearing waterproof shoes and sometimes even waterproof pants, my feet were still getting wet and it seemed ridiculous. I started to look for a solution and started buying products from google searches from both NZ and overseas, while all of these showed me what was possible, they really disappointed me with the cost and product execution.
I’ve been playing Golf, both Disc and Stick, walking, leaving the house on rainy days in the product I made for myself and I loved them, then so did my friends.. That was the point I realised there was a problem I had solved and could start a business to get the product out there for others to enjoy.
What programmes, learning or mentoring, or resources have been of assistance so far?
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