"Chances are if it solves a problem for you, then it will for others," with Shari Hammond

Shari Hammond is Founder/CEO of Inspired Product Development Group (www.InspiredPDG.com) and the inventor behind Cabinet Caddy (www.CabinetCaddy.com) and Go Hang It (www.GoHangIt.com). A single mother of a son, she is a woman of faith, an entrepreneur, a product developer, graphic designer, lacrosse/basketball mom, kickboxer, and dog lover. Shari launched her business with her father, Ron Hunt, while he was an engineer for IBM. After her father took early retirement, they started CD3 Storage Systems, Inc. with the design of our Discgear compact disc holders. In 2018, Shari and her father went back to their roots — developing products. Through InspiredPDG, products include Cabinet Caddy, a modular organizer for kitchen cabinets/cupboards, and Go Hang It, an all-in-one picture hanging and leveling kit.

Can you tell our readers about your background?

I grew up in an entrepreneurial family.  My father is a retired IBM engineer.  He started his own family business when I was 8yo creating woodcrafts.  Then in 1990, we created our first product called Discgear.  That was my first patent.  I went to the University of Texas to study marketing but ultimately ended up in Graphic Design.  Being a self-taught designer, I worked my way and became the Creative Director of Ronco around 2010.  In 2017, my father and I decided to go into business ourselves, creating products for consumers that solve problems in unique…products with a “Wow” factor including Cabinet Caddy and Go Hang It.

What inspired you to start your business?  

My Creative Director job was very “corporate" and in that corporation, unfortunately, there was a lot of hierarchy and politics.  I wanted to get back to a simple company, low overhead and using the knowledge I had gained to create products and take them to market.

Where is your business based?

Georgetown, TX…just north of Austin.

How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took?

Luckily, because of my design background, I already had a freelance business going on the side.  I used that to keep me afloat financially while my Dad and I created our first product, the Cabinet Caddy (www.CabinetCaddy.com).  The first step in product development is identifying a need.  You see something or run into a problem yourself, then you see what is out on the market.  You research it and see what the shortcomings are and if you can “build a better mousetrap”.  If you think you can, then you begin prototyping and working on drawings.

What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business?

Marketing (trade shows, websites, product demo videos, packaging) and public relations.  Andrea Pass, our PR person has been a huge asset for us.  She has helped put me in front of the right people to make a connection and as a result, our sales are increasing.  Inspired PDG is getting noticed.

What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?

Our biggest challenges lately have been due to the pandemic.  We have had to work very closely with our manufacturers in getting made and delivered on time.  The good thing about today’s environment is that the spirit of working together is very strong right now. The whole world is in this together.

How do you stay focused?  

For the most part, I don’t!  Working for a small, startup company, you wear many hats.  I guess making lists and working from them the best I can help.

How do you differentiate your business from the competition?  

Our products always have a “Wow” factor and need to solve a common problem.  The customer needs to be able to see it in a video or demonstration and get it.  They need to be able to relate.  Our products always do that well.

What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business? 

Trade shows, grassroots PR, and Amazon have been the keys to growing our business.

What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?

Don’t ever give up.  If you believe in your idea, keep tweaking and refining it until you get it right.  Chances are if it solves a problem for you, then it will for others.

What's your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?  

I have a podcast that I really enjoy called “How I built this” by Guy Raz.  Each segment is about a specific entrepreneur or business and how they came to be.  It is awesome hearing others experience the same challenges as you and how they overcame them.

What's your favorite business tool or resource? Why?  

We just recently started using HootSuite and I really love it.  It makes sending social media posts to multiple platforms at the same time and you can schedule them out. It's really convenient and saves a ton of time for our InspiredPDG, Cabinet Caddy and Go Hang It social media pages.

Who is your business role model? Why?  

My dad is my biggest business role model or mentor.  He has done it all and is a great sounding board.

How do you balance work and life?

I do my best.  I am a single mom as well and I feel like I could do a much better job at this.  I really do take time and really listen when my 12yo son comes to me.  I try to really engage him.  Sometimes it is very tough, though.

What’s your favorite way to decompress?  

My son plays basketball and lacrosse.  Sometimes when I need a break, we will go throw the ball around or shoot some hoops. We love to play board games too.

What do you have planned for the next six months?

 Well, if we can ever get “back to normal”, I have a couple of trade shows to do.  The National Hardware Show and IHA in Chicago are the two big ones that I attend.  They are critical to a business like mine.  I am also supposed to be a guest host on QVC very soon.  Right now, due to the pandemic, it is on hold. 

How can our readers connect with you?  

Please connect with me on my website www.inspiredpdg.com, on my socials @inspiredpdg or shoot me an email at shari@inspiredpdg.com.