039: How he took his idea from Basement to Reality – Luther Cifers of YakAttack

Background on Luther Cifers of YakAttack:

Luther Cifers began YakAttack with an extensive background in product design coupled with a passion for kayak fishing. Since their launch in January 2009, YakAttack has experienced hyper growth every year. Their innovations have changed the way kayak anglers around the world rig their kayaks. YakAttack's uncompromising commitment to their values, manufacturing in the USA, and producing excellence in everything we do have made them the industry partner of choice for major kayak and accessory manufacturers.

Time-Stamped Show Notes:

[1:17] Luther is the President of YakAttack and CEO of Bonafide Kayaks.
[2:01] YakAttack is actually Luther’s screen name on one of the Kayak fishing forms in the local Kayak Fishing Club.
[3:45] He was homeschooled, left home at 18 and started working in a manufacturing company.
[5:25] Luther had a Consulting Company before YakAttack.
[10:27] YakAttack started as just a hobby business.
[12:51] In the middle of 2010, his partner left the business and Luther decided to turn YakAttack into a full-time business.
[18:58] “By the 3rd year, the dealers that said don’t call us back started calling.”
[20:20] “What I really learned was that I couldn’t sell something that I didn’t believe in… if I didn’t believe that the customer needed it, I was a terrible salesman..”
[25:34] Luther learned not to capitalize on every opportunity but rather capitalize on the RIGHT opportunity.
[27:48] He grew the company organically and never took investment or debt, so cash was always a concern.
[29:13] “Innovation starts where conventional options end.”
[32:39] YakAttack is now on their 3rd year in INC 5000 and last year they closed at $3.2million.
[32:55] YakAttack specializes in kayak fishing gear and rigging and Bonafide Kayaks produces high quality kayaks.
[43:03] “If you have to back up a few steps to go forward again, do that!”

Fabulous 4 Questions:

📖 📚 Favorite Book(s)? Leadership and Self-Deception: Getting Out of the Box by The Arbinger Institute
🙌😎 Favorite Amazon.com purchase? Too many to choose from!
🌱💸 Favorite Tool that's GROWN your Business? Social Media
💭💡 BIGGEST Challenge keeping your Business from GROWING? Digesting the many opportunities we are faced with.