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New Profession Taps into the Future of Pets in Their Homes
Fred Lomax, a gifted Artisan in woodworking and Linda McCallum, motivational speaker and consultant, were looking for a new profession that would provide an income stream. One day, long time friend, actress Linda Evans, asked Fred for a favor. ”Would you help me install a pet door in my new office?” Fred, who had been designing beautiful furniture for Linda‘s home, of course agreed. After spending 15 minutes searching for a place to hide the utilitarian pet door, Fred asked Linda, “Do you mind if I change the way this looks? It doesn’t fit with the beauty of your home. “Go for it! “ Linda nodded. When he returned with his new frame design, she was delighted. “If I had known it was going to look like this, I would have put it in my front door!” she said. “That’s our new business!” Wife Linda exclaimed, when he told her what happened. They started with a product search for a removable decorative frame on a pet door. Finding no record of its development, they secretly began to learn about patents to prepare a patent filing. Realizing they had tapped into the future of pets in their homes, they added more frame designs and created the Paw Print accent rug collection. In Fred’s R&D shop, the Classy Custom team invented a new energy efficient, weather tight Silicone flap, a protective dead bolt locking mechanism, and adjustable door thickness panels for their new pet door. Three years from idea to product available for sale, with patent pending, The Classy Custom Pet Portal emerged as a new category in pet doors, for people who love their pet and their home. Working at home is ideal for both Fred and Linda. With manufacturing in China and their time zones demanding, they enjoy the flexibility of their home, shop, and offices in the same compound. The rest of the necessary services for their successful business are out-sourced. Their accounts range from online, retail, and their own Classy Custom web store, and they sell to both wholesale and retail customers. Their greatest achievement is they never give up, and they are willing to learn whatever is necessary to bring forth their wonderful dream! HBM
Previously published in the October 2008 issue of HOME BUSINESS® Magazine, an international publication for the growing and dynamic home-based market. Available on newsstands, in bookstores and chain stores, and via subscriptions ($15.00 for 1 year, six issues). Visit www.homebusinessmag.com
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