In this on-going series, we are sharing advice, tips and insights from real entrepreneurs who are out there doing battle day in and day out. (Answers have been edited and condensed for clarity.)
What’s your business?
My name is Jon Snyder, I’m CEO and co-founder of Contenders, a licensed apparel company featuring uniquely designed and supremely comfortable boxer briefs for men and boys. We also make insanely soft tees and snapback hats. We are official licensees of MGM for the Rocky and Creed films, and are now licensees of the WWE.
What does the word “entrepreneur” mean to you?
Competing every day. Entrepreneurship is about the fight — the process of getting your idea, product and service in the hands of consumers and building a company along the way. It’s a four-quarter game with ups and downs, but my take on entrepreneurship is about the grit, fortitude and desire to reach my goal, sometimes at all costs. Compete.
What’s the problem you just solved or are attacking now?
The men’s underwear market is stale and boring. Some of the new brands are recycling the same themes but deliver a product that is uninspiring. As a men’s underwear consumer, there was absolutely nothing speaking to me in the market. Designs were boring, ads were boring and there’s been little innovation, especially on the design side.
What have you learned through attacking this problem?
Apparel is a crowded…