Enhance Your Experience - EarPeace

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jay Clark, Founder, and CEO of EarPeace, located in Washington, DC, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

People love to do things that put them in danger of noise-induced hearing loss, a condition that has no treatment or recovery. When you lose hearing, it's gone for good. Our business is to keep them in the loud entertainment and adventures for as long as possible. We make high-fidelity hearing protection that turns down the volume without distorting the sound. You hear clearly and safely. We have a utility and design patent, and the comfort of the plug is industry-leading. We offer multiple models for Music and Moto so you can choose the right product for your environment.

Tell us about yourself

Like many entrepreneurs, I solved my own problem. I love to dance and drive motorcycles, and both left me with ringing ears. Progressively longer each time, which is a sign of a small amount of permanent hearing loss. I brought EarPeace to market at SXSW in 2010, and the feedback was incredibly positive. We hear things like this all the time. "This gave me a new lease on my dancing. I have such a better experience now. Instead of twice a year, I get out there once or twice a month." That is incredibly gratifying and motivates the team and me every day to keep improving what we do.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Creating the PRO model and receiving both a utility and design patent was a huge, multi-year project. Searching USPTO and seeing my name next to two patents is a great feeling.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

The hardest thing about being a business owner is never being able to do enough. There is an endless list of to-dos, and it never ceases to be a struggle. No matter how great your team is or how comfortably you are positioned in the market - there is always more to do, and you will always fail at something critical. That makes for a lot of sleepless nights.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

1. Do not do it alone. The days of solo internet business (especially) are over. Talk to as many people who will listen and give you honest feedback.
2. Really do your homework. There are thousands of books, blogs, and endless resources on basically any idea for a business. Use these resources, and do not act if your idea isn't truly viable.
3. Budget three times as much money and time as you think. Everything always takes a lot more time than you think.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.earpeace.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EarPeace/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/earpeace/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EarPeace
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/earpeace/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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