Lifestyle

Anthony Sorella Talks About the Obstacles He faced on His Journey to Creating His Own Agency and Overcoming Them

Published

4 years ago

August 31, 2020

Anthony Sorella, creative director at Neighborhood Creative discusses his struggles in the corporate world, and how he overcame them

Anthony Sorella started his agency ‘Neighborhood Creative’ with his present partner Ernesto Gaita; after overcoming a series of struggles he had to face on the way.The Neighborhood is a Toronto-based creative agency specialized in connecting brands with their target consumers. Experts in experience design and social channels, these means allow the agency to communicate the brand’s purpose, drive sales, increase awareness, and brand exposure.

Anthony Sorella, who realized he wanted to be an entrepreneur from a very young age, had to face a lot of objection on his way since the beginning of his journey. From working at multiple jobs to starting his own promotion company ‘Four Kings Group’ Anthony never stopped experimenting and growing. Eventually, Anthony Sorella realized he wanted to be his own boss and started his agency with his partner Ernesto.

Looking back, Anthony Sorella talks about his struggles on his way to making his name in the corporate world. Initially, it was difficult for Anthony to switch from a nightlife promoter to being an agency owner.

“A lot of people look at “promoters” as a grubby job so making the transition to more of a “professional” title was very interesting especially at the companies inception,” says Anthony.

Initially, making ends meet proved quite difficult, and Anthony and Ernest didn’t even pay themselves for a few months meanwhile, still working tirelessly to make their business a success.

“I had to offer free work or extremely discounted work to gain client trust at the beginning. Aside from that my partner and I did not pay ourselves for the majority of our first year so that we could keep up with rent for our office and continuously build our team,” explains Sorella.

Anthony Sorella along with partner Ernesto, have succeeded in making a name for themselves by running an agency that helps businesses and people expand their reach and grow their revenues.

Lifestyle

Duravo’s Success Story: Engineering the Perfect Suitcase

Published

6 days ago

September 11, 2024

Michelle Langton

Photo credit: Duravo

By: Mae Cornes

When Matt Muhr and Dan Cooper founded Duravo, they started with something other than luggage design. Instead, their journey began unexpectedly: the world of tactical and anti-ballistic gear. This unconventional background led them to discover a self-reinforced composite material used in professional sports equipment, military gear, and automotive components.

Working closely with a German engineering team, Muhr and Cooper developed Flexshell™, a material that combines strength and lightness. “We saw an opportunity to bring advanced materials science to an industry that hadn’t seen significant innovation in decades,” Muhr explained.

A Lightweight Contender in a Heavy-Duty Market

Duravo’s entry into the luggage market came at a time when established brands dominated the landscape. However, the company’s focus on material innovation sets it apart from competitors.

The Duravo International, an expandable carry-on, weighs just 5 pounds, making it significantly lighter than many competitors’ offerings. This weight reduction doesn’t come at the cost of durability or capacity. The suitcase expands from 37 liters to 46 liters, providing travelers with flexibility without exceeding airline size restrictions.

Cooper noted, “Our goal wasn’t just to make another suitcase. We wanted to change how people think about luggage durability and weight fundamentally.”

Rigorous Testing: Proving Durability in the Lab and on the Road

To validate its claims about Flexshell’s durability, Duravo invested heavily in product testing. The company reports subjecting its luggage to weighted tumble tests, extreme drop tests, and thousands of handle yanks.

The company does not publicly share specific test results, but it states that Flexshell provides five times the strength of traditional plastics used in luggage. This claim would represent a significant advancement in luggage materials if independently verified.

Technology Integration: Beyond Basic Storage

Duravo’s products incorporate several tech-friendly features, reflecting the changing needs of modern travelers. The luggage includes built-in USB access for charging devices, a hidden sleeve for tracking devices like AirTags, and compartments designed to protect electronics during travel.

These additions address common pain points for travelers, such as keeping devices charged and preventing lost luggage. However, it’s worth noting that some of these features, such as USB charging ports, are becoming increasingly common in premium luggage offerings.

Market Performance and Customer Reception

Since its launch a year ago, Duravo reports generating over 1,500 customers. While this number suggests steady growth, it’s modest compared to established brands in the luggage industry. The company currently limits its market to the U.S. and Canada, indicating potential for expansion.

The company reports positive customer reviews, a critical factor in the luggage industry, with an online star rating of 5 out of 5. However, independent verification of these ratings and a larger sample size would provide a more comprehensive picture of customer satisfaction.

Challenges and Competition in a Crowded Market

Despite its inventive method, Duravo faces significant challenges. Established brands like Away, Monos, and Tumi command substantial market share and brand recognition in a highly competitive luggage market.

Duravo’s focus on high-end materials and manufacturing in Germany will likely result in higher production costs. This could make it difficult for the company to compete on price with brands that manufacture in regions with lower production costs.

Environmental Considerations and Future Directions

Duravo emphasizes the eco-friendly nature of its products, stating that Flexshell is recyclable. However, specific data on the material’s environmental impact throughout its lifecycle is not readily available. As sustainability becomes increasingly important for consumers, more transparent and detailed environmental information could benefit the company’s market position.

Duravo’s success may hinge on its ability to scale production while maintaining quality, expand its product line, and effectively communicate its value proposition to a broader audience. The luggage industry’s recovery and growth following the COVID-19 pandemic will also play a crucial role in shaping the company’s trajectory.

As Duravo continues developing its brand and product line, its story is an interesting case study in bringing materials innovation to a well-established consumer goods category. The company’s future success will depend on its ability to balance innovation with market demands and effectively compete with more prominent, established brands.