Lifestyle

Mario Selva doesn’t quit when things get tough

Published

4 years ago

August 28, 2020

There are certain qualities each successful business founder and owner embodies. One is to have a vision. Another one is to act on that vision. Then, there is mindset, which is perhaps the most crucial of the bunch. Mario Selva has an unbreakable mindset that has kept him going for three years and generated millions of dollars.

“Very early on in my career, I decided to never quit and never give up. I think that what really helped me was the fact that I pursued my passion,” Selva recalls. “It wasn’t like I was trying to do a task that I didn’t like. I chose marketing as my work because I love it, and I refused to quit even when things get tough.”

Things did become difficult for Selva at the very beginning of his career. “I got my Business degree from the University of Naples in 2017,” he recalls, “then I went into business helping Amazon sellers market their products better. It was a success for a while until, out of nowhere, Amazon disabled my account. It felt like I had lost everything.”

However, he chose not to let that failure break his spirit. “I decided to take matters into my own hands and launch my online e-commerce business so that nobody could take it away from me,” he shares.

Selva began working in social media marketing and went all-in on it. He was extremely dedicated, to the point where he’d isolate himself and study. It paid off. Mario launched an online store that generated $180,000 in four months. He invested all of his profit into his next venture, which grew even larger.

“I made $1.5 million in 18 months,” says Selva. He has been on an upward trajectory for success ever since and there’s no end in sight for his future. “My secret, if we can call it that, is the fact that I don’t give up. I power through. I believe that anyone can make it as long as they don’t quit,” he explains, adding, “You know, things will get difficult. That’s inevitable. Any business has its problems. You should expect those and be prepared for it, not quit at the first obstacle.”

Mindset training takes a while and Mario is happy to invest the time necessary. He wants to be in the company of others who are equally as passionate as he is about learning. “My team of two is as hungry for knowledge as I am. We are studying and improving ourselves together every day. This is why I love my team so much,” he says.

Mario looks up to role models such as Iman Gadzhi. “It’s important to have a role model outside of your circle so you can really look up to them and try to emulate their success as your future aim.” As long as a strong mindset is present, business success follows shortly after. Mario Selva is the ultimate example of that.

You can follow Mario Selva on Instagram for more news and updates.

Lifestyle

Duravo’s Success Story: Engineering the Perfect Suitcase

Published

5 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.