Get your Stubby on

Send us Fan MailThis podcast episode of AM Insider features a conversation with Derek McCurry, the owner of Stubby Nozzle Co. McCurry shares his journey from working in additive manufacturing marketing to establishing his own business designing, manufacturing, and selling 3D-printed car care products, specifically leaf blower nozzles for drying vehicles. The discussion covers his background as a mechanical engineer and marketer, the evolution of his business from Facebook Marketplace to his own website and major online retailers, and the benefits and challenges of using 3D printing for final product manufacturing. McCurry offers insights into the importance of marketing for small businesses, leveraging customer feedback for product development, and his experiences scaling his manufacturing through desktop FDM printers. He also touches on examples of other successful small businesses utilizing 3D printing and provides advice for individuals looking to start their own ventures in this space.The Leap from Additive Manufacturing to Real-World Product Development Derek McCurry's Background and the Genesis of Stubby Nozzle Co. Product Details and ManufacturingEvolution of Sales Channels and the Importance of a Direct-to-Consumer WebsiteThe Crucial Role of Marketing in Entrepreneurial SuccessViability of 3D Printing for End-Use ProductsAdvice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs in Additive Manufacturing Examples of Other Successful Small Businesses Utilizing 3D Printing Competition and Market Validation Future Product Development and Customer FeedbackMarketing Strategies Beyond Online MarketplacesSkills Learned from Additive Manufacturing and Previous RolesResources for Aspiring Entrepreneurs