WFS 484 - Mavrk Fishing with Jeff Sasaki - Ultra Light Euro Nymphing Gear, Mavrk, Element Case

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/484 Presented by: Mavrk Fly Fishing (code: mavrkwfs20) Use the coupon code: mavrkwfs20 and get 20% off your next order. Jeff Sasaki takes us into Mavrk fishing and what it's like to build a massive brand in the cellphone accessories business. He also tells us why he transferred to producing unique fly fishing gear. We also discover how to fish dries with a euro nymphing setup, how Newton's law affects your cast, and his take on the center axis fly reel. Mavrk Fishing Show Notes with Jeff Sasaki 2:43 - Jeff gives us an update since we last had him in episode 415. The main thing is they are expanding their rod line that is yet to be launched. 3:20 - He further discusses the advantages of the new rod line they'll launch that will be longer and lighter. 9:47 - We dig into product design and development. His degree and background were in product design. Before Mavrk, he started a brand called Element Case. 11:17 - Jeff explains industrial design, graphic design, and engineering. 15:35 - We return to the fascinating account of how he founded Element Case. 17:32 - He tells a humorous tale about how Apple once misplaced a prototype in a bar. He considered creating a case for the iPhone 4 at that time because it had just gone viral. Their instances gained widespread attention, and they received so many orders that the server had to shut down their website. 28:28 - He eventually decided to sell the brand. He realized he was not interested in the consumer electronics industry, took a break, and made Mavrk happen. 31:53 - He explains the lessons he learned while creating the Element Case and launching Mavrk. He reached a point with Element where he was unable to accomplish what he enjoyed doing with Element, such as creating and chatting with clients. 35:02 - I ask him how he would have kept the Element small. 36:28 - For Mavrk, he wants to keep the company small. 39:02 - He gives some advice and tips for those who want to create a product for the outdoors like talking to somebody who has an idea about the product, preferably an industrial designer who knows a thing about the materials, the manufacturing, and the industry. 45:20 - He discusses the Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) Theory and the five adopter categories when promoting a new product or service to a target population. 49:22 - He tells about that time, early on for Mavrk, when they launched on Kickstarter which he says was a mistake. 53:15 - He talks about graphene, which is utilized in Formula One cars. 54:46 - He gives some advice about the fly fishing industry that might help those who want to introduce a new product. 1:03:39 - He encourages people to learn how to write a business plan. He recommends the book titled "How to Write a Business Plan" by Mike McKeever. 1:06:18 - He believes that being a product designer allows him to be near to the things he enjoys, like when he designed a Fox Racing helmet for Ricky Carmichael. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/484