Today we’d like to introduce you to Anthony Altieri.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Anthony. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Founded in 2008, our mission was to enhance the Thermos(R) Can Insulator so that it would work properly with bottles as well. So, we developed our patented “Bottle Topper” and quickly became Thermos’ largest independent re-seller in the US. Our go-to-market is done via demonstrative sales at events such as boat shows, RV shows, fairs, festivals, etc.
We also sell our products via our company website www.ChillingTheMost.com. Our “Bear Hugger” product is the only vacuum insulated offering that properly works for both bottles and cans. The “Bear Hugger” was actually named “Best Gadget in Show” by HGTV at the 2010 Hershey PA RV Show. In 2014, YETI(R) entered the space with their “Colster” Can Insulator. The product works OK, but does not work well with most bottles. Our Bottle Toppers also affix to the YETI Colster. Hence, we are selling hundreds of our Bottle Toppers for both the Thermos and YETI Can Insulators. We’re in the process of developing new “add-on” to complement these can insulators and will have those available before the summer.
Has it been a smooth road?
ChillingTheMost.com was growing rapidly until 2014 when YETI entered the space with their Colster product. Shortly after that, Walmart copied the YETI offering with the Ozark Trails Can Insulator. Millions of these items were quickly sold via the stores, though customers who bought them or were gifted them were often disappointed in the limited functionality of these can-only products. Hence, the sales of our patented Bottle Toppers are exploding.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the ChillingTheMost.com story. Tell us more about the business.
ChillingTheMost.com is actually a one person company. To keep overhead low, we utilize “Seagull Industries for the Disabled”. Seagull is a non-profit that employs handicapped and challenged individuals and provides ChillingTheMost.com with warehousing and fulfillment services for our on-line sales. We do not have a storefront, nor do we have the ability for customers to pick up product from our fulfillment house.
As the owner (and sole employee) of ChillingTheMost.com, I handle all functions of the business including event planning, in-person sales, accounting, on-line marketing and customer management. Customers knows us, that we’re best for our AWESOME “Bear Hugger” which keep both your bottles and cans ICY-COLD til’ the last drop without the need to chill or freeze the product before use.
It’s gratifying to be out and about and see people using the products. We also love our repeat customers who attend our events and always come back to buy more for friends and family. The key differentiator of our Bear Hugger is that it’s MUCH more functional, in that it works for BOTH bottles and cans. They’re also much slimmer and lighter than the YETI product and subsequent knock-offs.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
The stainless steel drinkware marketplace has been exploding since 2012. People have dramatically shifted away from plastic drinkware such as Tervis Tumblers. Our product is unique and well-positioned. It also comes in at an affordable price point for most consumers.
Pricing:
- Our Bear Hugger retails for $16.99 on-line, though discounted pricing is available via our trade shows
- Our patented “Bottle Toppers” are sold in 2-packs on line and retail for $9.99
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ChillingTheMost.com
- Email: tony.altieri@chillingthemost.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Chilling-The-Most-206362261903/
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