Since launching a startup that manufactures home improvement products aimed at do-it-yourselfers, a former Capital One worker-turned-inventor has created two new gadgets.
Mike Bucci founded K&M of VA, in 2007 with his first product, the Painter’s Pyramid, which lets the user paint all sides of an object without having to flip it over.
Since then, Bucci has expanded with two other home improvement products, the VersaSpin and the Slide-N-Pump.
“I’m trying to grow the business based on the success of one product,” he said.
Bucci, 43, wouldn’t disclose exact figures but said the business has been profitable.
About six months ago, Bucci launched the VersaSpin 360, a turntable for painting projects.
The gadget costs $25 or more and is marketed toward the more experienced handyman.
“They’re a bit more suited for higher-end markets,” Bucci said. “Much more for arts and crafts and woodworking-type people.”
The products are sold online and small to mid-size local, national and international retailers such as Home Depot.
Woodcraft in Glen Allen started carrying Painter’s Pyramids and the VersaSpin last March. Ray Deyo, owner of the shop, said both have been selling well.
“His two products are exactly what the woodworker needs,” Deyo said. “Painter’s Pyramids replaced the old nail in the board.”
Deyo said he’s sold hundreds of packages of the pyramids and that they are constantly adding more to keep them in stock. VersaSpin isn’t flying off the shelves, but Deyo said people are buying.
“VersaSpin, because of its price tag, isn’t as frequent to go out the door, but it’s an average seller,” he said.
Bucci’s newest product is the Slide-N-Pump, which screws on to a garden hose and then lets the user pump water from one end of the hose to the other – for example, from one container into another.
Before getting into the business, Bucci worked as an internal consultant for Capital One. He was laid off in 2006.
He got the idea for his business and the Painter’s Pyramid in 2006 after his own home improvement debacle.
“My wife wanted to build these bookshelves and so we got some quotes, but everyone that swung a hammer thought they should be paid like Picasso,” Bucci said.
Bucci decided to do it himself and found it took two weeks because he had to wait for the paint to dry to coat both sides of the shelves.
He went on the hunt at local hardware stores to speed up the process.
“I was looking for something that could hold these up and so I could flip it over to paint the other side,” he said. “Everyone looked at me like I was insane.”
With a $30,000 investment, Bucci began marketing to small and mid-size retailers.
Bucci said he plans to market to more national and international retailers and expand his product line with his own products as well as those from local inventors. He’s also releasing a how-to guide for aspiring entrepreneurs in October.
Since launching a startup that manufactures home improvement products aimed at do-it-yourselfers, a former Capital One worker-turned-inventor has created two new gadgets.
Mike Bucci founded K&M of VA, in 2007 with his first product, the Painter’s Pyramid, which lets the user paint all sides of an object without having to flip it over.
Since then, Bucci has expanded with two other home improvement products, the VersaSpin and the Slide-N-Pump.
“I’m trying to grow the business based on the success of one product,” he said.
Bucci, 43, wouldn’t disclose exact figures but said the business has been profitable.
About six months ago, Bucci launched the VersaSpin 360, a turntable for painting projects.
The gadget costs $25 or more and is marketed toward the more experienced handyman.
“They’re a bit more suited for higher-end markets,” Bucci said. “Much more for arts and crafts and woodworking-type people.”
The products are sold online and small to mid-size local, national and international retailers such as Home Depot.
Woodcraft in Glen Allen started carrying Painter’s Pyramids and the VersaSpin last March. Ray Deyo, owner of the shop, said both have been selling well.
“His two products are exactly what the woodworker needs,” Deyo said. “Painter’s Pyramids replaced the old nail in the board.”
Deyo said he’s sold hundreds of packages of the pyramids and that they are constantly adding more to keep them in stock. VersaSpin isn’t flying off the shelves, but Deyo said people are buying.
“VersaSpin, because of its price tag, isn’t as frequent to go out the door, but it’s an average seller,” he said.
Bucci’s newest product is the Slide-N-Pump, which screws on to a garden hose and then lets the user pump water from one end of the hose to the other – for example, from one container into another.
Before getting into the business, Bucci worked as an internal consultant for Capital One. He was laid off in 2006.
He got the idea for his business and the Painter’s Pyramid in 2006 after his own home improvement debacle.
“My wife wanted to build these bookshelves and so we got some quotes, but everyone that swung a hammer thought they should be paid like Picasso,” Bucci said.
Bucci decided to do it himself and found it took two weeks because he had to wait for the paint to dry to coat both sides of the shelves.
He went on the hunt at local hardware stores to speed up the process.
“I was looking for something that could hold these up and so I could flip it over to paint the other side,” he said. “Everyone looked at me like I was insane.”
With a $30,000 investment, Bucci began marketing to small and mid-size retailers.
Bucci said he plans to market to more national and international retailers and expand his product line with his own products as well as those from local inventors. He’s also releasing a how-to guide for aspiring entrepreneurs in October.
How would I get in touch with Mike?
Mike is a great example of what this economy should be about. He worked hard, saved money and when he lost his job, he worked hard again, spent the money he saved and turned it into a few great ideas. I hope more people read this and look at Mike as an example of a where our economy could be going. Instead of worrying about losing his job, Mike simply focused on doing and changing his future. this is why I like reading RBS, because it motivates me with stories like these when I get down on my own business.… Read more »
Gordon – click on the link in the article to get in touch with Mike.
Great article! Only thing missing is a better way to find his products. I’d like to purchase them but there’s only a vague reference to Home Depot (not really sure if they’re carrying them or not) and Woodcraft. I don’t live near Glen Allen and have no idea where that is. (I know it’s a news article and is not meant to gather business for the products, but since the article is about an entrepreneurial product, I think it’s natural for the reader to want to check it out for him/herself. A link to a site or a couple of… Read more »