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This Is Small Business: Behind the Buy

Meet Chris Osse, the founder of Armbie, a unique dual-arm support sling designed for comfort during long flights. Chris shares his journey from engineer to entrepreneur, revealing the challenges and triumphs he faced while bringing his innovative product to market. Join us as we explore the passion behind Armbie, the lessons learned along the way, and the pivotal moment that led Chris to pitch his product on the Prime Video show, "Buy It Now.”

In this episode, you’ll discover:

(03:10) Chris discusses his day job as an engineer and how it has shaped his problem-solving mindset.

(03:35) A long flight next to large passengers sparks Chris's idea for Armbie.

(04:09) Chris reflects on how discomfort led to his engineering brain devising a solution.

(04:15) Using a scarf, Chris creates the initial version of Armbie, emphasizing simplicity and portability.

(04:46) The lengthy process of perfecting the prototype involved hours of experimenting with fabrics and sizes.

(06:05) Life challenges, including a separation, test Chris's resolve but do not extinguish his passion for Armbie.

(07:27) During COVID, Chris realizes he has the time and resources to finally pursue his business idea.

(09:16) After applying to various entrepreneurial shows, Chris receives encouragement and interest in Armbie.

(10:17) The importance of practice and finding the right balance in his pitch becomes clear to Chris.

(12:10) Chris’s pitch garners 46 green lights from the audience, showing significant interest despite initial skepticism about the product's appearance.

(15:14) Positive feedback from judges, despite concerns over price, highlights the innovation of Chris's product.

(16:40) Chris celebrates winning a $20,000 cash prize, marking a significant milestone after years of hard work.

(17:30) Following his success on the show, Chris receives news that two of his patents are approved, adding to his momentum.

(18:58) Chris shares his belief that grit and perseverance are key to success in entrepreneurship.