Send us a textSummaryDan Gerken, the founder of ANDA, shares his journey of starting a cottage company and his participation in the Embark program. He explains the meaning behind the name ANDA and the challenges of working with different fabrics. Dan also discusses the importance of justifying the cost of eco-fabrics and the difficulties of running a one-person show. He concludes by sharing his plans for future products and revisions. In this conversation, Dan Gerken discusses his new product ideas, expansion plans, companies and inspirations, favorite non-ANDA gear, missing fabric in the market, and how he got his trail name Hot Pink.Shop  ANDA UltralightFollow ANDA on InstagramTakeawaysStarting a cottage company requires wearing multiple hats and balancing different roles.Working with challenging fabrics, such as silpoly, can be difficult but rewarding.Justifying the cost of eco fabrics is important for customers who value sustainability.Running a cottage company involves challenges in marketing and reaching the target audience.Future product development can involve revisions and improvements on existing designs. Daniel Gerken is working on new product ideas, including a bug bivvy and a single-pole tarp with doors.He plans to expand his product line to include backpacks and hopes to offer customers a lightweight and compact backpacking system.Daniel finds inspiration from companies like ULA, Mountain Laurel Designs, and Yama Mountain Gear.His favorite non-Anda gear is a Patagonia R1 fleece that he has had for over 10 years.Daniel would like to see more eco-friendly fabrics in the market, such as the ultra TNT by Challenge.He got his trail name Hot Pink because he carried a hot pink hairbrush on the Pacific Crest Trail.Chapters00:00- Introduction and Program03:38- Starting Onda and the Embark Program14:09- Meaning Behind the Name ANDA25:48- Working with Challenging Fabrics29:01- Justifying the Cost of Eco Fabrics33:16- Challenges of Running a Cottage Company37:15- Balancing Different Roles in the Business40:34- Future Products and Revisions42:42- New Product Ideas50:07- Companies and Inspirations53:12- Favorite Non-ANDA Gear55:14- Missing Fabric in the Market57:26- Maker GameFind Us on Social Media 🚀@RipstopbytheRollwww.ripstopbytheroll.com

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