229: Growing LIVSN with Andrew Gibbs-Dabney & Kelsey Ferguson
LIVSN – Andrew Gibbs-Dabney (Founder and CEO) & Kelsey Ferguson (Brand Marketing Manager)
Hey everyone, welcome back! This episode, Caleb Talley, Jeff Amerine, and Matthew Ward talk with Andrew Gibbs-Dabney & Kelsey Ferguson from LIVSN. LIVSN creates versatile, well-made clothing for people who value experiences more than stuff. They make good clothing with tried and true methods and with high-quality fabrics. During this talk, you will get to hear about the progress LIVSN has made since their last appearance on the podcast, upcoming launch of a new product on Kickstarter, and plans around new product lines in the near future. Thanks for tuning in!
Shownotes
(3:42) What is LIVSN up to?
(12:34) Rolling out a new pant design
(16:40) Joining a startup during a worldwide pandemic
(25:56) Raising a child while parenting a startup
(28:50) What’s next for LIVSN?
(33:36) LIVSN’s top markets
(35:36) Expectations for the Kickstarter
(36:39) Venture capital
(41:57) Advice to the younger self
(42:43) Wrap up
Links
Quotes
“You can buy your way into some stuff, but you know…If you’re getting your product on and in people’s hands, and they really start using it, that’s the way to [get media attention].” (10:57)
“I’ve always felt like the company has a different feel than many other companies I know. And if you look at the messaging that Andrew has created the entire time the brand has been alive, you’ll notice that we don’t shy away from being transparent about everything that we are good at and what we need to improve on and how we’re going to do that.” (17:46)
Growing LIVSN
The Startup Junkies Podcast was able to sit down with an old friend Andrew Gibbs-Dabney, founder of LIVSN, and his newest team member Kelsey Ferguson. Two years ago, Andrew joined the guys to record an episode of the podcast, and this week he’s back with Kelsey to give an update on how things are going for LIVSN.
Since his last appearance, LIVSN successfully launched the second-largest Kickstarter campaign in the state of Arkansas to re-roll out one of the brand’s pant designs. When Andrew and Kelsey jumped on the show this time, they were entering their third Kickstarter campaign, this time to promote a brand new pant design.
LIVSN creates with durability, longevity, and sustainability in mind, and their new line of pants does more than accomplish that goal. After previously launching two styles of technical pants, LIVSN customers were asking for pants made for wet and cold conditions. LIVSN responded with the EcoTrek Trail Pants, which are entirely synthetic and made from recycled ocean buoys. This material is not only lightweight and breathable, but it also withstands cold and wet conditions.
With the EcoTrek Trail Pants, LIVSN sought to satisfy customer requests while also creating a versatile pant for all of life’s needs. Whether you are hiking, climbing, riding a bike, going out for a date night, or heading into the office, the EcoTrek Trail Pants are made to replace your jeans, slacks, and outdoor pants.
The Kickstarter campaign for the EcoTrek Trail Pants launched on February 2, and less than a week into the campaign, they have already raised over $190,000, nearly double what their last campaign raised. Andrew said that they prepared significantly more for this campaign, and they lined up much more press than previous campaigns. As far as getting good press coverage, Andrew credits a quality product that is easy to endorse.
“You can buy your way into some stuff, but you know…If you’re getting your product on and in people’s hands, and they really start using it, that’s the way to [get media attention].” (10:57)
While the EcoTrek Trail Pants were a highlight of the conversation, Andrew caught the Startup Junkies up on several new developments since he last joined the podcast. They recently signed a lease on an office space in Bentonville, Arkansas, and hired Kelsey as the Brand Marketing Manager. The second full-time employee at LIVSN has nothing but good things to say about the brand and its accomplishments.
“I’ve always felt like the company has a different feel than many other companies I know. And if you look at the messaging that Andrew has created the entire time the brand has been alive, you’ll notice that we don’t shy away from being transparent about everything that we are good at and what we need to improve on and how we’re going to do that.” (17:46)
To support the EcoTrek Trail Pants Kickstarter campaign, click here.
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