Today we’d like to introduce you to Jay McGinnis.
Hi Jay, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My wife and I moved to Charleston, SC 20 years ago after graduating from Auburn University. I started McGinnis Appraisal Services and began that journey in appraising. Along the way, I developed a product called Sherpa, which was an iPad Carrying Case. That product did well for 5 years but I was unable to secure the patent and the market began to get diluted with copycats and ultimately lower profits. About 7 years after that, I started developing my current product, the SideSling. The SideSling is a hands free inshore fishing rod carrier. It took about 2 years of R&D, sourcing manufacturing and 3 years to secure the patent. We are excited to announce the next phase of SideSling with a partnership with industry leader RealTree in utilizing their unique aqua camouflage wraps for our product.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Anytime you start something from scratch its not going to be a smooth ride. I was told multiple times from foam manufacturers that our product simply could not be made. This was 6 months of no’s from at least 25 different manufacturers. After plugging through that phase, we finally found someone who “got it”. The patent process was also very challenging, a lot of no’s and rebuttals and tweaks here and there. We finally received our patent and that is an extremely satisfying part of the journey, again that took 3 years.
As you know, we’re big fans of SideSling, LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
The SideSling was developed based out of a simple need to keep your hands free while transporting multiple inshore rods. Over a year of research and development was involved in the creation of the Sidesling in an effort to create the perfect rod carrier in respect to weight distribution, functionality and ease of use. Made from materials to withstand a water environment, the lightweight carrier was developed into the perfect carrier and storage system.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Mt Pleasant is a short distance from downtown Charleston and has a fabulous community of people, restaurants, schools and in close proximity to the beach. The only two complaints Ive ever had about Charleston/Mt Pleasant is Eastern Time Zone (tough on watching sports and shows) and the music scene. While we do get some good music here, most of the acts skip Charleston on their way from Atlanta to Charlotte.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://side-sling.com/
- Instagram: side.sling
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sidesling
