Fund Me, KC: The Fishing Caddy aims to hook good times for family, friends

Editor’s note: Startland News is continuing its new segment to highlight area entrepreneurs’ efforts to accelerate their businesses.  This is an opportunity for entrepreneurs to share their stories to gain a little help from their supporters. If you or your startup is running a crowdfunding campaign, let us know by contacting news@startlandnews.com [divide]

Who are you?
Joe Pippins, founder and inventor of the Fishing Caddy.

The Fishing Caddy

What’s your product?
The Fishing Caddy bonds family and friends together through making memories and legacies while fishing modernized. Our product is manufactured in the Midwest Carrolton Mo., and made in U.S. We have used the feedback from focus groups, previous customers and the fishing and outdoors community to design this new model and all its features.

What’s the goal of the Fishing Caddy?
To reignite love of fishing and camping. And to help people experience fishing in a new and exciting way where you don’t have to carry 15 items to fish. You don’t have to worry about missing bites or all the hassle of setting up in a bad spot and then having to gather everything up to find a better spot. We are challenging the fishing community to back us and let the world know that apps and electronics are nice — but they are separating us! We made the right decision in building a American-made product at a slightly higher cost but we are supporting American vendors, suppliers and manufacturers!

How much do you hope to raise?
We are looking to raise $15,000.

What do you plan to use the funds for?
We will be using the funds for inventory since we have already identified and began production runs in preparation for our national product showcase coming this summer on a major TV network! We need inventory and we felt Kickstarter would be a good platform to start with.

Any advice on crowdfunding campaigns?
Take your time getting pledges before you launch and expect some of your friends and family to not back your project. Be prepared for the lulls, and let the process happen. Gather as many emails as you can. Make your campaign simple and less wordy.

Learn more about the Fishing Caddy with the video below.