Mighty Handle grips massive market with Walmart deal

A Kansas City startup recently grabbed a retail deal that will put its product in front of millions of customers.

Mighty Handle last week signed a deal with Walmart stores that will roll out its product to help users carry multiple shopping bags at about 3,500 stores nationwide. So what’s it mean for Mighty Handle to be in the nation’s largest retailer?

“This solidifies us as a real company,” Mighty Handle founder Ben Rendo said. “When you are starting up as a new venture, it’s hard to tell some days if you are even going in the right direction. Getting distribution into Walmart nationally gives us credibility as we work on further distribution and bring additional products to market.”

Made of recycled materials, Mighty Handles allow a user to carry six to eight bags —up to 50 pounds — in one hand. The company targets apartment dwellers, mothers and the aging population.

Mighty Handle was introduced in 2014 and has already seen serious traction. Rendo said the company will surpass $1 million in revenue in 2015, and its product will be featured on the Home Shopping Network on Aug. 12. The company also will be selling Mighty Handle in A&P, Save-A-Lot and SUPERVALU stores.

Rendo’s product isn’t the only one doing heavy lifting. With a team of only two people — Rendo and Adknowledge marketing vice president Anita Newton — Mighty Handle has managed substantial growth, which Rendo said has been remarkable.

“To see Mighty Handle sold in store aisles across the country has been an incredible experience,” he said. “It probably sounds funny, but we always believed it would happen. I believe if you keep doing the next right thing that you put your team in a position to be successful.”