Jaron Lodge, a young entrepreneur, turned his passion for entrepreneurship into a profitable venture from a young age. Starting with multiple small businesses, Lodge accumulated an impressive $25,000 before his 18th birthday. Taking his practical experience into higher education, he pursued a degree in business management, launching his first major startup at just 21.
Inspired by YouTube entrepreneurial spirit and his love for stone skipping from his Boy Scout days, Lodge identified a void in the sports market. He began working on a concept for a backyard game blending stone skipping excitement with backyard convenience. Over time, through numerous trials, feedback, and enhancements, he continues to perfect this game concept.
Utilizing resources from Arizona State University, Lodge initially tried to implement his idea using fish-food-based stones, a concept that proved problematic.
Stone skipping backyard game’s business success
Turning to 3D printing technology at the university’s Makerspace, he was able to revise his creation, meeting and exceeding expectations. This new approach provided the flexibility, efficiency and precision necessary for his inventive process.
Lodge identified the market need for a durable and transportable backyard game suitable for Arizona’s heat. Incorporating this insight, he created SKIP ‘NN Hole, a unique poolside game that merges stone skipping and corn hole.
By participating in competitions and using Kickstarter, Lodge successfully raised approximately $35,000 in addition to exceeding his Kickstarter goal, gathering $53,378 in only eight hours. His Kickstarter achievements attracted attention and support from a large online community. This immediate financial backing, along with significant funds from angel investors, drove the expansion of Lodge’s business.
Numerous channels, such as Amazon, Scheel’s sports goods chain, and Lodge’s personal website, now offer the SKIP ‘NN Hole game. Lodge’s business success is evident as revenue skyrocketed from $60,000 in 2020 to a predicted $3 million this year, placing Lodge amongst a select group of solo entrepreneurs achieving seven-figure revenues.
