In 2013 six friends were playing spikeball while on a beach in Hawaii. The game of spikeball was not well known, but was manufactured by Tomy games years ago in the 1980’s and 90’s. These six friends had numerous people come up to them and inquire about the game, how to play, and where to buy it while they were playing on the beach. At this point it was not a well known game. After finding out there was no current patent on the game the six friends were able to get together 100,000 dollars to start the journey of reviving the sport of spikeball. The main player in this journey was Chris Ruder. An ad salesman, Chris would work at his day job until 5pm, spend time with his children and wife until 9pm, and then work on spikeball until 2am. He did this every day for five years. At this point Chris had built the business to earn a staggering 1 million dollars in revenue per year. In 2014, the team was able to work with producers on shark tank and in May of 2015 their episode aired. They struck a deal however, it fell apart before the show even aired because the deal involved creating a Spiderman spikeball set with marvel. Ruder felt like this made spikeball a toy and not a sport. Even though they did not get a deal, they got the popularity. As of 2018, the company was bringing in 15 million in revenue per year. They pay $13 dollars per unit and sell the product for 59 dollars so there is a very high margin to be earned.
I really like how these entrepreneurs saw an opportunity and jumped on it. They really capitalized on this idea that was invented before them. It appears that the quest for money, and the goal of creating something for themselves drives them. The very interesting thing about these guys to me is how they did not invent much of anything rather,, they capitalized on poor marketing and made the sport fun. That is what sold units. They definitely have a drive. Ruder would work into early morning hours while he had a family for five years straight! That and their vision for something to be better than it is makes them perfect entrepreneurs. They inspire me because it reminds me that there is a lot of ideas out there that can be revitalized like this one! What really inspires me about these guys is their drive and effort they put into the sport. Through looking into these entrepreneurs I have found what it means to have determination and not give up!
I think this is an interesting story, because it involved a failure – the deal falling through – after it was established, but was able to continue growing because of the popularity of it. I also like how they brought back an old product, for a new generation to enjoy. While they didn’t seem to innovate upon the game of spikeball, they reintroduced it to a new generation.
That’s an interesting story about the origins of spikeball. I never knew that it was already invented and someone else capitalized on it. That just goes to show how you can be an entrepreneur without actually inventing something. I think it was smart that they didn’t go with the marvel themed one because I don’t think it would have turned into the sport it is today. Spikeball if everywhere now and it’s all thanks to these guys!
The fact that they were able to gain that much popularity and do all that is awesome. I was slightly confused on what they actually did but understood later on. I appreciate how Chris would work his day job, prioritize his kids and family, THEN would work on the project. And to do that over 5 years blows my mind. This piece was well written and I really enjoyed reading it. Great Job
The creation of Spikeball as it is today is very inspiring. Chris Ruder saw the possibility to bring back an idea that someone had already created, and innovate it in a new way. His commitment is very clear as you stated he stayed up until 2 am every day to pursue this dream. Spikeball is one of the most popular games today, and the story of its creation has certainly encouraged me and many others.