“We created Harry’s to be different from other shaving companies” is the first line I read as I took a glance at the Harry’s about page. This had myself asking the question of why is Harry’s so different from all the other shaving companies? What makes them so special? Well, Andy Katz-Mayfield (33) and Jeff Raider (34) created a shaving company that offers a great shave with great products that do not have all kinds of fancy gadgets or expensive razors.
What was the Problem?
Andy and Jeff were two gentlemen that obviously always had to shave but when it came to shaving everything was so expensive to get a nice razor with good shaving products. Once they thought of this problem they asked around to many different gentlemen who shave and to their surprise, many of the men they talked to agreed. This birthed the idea to create a shaving company that does not require all kinds of fancy gadgets that go into a razor and keep it all at a very affordable price. On top of selling the razors and many shaving products along with them, Andy and Jeff cared a lot about Mental Health Care. This is why 1% of the sales Harry’s makes goes to nonprofits across the country helping men access all kinds of health care resources.
Entrepreneur Kind of Minds
Andy and Jeff were two young entrepreneurs that discovered a problem and did not run from it but tackled the problem and created a very successful business because of it. However, the cool part about their business is they did not just help solve one problem but two. They helped make shaving much more affordable while still producing great products but also they are helping the mental health of men all around the world with their donations from their profits.
I love your example of Harry’s because it perfectly exemplifies the entrepreneurial ideology necessary for a successful business. First, they identified the problem. Then, they asked around to identify a market. And finally, they crafted a business and product that exemplified the identified needs and fit the target market’s desires.
I love this example because it shows the clear problem that Mayfield and Raider identified in the men’s shaving industry. They were able to get feedback from others who experience a similar pain and capitalize on that pain in a new and unique way! I also think it is great that, while they are not a social enterprise, they use 1% of their profits to benefit charities that support men’s mental health. That definitely adds to their value proposition.