Benny Magennis is a man with a plan and that plan is to revolutionise the furniture industry with his quick and simple DIY furniture that is sturdy and striking.
Check out Whackpack furniture.
What was your background before setting up?
I’m from Clontibret. A small footballing village in Monaghan. So I didn’t tread very far from the tree. I spent many hours in the furniture clusters in my neighbourhood. It served me well.
Why did you choose to set up your own company?
I was always creative. There was no research. I began on a path on the advice of my sister Faela and I have never veered from it really. I began working with with staircases, and then there was furniture which took me to London where I was mingling with product design students and designers from all parts of the world. I was happy with how it progressed.
Was it difficult to stand out from the crowd at first?
Having quickly established that full frontal nudity was not an option, we struggled at first to stand out.
The world of woodcraft and design can be a bit of a ‘hairy leg brigade at times’ so we felt that it was important to have the design looking sharp and professional but, most importantly, with a sense of humour.
What kind of product/services do you offer?
We’re revolutionising the world of self assembly furniture. No nonsense is our advantage!
We are making it fun, functional and family orientated. Anybody who’s anybody can make Whackpack Furniture.
It is the year of equality after all!
What has been your biggest barrier since starting up the company?
Getting the message out. Everyone loves the idea when they hear about it, I just need more people to hear the message.
Spread it!
Have you had many mentors? What has been the best advice they’ve given you?
A wise old man from Belper, Sensei Gertholomew Moan, (Gerry Moan) CEO and chief bottle washer at Smart Start Invest took me under his wing.
One day after a long Monaghan Enterprise Office meeting, he turned to me and said “Benny .“
‘Yes’ , I replied.
“Benny , this advice is the summation of my life’s experience, pay heed and you will not go far wrong. Never, I repeat NEVER get involved in a land war in Asia.”
There’s a guy from a company called Paul from Brix Workwear. He makes me tea and its great tea!
What has been your greatest moment since starting up?
The Kickstarter campaign is great fun and the response from people I don’t know from as far away as Hong Kong, Uruguay and Doohamlet has been overwhelming. I did a 60 second pitch at a conference in front of a 300 strong crowd. I’d like to do that again.
And your worst?
It involved a mallet, a mistimed whack and a very unfortunate assistant. I’m sorry Jake. There will be a lot more to come.
What are your three pieces of advice you would you give to somebody starting off?
Start now. DO NOT DO A BUSINESS PLAN. Don’t worry.
What are your ‘cheats’ or ‘hacks’ for making life easier in the business world?
Don’t be afraid to approach people in the same industry for advice. They rarely see you as a competitor and are generally very willing to help. Always take a mint after coffee.
Networking works.
Follow Gary Vaynerchuk and Chris Brogan on Youtube, Twitter and Facebook.
Who would you prefer to face off with in a fight to the death: Bill Gates or Donald Trump? Why?
Trump. His hair dye! And I’d like to cash in on Trump Tower! Location, location.
