Show notes
Ken Pilot interviews Tim Parr, CEO & Founder of Caddis, for this flight of The Retail Pilot podcast.Tim Parr is the CEO and Founder of CADDIS, an eyewear brand that crushes age stereotypes. He believes in defying our society’s addiction to youth and fueling getting older and owning it. Tim is an entrepreneur who has also worked for some of the most respected brands. Patagonia, L.L. Bean, Filson. Tim has lectured at the Stanford School of Design, Modern Elder Academy, San Francisco Academy of Art, and the California College of Arts. In 2013 he formed a bluegrass band and hit the road touring the Western United States.SummaryTim Parr, the founder of CADDIS, shares his journey of starting a lifestyle brand focused on eyewear for people over the age of 40. He discusses the broken customer experience in the eyewear market and the opportunity to create a brand that is authentic and transparent. Tim emphasizes the importance of owning one's age and challenges the ageism prevalent in society. He also talks about the size of the 50+ demographic and the potential for growth in the market. Tim shares his approach to marketing, including the use of in-person experiences and tangible materials like catalogs. He highlights the significance of strong design, brand position, and storytelling in attracting customers. Tim also mentions his mentors and the challenges of maintaining innovation and creativity in the business.TakeawaysThe eyewear market for people over the age of 40 has a broken customer experience, creating an opportunity for a brand like CADDIS to provide authentic and transparent products.Owning one's age is a powerful message that resonates with the 50+ demographic, which controls a significant portion of household income and spending power.In-person experiences and tangible materials like catalogs can be effective marketing tools for a lifestyle brand, allowing customers to connect with the brand on a deeper level.Strong design, brand position, and storytelling are essential for attracting customers and building a successful brand.Having mentors, both male and female, can provide valuable guidance and support in building a business.Maintaining innovation and creativity is a challenge for leaders, but it is crucial for the long-term success of a brand.Chapters00:00Introduction and Tim's Journey04:04Identifying the 40+ Market for Eyewear06:02The Origin and Importance of the CADIS Name07:15Owning Your Age and Challenging Ageism10:53The Size and Potential of the 50+ Demographic14:18Elevating the CADIS Brand and Attracting Celebrities19:24Differentiating from Competitors like Warby Parker21:47The Importance of Authenticity and Creativity in Marketing25:58The Role of Tangible Marketing in Connecting with Customers26:05Tim's Role as CEO and Leadership Challenges29:04Margins and Product Manufacturing32:11Advice for Tim's Past Self and Lessons Learned34:30Mentors and the Importance of Innovation and Creativity36:23Rapid Fire QuestionsHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
