You have to start somewhere...

Hey there,

Welcome to the first installment of the DOWUR Letter, where I chat with you about reflections, tools, and things to do more of what matters in your life.

Weekly Reflection

I recently came across a quote that went something like this..."there are 2 types of founders...the inventor and the innovator [and] you only need to pick one to become successful."

To provide some context...I've started, succeeded and failed at a few businesses over my short career and this quote broke down some barriers that I've been struggling with lately.

As I am looking ahead at my next mission, I've been highly concerned with 'inventing' a new product, which goes against what I've always been naturally: improving things already available.

I'm constantly looking at items around me and thinking of small incremental changes to improve them, but I always wrote that off as 'not enough' to be worthy of bringing to market.

However, now that I've started thinking through the innovator vs. inventor complex, I've taken note of the countless companies built on the back of a single, incremental change of current products.

So, I if you're in a similar spot to me...take a step back and think through whether you're an inventor or an innovator.

Brand of The Week

My latest obsession in material and build quality has brought me back to one of my favorite Made in America brands.

​Gunner​

These kennels are a niche topic and if you don't have a dog, or more specifically, a hunting dog - you've probably never heard of them or have no interest in the brand.

But if you are part of this group, you might understand my love for the brand.

Are they expensive for a dog kennel? Yes.

But, just because it's expensive...doesn't mean it's not worth it.

You can tell that they take meticulous care when thinking through the way they market their various products (like their kennel air conditioner) to the amount of detail that goes into every item they produce.

We have a few of their products, including a kennel and it is the best purchase I've made for our German Shorthaired Pointer. It's a bulletproof construction, it's going to last forever, and it's going to protect my dog in a car crash.

Their marketing campaigns are full of amazing imagery and lifestyle related content, allowing you to see their products in the harsh environments they are made to withstand.

Overall, Gunner is a prime example of building a business with a product based focus. They took the time to do it right and it's now all paying off.

Action Step

Every week is a new opportunity to better yourself, whether it be physically, mentally or financially.

This week's action step is centered on purposeful execution.

If you're like me, I'm sure there are some things that you've been putting off starting, finishing or working through (for me it was starting this newsletter...).

So, this week's mission is going to be attacking those things on your list that you've been avoiding.

Make it the first thing you do tomorrow.

As painful or as dull as it might seem now, you'll be glad you got it done.

Until next time,

-Grant