Two Skateboarding Dads Invent Award-Winning Kids Products Now in Major Retail Stores

Two California brother in-laws, Jason Arriola and Will Regan, teamed up to start a business and now these two Skateboarding dads are living the dream of entrepreneurism. So how did they do it? Tired of always seeing his twin boys' heads bobbing around when they fell asleep in the back seat of the car, Jason Arriola looked for a solution and when he could not find one, decided to create a solution of his own.

Their unique one-of-a kind product prevents the unfortunate head bobbing that occurs while sleeping in the car due to "noodle neck" as they call it (strange and uncomfortable positions: neck twisted to the side, head hanging down, slumped over…); or even worse, the head bump that occurs when two sleeping kids gradually move towards each other to then suddenly wake up when their heads bump together.

We caught up with Jason and Will and were so excited to learn more about their journey and their best tips for other entrepreneurs.

Q: What is the Booster Seat Headrest and who is it intended to be used by?

A: The one and only Booster Seat Headrest is an innovative new auto accessory that provides the comfort of a lateral headrest for a passenger asleep in a car. When not in use the Booster Seat Headrest simply flips up out of the way. It’s a smart, simple solution from the parents at Cardiff Products. It can be used by kids starting at ages 4-5 years old and up, and adults of all ages.

Q: What inspired you to invent the Booster Seat Headrest and start Cardiff Products?

A: I have twin 7 year old boys and I constantly experienced their heads flopping all over the place and on some occasions their heads actually hitting each other. Knowing there was nothing on the market to help this problem, I came up with the Cardiff Booster Seat Headrest.


Q: What makes the Booster Seat Headrest unique and different?


A: There is nothing like it on the market. It’s the first of its kind and although the idea came from kids in backless booster seats, the product can accommodate users of all sizes.


Q: As two dads, brothers-in-law, and now inventors, what were your backgrounds before your business venture?


A: Our backgrounds are in action sports. I was involved with a company that distributed skateboard footwear to all the Wal-Mart stores in the US. Will has ownership in another company that screen prints t-shirts for some of the largest action sports companies along with national chain retail stores and restaurants.


Q: What was it like to start a new business, and as dads? Where did you start first? (Design, prototype, etc.?)

A: It was actually a lot of fun when we started off. We would prototype them in my garage out of wood and figure out the best way to design it before we handed it off to our patent lawyers and engineer to spec it for production. One thing we’ve learned, and are still experiencing to this day, is that everything takes a lot longer than you expect in every facet of the company. It’s just as much about the journey as it is the destination.

Q: You have grown quickly and your product is in quite a few major retailers. Congrats! What is your best piece of advice for other dad entrepreneurs / small business owners / even mom entrepreneurs / or even anyone trying to launch a new kids product?

A: Patience and more patience! When you invent a product, especially something that never existed before, it’s going to take some major work to get your product to the masses and just letting the public know your product exists.


Q: What are some of your top tips for getting retailers interested in your product?

A: I think the two most important things are proving there is a want/need for your product and that the product has sell through for them. It’s a tough retail environment right now, so buyers are skeptical as to what they put on their shelves.


Q:
As dads, how do you balance running a successful company with family?

A: I don’t think it’s any different from someone that doesn’t run his own company. You have your hours you work a day, and sure, sometimes you exceed that, but at the end of the day you always make sure you have time for your family. Having a happy and healthy family is more important to me than anything.


Q:
What has been the biggest challenge to date and how did you overcome it?

A: I think the biggest challenge for our company is marketing a product that’s never existed and figuring out how to get our product known the public. There are millions of potential consumers in our demographic that have no clue this product exists. I will let you know the day we start to overcome this challenge, but for now it’s a work in progress.


Q:
Is there any piece of business advice you would tell your past self that you are aware of now?

A: Honestly at this moment I don’t think I have any advice. We are still such a new company and as we expand and a lot more moving parts are added, I’m sure this question will be a lot easier to answer.


Q:
On a more personal note, what do your families do for fun?

A: We like to go to the beach and honestly as long as we are all together it’s always fun.


Q:
What can you attribute your success to as entrepreneurs?

A: I think it’s just a willingness to work hard and know that not everyone will get this kind of opportunity to invent something and actually get it to market. I would consider myself lucky and make the most of it no matter what happens. Nothing is promised in any aspect of life - you just have to grind and see what happens.


Q:
What is the best part about being a dad inventor?

A: I would say getting to use my kids for marketing and seeing them on the news and in magazines. They think they’re so cool!


Q:
What are the top three most important qualities that parent inventors must have in order to succeed?

A: Patience, a balance of work and family, and just plain hard work.


Q:
What is your best piece of advice to other moms /dads who have an idea for a new product, want to start a business or currently are launching their own business?

A: Make sure there is a want and need for your product or service and that it’s worth the money you’re about to spend because it’s not cheap.


Q:
Where can we learn more about or buy the Booster Seat Headrest by Cardiff Products?

A: Our revamped website should go live in less than a week. You can find out all you need to know there: www.cardiffproducts.com. Also, find us on social media: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.



 

Matthew Toren
 

Matthew Toren is a serial entrepreneur, mentor, investor and co-founder of YoungEntrepreneur.com. He is co-author, with his brother Adam, of Kidpreneurs.org, BizWarriors.com and Small Business, BIG Vision: Lessons on How to Dominate Your Market from Self-Made Entrepreneurs Who Did it Right (Wiley).