Entrepreneur to Watch: David Cirjak and Perry Chua of The Shrunks
We’re continuing our look into guys who are entrepreneurs this week with David Cirjak and Perry Chua of The Shrunks, a company that sells portable travel beds for toddlers and kids. The company has been around since 2007 and has been a hit with customers.
What is your role in the company?
David is the founder of The Shrunks and is responsible for daily operations, product development and business development. Perry is the brand director and is responsible for brand identity, positioning and overall image of The Shrunks brand.
What were you doing before you opened your business?
David was doing product design and development for small start-ups to Fortune 500 companies. Perry was a partner and design director at Spring, a Vancouver advertising and design agency. He also authored two books on branding and design (Logo Savvy and Best of Brochure Design 10).
What inspired you to start your company?
We are both entrepreneurs at heart. David saw an incredible opportunity in the market and simply went for it. Helping kids fight their fears during bedtime was another source of inspiration.
What is your company all about?
We make cool products that help make bedtime fun and safe for kids.
What’s your vision for your company?
To be recognized as the best company in the world that makes the most amazing bedtime products for kids. Fun and innovative products that are well designed, well made and well worth it. Products that make people say, ”Now that’s a great idea!”
What excites you about what you’re doing?
Making stuff for the funnest, funniest and silliest people in the world–kids! It doesn’t get better than that.
What are some early examples of success?
- National Parenting Award
- Cool Mom Picks – Pick of the year, 2009
- Featured on Fox News
- Featured in international design book as a successful re-brand case study (Rockport Publishers)
Are there any charities or organizations you’re involved in?
We make donations to BC Children’s Hospital and Air Canada’s Dreams Take Flight Program.
What’s next for you?
Now that we have seen significant growth over the last six months, we’d like to refocus our efforts on the fundamentals. With our brand, we want to establish identity guidelines and with our product, we want to solidify relationships with major US and European buyers.
