Summary: In this episode of Art of the Kickstart, we interviewed Adam Pener, co-founder and CEO of Sniper Bladeworks, creators of award-winning EDC tactical knives. Founded in 2009, Sniper Bladeworks pioneered ergonomic “pistol grip” handles and cutting-edge knife designs that catapulted the company to the top of the custom knife-making game. Today, the brand has launched on Kickstarter the 2020: Reload Signature series, designed to exceed your everyday needs and excel in tactical and frontline use. Learn about the inspiration behind Sniper Bladeworks, its crowdfunding journey and how they positioned themselves for a successful campaign.<br> Topics Discussed and Key Crowdfunding Takeaways<br> <br> * The long-standing history Adam has with Sniper Bladeworks co-owner and designer, Lance Abernathy and how company started<br> * After being in business for over 10 years, why they choose to launch a series on Kickstarter<br> * With multiple knife "flavors" available for pre-sale, how Adam suggests a company that has a single-skew product create a larger skew catalog<br> * How they prepped for the Kickstarter campaign despite not being able to advertise on Instagram or Facebook<br> * The marketing effort that has garnered the biggest ROI for the campaign<br> <br> Links<br> <br> * <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sniperbladeworks/the-award-winning-tactical-knife-set-by-sniper-bladeworks">Sniper Bladeworks on Kickstarter</a><br> * <a href="https://www.sniperbladeworks.com/">Sniper Bladeworks</a><br> * <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1501124021/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1501124021&linkCode=as2&tag=artofthekic-20&linkId=8475a79d9b2392ecb8b7c8f9da199ba2">Principles by Ray Dalio</a><br> * <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/081297381X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=081297381X&linkCode=as2&tag=artofthekic-20&linkId=4c67a751e8c986ef21d17739b5b402a2">The Black Swan by Nassim Nicholas Taleb</a><br> <br> Sponsors<br> Art of the Kickstart is honored to be sponsored by The Gadget Flow, a product discovery platform that helps you discover, save, and buy awesome products. The Gadget Flow is the ultimate buyer's guide for cool luxury gadgets and creative gifts. <a href="http://gdfl.co/1W4WoeH">Click here</a> to learn more and list your product - use coupon code ATOKK16 for 20% off!<br> Transcript<br> View this episode's transcript<br> Roy Morejon:<br> Welcome to Art of the Kickstart, your source for crowdfunding campaign success. I’m your host, Roy Morejon, president of Enventys Partners, the top full-service turnkey product development and crowdfunding marketing agency in the world. We have helped startups raise over a hundred million dollars for our clients since 2010. Each week, I’ll interview a crowdfunding success story, an inspirational entrepreneur, or a business expert in order to help you take your startup to the next level with crowdfunding. Art of the kickstart is honored to be sponsored by Gadget Flow. The Gadget Flow is a product discovery platform that helps you discover, save, and buy awesome products. It is the ultimate buyer’s guide for luxury gadgets and creative gifts. Now, let’s get on with the show.<br> Roy Morejon:<br> Welcome to another edition of Art of the Kickstart. Today, I’m really excited because I’m talking with Adam Pener, the co-owner and CEO of Sniper Bladeworks. If you don’t know Adam, really smart, super sharp guy. Sniper Bladeworks, family business, overcome a lot of loss and adversity right now, they’ve got an active Kickstarter campaign that’s going on, raised over $100,000, hundreds of backers on there. Adam, I’m really excited to have you on the show today. Thank you for joining us.<br> Adam Pener:<br> Oh,
