Rachel Speth & Jeff Delkin – Bambu
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The Business of Universal Kindness Podcast
Episode 7
Today I welcome Rachel Speth and Jeff Delkin of Bambu to episode 7 of the podcast. 20 years ago, they were working in China with their corporate jobs, and found themselves marvelling at the awe and majesty of the native bamboo.
Fascinated by this indiginous plant, they spent 2 years researching the material before they eventually took the leap of faith to start their own business manufacturing bamboo kitchen utensils.
We hear the challenges of bringing a Western aesthetic to an Eastern material and how their business has evolved over the years from almost pre-internet time to what it is today (a B2B and B2C company). You’ll find out:
How Jeff got his start in advertising at Ogilvy - this is the story you see on screen but never believe, and how Rachel’s experience at Nike prepared her to lead the charge product development for Bambu.
The love of travel that led them to first find each other and eventually take them across the globe to South East Asia where their dream started to take shape, while Jeff moonlighted from his corporate job.
Hear the passion that Jeff and Rachel have for the raw material of bamboo that they fell in love with and how long it took them to fully understand how they could use it for their business.
The event that changed their lives as a woman exclaimed “where have you been?” – this led them to realise they were on to something with their bag full of prototypes in hand.
The original pandemic (SARS) that they had to navigate while launching their business and how that has prepared them for the challenge of today’s COVID-19 issues.
The ethics and values that drive their business and workforce, including how they knew they had to be based in China for their business to work (and why this makes them different from the usual companies manufacturing in China).
Their commitment to supplying independent retailers with their products after their first foray into big retail left a sour taste in their mouths (plus why this can be a tough choice for ecommerce companies).
The trends they’ve seen in customers’ needs today, how they have evolved their customer service to meet this need and why customers are now more savvy than ever to what makes a product truly sustainable.
Rachel and Jeff’s advice to startups in the ethical field and what you need to ensure longevity for your business (unless you’re just in it to flip it and sell it).
SHOW NOTES
About Jeffrey Delkin (Co-Founder)
Prior to joining Rachel to launch bambu with Rachel in 2003, Jeff held regional and management positions with WPP’s Ogilvy & Mather, and Publicis’ Leo Burnett honing his branding and strategy experience for some of the most recognized brands including Coca Cola, Sprite, Kodak, Heinz, McDonald’s, Bank of America, as well as many other clients across numerous industries. Jeff oversees marketing & sales, and brand development for bambu®
About Rachel Speth (Co-Founder)
Rachel oversees all product development and production for bambu®. She brings her 12 years of product development experience with Nike in US, Taiwan, and China.
Her last position at Nike was a regional position in Corporate Responsibility with a focus on sustainability before her entrepreneurial spirit led her to bamboo.
About Bambu
bambu® is a purpose-driven, design-led brand offering a range of products for the home, and on the go. Thoughtfully-designed products for eating, cooking and entertaining all created from renewable materials and sustainable practices. The brand was launched with the singular idea of turning people onto renewable materials and away from plastic. Helping people live more sustainably since 2003.
The company operates offices in Portland, Oregon and Shanghai, China and sells its brand of goods in more than 16 countries. bambu® is a B Corp certified business, gold tier member of the Green Business Network, and 1% for the Planet member.
Website: https://www.bambuhome.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bambuliving/
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