We recently connected with Bryan Knoblauch and have shared our conversation below.

Bryan , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

The idea all started with my father, the founder and CEO of our company, Doug Knoblauch. My dad was a union carpenter for decades before launching his own successful small construction business.

As an entrepreneur, Dad always tries to find ways to increase efficiency on the job, so he created a way for his workers to seamlessly transition their fasteners as they move from one construction project to the next. He also believes in supporting the environment, so he wanted to create something that is sustainable and built to last.

My dad started with some prototypes, then networked to find a reliable manufacturer and patent attorney. He meticulously went through the testing process by using it personally on the job, from large scale commercial projects to home kitchen remodels. He needed to know his new system would work and stand the test of time. Once he was awarded his first patent at age 65, it was time to move from idea to execution.

This is where I come in, his younger of 2 sons. It was on me to help him do this right, to help build his brand slow and steady by connecting with people that have years of experience. I was fortunate to meet Arsh Sanwarwala, founder and CEO of ThrillX, and he helped build out our e-commerce store. He is now a strategic partner, helping my dad with branding, logos, photography, and social media and digital marketing.

This is all new and exciting. We’re only 3 months in and have so much to learn. But my father and I are wrestlers. If you have ever met one (or hired one), you won’t question their ability to outwork the competition. Our flagship product is in two retail locations, we have sold to customers all over the country direct to consumer through our website, and we just partnered with Drexel University to supply their maintenance staff. Next, we start digital and social media marketing.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Meet Doug Knoblauch, a seasoned carpenter with over four decades of experience in the craft, hailing from Bristol in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Growing up in a large family of 15, Doug’s childhood was filled with fond memories of going down the shore in Wildwood, New Jersey, where he discovered his love for boating and fishing.

As a devoted husband and father of two boys, Doug’s family has played a significant role in shaping his life. Being from a family of wrestlers, he took on the role of coaching his sons in youth wrestling. Doug’s commitment to family and his passion for sports and the outdoors have all contributed to his inspiring story.

Today, Doug’s dedication to innovation and improving the lives of workers resonates with the community. His passion for efficiency on the job and a desire to improve the lives of blue-collar workers motivated him to become an entrepreneur. His patent-pending Knob and Lock system has not only revolutionized construction practices for his small business, but has also found applications in the homes of homeowners, and is testing the waters in the fishing community. Inspired by the feedback and support from his customers, Doug continues to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams.

Have you ever had to pivot?

We learned very early in the process that our original name “Knob and Lock,” needed to be changed. The name, named for our family at first, became about our system, as our containers “lock” onto a “knob” that is preassembled on our buckets so our containers can attach and detach as needed. Makes sense? Perhaps after some education and visual images.

But one graphic designer said it to me best. “Bry, you don’t sell knobs and you don’t sell locks.” Not to mention the nightmare in organic SEO. If you search Knobandlock, guess what you find? Knobs and locks for door hardware. Not only was the name unclear for what we provide, even worse, it was misleading.

That’s how we landed on More Than a Bucket, by Knob and Lock. Because our company and products really are more than a bucket. The transition will take some time, but we want to be fast learners as we dive into this new arena.

How’d you meet your business partner?

Family owned and operated. My Dad is my best friend. From a young age he has talked to me, not at me. It’s been so much fun building something with my old man. He was my first wrestling coach, always being there for me. It’s a no brainer for me to try to help him grow his business. Technically he is the boss, but he would never admit that. He looks at me as his partner.

Contact Info:

• Website: Knobandlock.com
• Instagram: @Morethanabucket
• Facebook: Knob and lock
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-knoblauch-a69812242
• Youtube: @morethanabucket
• Other: TikTok: morethanabucket

Image Credits
Lee Minghay