Author: dan

ChopSaver was originally created for musicians – hence the funny name. When I developed the formula, I had a specific set of symptoms I was trying to relieve – mainly the chapping and lip irritation that can occur when one plays a wind or brass instrument like a flute, clarinet, trumpet or trombone, just to […]

All marketers need to know how to write and, more importantly, write in a compelling way. In sales, nothing happens until someone starts writing. Even a spoken sales pitch usually begins as a script of some sort and will often be accompanied by written materials. Maybe it’s just a catchy headline you’re looking for but […]

ChopSaver was one of 60 growing companies that were involved with this recent event in our hometown of Indianapolis, Indiana. https://vergestartups.com/startup-tradeshow-on-steroids/ Soon after, we were fortunate to get a mention in the online version of the Indianapolis Business Journal https://www.ibj.com/small-biz-matters-2012-07-18-does-entrepreneurial-speed-dating-work-/PARAMS/post/35586 It contained a reference to an old article in that same paper about ChopSaver when […]

While ChopSaver all-natural lip balm is sold around the world, we are always trying to raise our profile in our own neighborhood. One such opportunity to do that was this recent local event, The Innovation Showcase https://vergestartups.com/startup-tradeshow-on-steroids/ This was a chance for us to be seen by influential business people in Central Indiana and beyond. […]

Networking is an often misunderstood term. It usually conjures images of a room full of “business types” at some sort of event where people are hoping to connect with people or prospects to grow their business. At their worst, they are awkward and you leave feeling like everyone there was trying to sell you something. […]

What’s your favorite oxymoron? You know, two words that don’t go together when you really think about it. Sometimes they’re called a “contradiction in terms.” Things like “Jumbo Shrimp” or “Deafening Silence.” Right now, mine is “Cautiously Optimistic.” OK, maybe it’s not my favorite, but it is one that I have used a lot. It’s […]

“What do you mean, Rocky lost? That was one of the great inspirational movies of all time!” you say. “The underdog beat the famous guy. Of course he won!” Well, actually he didn’t. Was the movie inspiring? Yes. Did Rocky win the fight? No. Not the first time. That is what is great about being […]

In honor of Father’s Day, this post is a little more personal than others I have written. I won’t be touting my favorite lip care product or giving advice on business, entrepreneurship, or music. Instead, I am going to take a few moments to honor my father in a way I never have before. Only […]

When I meet people and tell them my story of how I went from being a professional trumpet player to the creator of a product and subsequently a business owner, I am often asked, “Do you still play?” My standard answer is, “Yes, but not as much,” and I go on to explain how much […]