# TRX: Randy Hetrick (2018)

- Show: [How I Built This](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this)
- Published: 2018-08-27
- Length: 43m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2018-08-27-trx-randy-hetrick-2018

## Summary

Former Navy SEAL Randy Hetrick explains how he invented the TRX suspension trainer in 1997 using a jujitsu belt and a door, then refined the design during his time at Stanford Business School. He details the early scaling challenges, including a critical manufacturing failure where handles cracked like potato chips due to 'quality fade' from a sub-manufacturer, and the company's pivot from pure hardware to a digital content model. Hetrick also discusses the existential threat of Chinese counterfeiters, the $2.5 million legal battle to enforce patents and trademarks, and the subsequent 40% revenue growth after winning the lawsuit.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2018-08-27-trx-randy-hetrick-2018#t=0) Introduction: Randy Hetrick and the Origin of TRX
- [2:59](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2018-08-27-trx-randy-hetrick-2018#t=179) Inventing the Prototype in Southeast Asia
- [8:54](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2018-08-27-trx-randy-hetrick-2018#t=534) Prototyping and Validating at Stanford
- [13:18](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2018-08-27-trx-randy-hetrick-2018#t=798) Early Sales, Trade Shows, and the Drew Brees Breakthrough
- [17:09](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2018-08-27-trx-randy-hetrick-2018#t=1029) Manufacturing Failures and Quality Fade
- [24:10](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2018-08-27-trx-randy-hetrick-2018#t=1450) The Counterfeit Crisis and Legal Battle
- [32:29](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2018-08-27-trx-randy-hetrick-2018#t=1949) Business Evolution: From Gear to Digital Content
- [39:49](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2018-08-27-trx-randy-hetrick-2018#t=2389) Postscript: Matt and Corey Wallace of Chups

## Topics

- [Prototyping & iteration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/prototyping)
- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)
- [Intellectual property](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/intellectual-property)
- [Direct-to-consumer & e-commerce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/direct-to-consumer)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies, companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- TRX (product)
- Stanford Business School (other)
- Amazon (company)
- Chups (product)
- U.S. Bank (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Against All Odds: Overcoming Huge Setbacks to Sell 5 Million Worldwide](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/its-only-a-prototype/2025-05-15-against-all-odds-overcoming-huge-setbacks-to-sell-5-million-worldwide) (It's Only a Prototype)
- [002: Prototyping, Manufacturing & Selling a Men's Shirt Accessory](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2016-03-09-002-prototyping-manufacturing-selling-a-mens-shirt-accessory) (Product Startup)
- [Introducing: It's only a Prototype Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/its-only-a-prototype/2025-04-09-introducing-its-only-a-prototype-podcast) (It's Only a Prototype)
- [011: DIY Design & Manufacture of a Basketball Training Tool with Tony Devine of The Original Profender](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2016-06-28-011-diy-design-manufacture-of-a-basketball-training-tool-with-tony-devine-of-the) (Product Startup)
- [025: Industrial designer turned product-based business owner, Robson Splane of the Prorise Seat Assist](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2016-11-01-025-industrial-designer-turned-product-based-business-owner-robson-splane-of-the) (Product Startup)

## Citing this page

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