# Springfree Trampoline: Keith Alexander & Steve Holmes (2019)

- Show: [How I Built This](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this)
- Published: 2021-08-30
- Length: 55m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2021-08-30-springfree-trampoline-keith-alexander-steve-holmes-2019

## Summary

Keith Alexander, a New Zealand engineer, and Steve Holmes, a Canadian businessman, discuss the creation of Springfree Trampoline. Alexander spent a decade prototyping a safer trampoline without metal springs to address safety concerns, while Holmes acquired the patent and navigated the challenges of commercialization, including securing a pivotal Costco deal and shifting manufacturing to China. The company has sold nearly 500,000 units worldwide, leveraging a direct-to-consumer model and a strong safety narrative to overcome initial retailer skepticism.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2021-08-30-springfree-trampoline-keith-alexander-steve-holmes-2019#t=0) Introduction: Keith Alexander and Steve Holmes
- [4:51](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2021-08-30-springfree-trampoline-keith-alexander-steve-holmes-2019#t=291) Alexander's Engineering Background and Early Inventions
- [11:47](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2021-08-30-springfree-trampoline-keith-alexander-steve-holmes-2019#t=707) The Origin of the Safer Trampoline Idea
- [14:18](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2021-08-30-springfree-trampoline-keith-alexander-steve-holmes-2019#t=858) Prototyping: Inflatable Rings and Fiberglass Rods
- [20:21](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2021-08-30-springfree-trampoline-keith-alexander-steve-holmes-2019#t=1221) University IP Issues and Finding Steve Holmes
- [27:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2021-08-30-springfree-trampoline-keith-alexander-steve-holmes-2019#t=1627) Holmes Acquires the Patent and Tests the Product
- [30:19](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2021-08-30-springfree-trampoline-keith-alexander-steve-holmes-2019#t=1819) Retailer Skepticism and the Costco Challenge
- [39:28](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2021-08-30-springfree-trampoline-keith-alexander-steve-holmes-2019#t=2368) Manufacturing Shift to China and Factory Investment
- [43:12](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2021-08-30-springfree-trampoline-keith-alexander-steve-holmes-2019#t=2592) Losing Costco and Pivoting to Direct-to-Consumer
- [49:56](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2021-08-30-springfree-trampoline-keith-alexander-steve-holmes-2019#t=2996) Scaling the Business and Pandemic Growth

## Topics

- [Prototyping & iteration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/prototyping)
- [Starting a product company](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/starting-a-company)
- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)
- [Retail, wholesale & distribution](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/retail-and-distribution)
- [Direct-to-consumer & e-commerce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/direct-to-consumer)
- [Pricing, margins & unit economics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pricing-and-unit-economics)

## Most relevant to

founders before launch, early-stage companies, companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- Springfree Trampoline (product)
- Costco (company)
- Jim Sinegal (other)
- University of Canterbury (company)
- Dyson (product)
- Super Show (other)

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- [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)
- [#019 - Chairless chair, with Keith Gunura of noonee, Switzerland](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2017-03-29-019-chairless-chair-with-keith-gunura-of-noonee-switzerland) (The Hardware Entrepreneur)
- [046: Bootstrapping Product Development, Stephanie Cummings & Tal Berke of Shlocker](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2017-03-28-046-bootstrapping-product-development-stephanie-cummings-tal-berke-of-shlocker) (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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