# 005: Miniature Construction Materials

- Show: [Product Startup](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup)
- Published: 2016-04-05
- Length: 49m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2016-04-05-005-miniature-construction-materials
- Listen: http://www.theproductstartup.com/episode-5-mat-hofma-and-erik-polumbo-with-mini-materials/

## Summary

Mat Hofma and Erik Polumbo, founders of Mini Materials, explain how they launched a business selling miniature cinder blocks and pallets using a budget of under $500 for prototyping. They detail their process of 3D printing, creating silicone molds, and casting real concrete, while leveraging Instagram and Reddit for organic marketing. The duo discusses their decision to keep manufacturing in the U.S. to maintain margins and quality, and their strategy for scaling production by contracting local individuals rather than using large overseas factories.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2016-04-05-005-miniature-construction-materials#t=0) Introduction: Mat Hofma and Erik Polumbo of Mini Materials
- [3:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2016-04-05-005-miniature-construction-materials#t=181) Prototyping and Validation: 3D Printing and Silicone Molds
- [6:16](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2016-04-05-005-miniature-construction-materials#t=376) Partnership Dynamics: Complementary Skills and Legal Structure
- [10:44](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2016-04-05-005-miniature-construction-materials#t=644) Manufacturing Strategy: Local U.S. Production and Outsourcing
- [18:36](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2016-04-05-005-miniature-construction-materials#t=1116) Marketing Growth: Reddit, Instagram, and Viral Features
- [33:34](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2016-04-05-005-miniature-construction-materials#t=2014) Product Development: Targeting Niche Markets like Dioramas
- [42:16](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2016-04-05-005-miniature-construction-materials#t=2536) Challenges: Time Management and Financial Tracking

## Topics

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

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Mini Materials (company)
- Mat Hofma (other)
- Erik Polumbo (other)
- Shopify (tool)
- Reddit (other)
- 3D Hubs (other)
- Shippo (tool)
- The Awesomer (other)
- Uncrate (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Episode 293: My pants are here!](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2021-01-29-episode-293-my-pants-are-here) (Making It)
- [From Crowdfunding to Development and Manufacturing with Erik Hunter of InD Creation](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/predictable-designs-podcast/2020-01-27-from-crowdfunding-to-development-and-manufacturing-with-erik-hunter-of-ind-creat) (Predictable Designs Podcast)
- [KiwiCo: Sandra Oh Lin](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2023-12-25-kiwico-sandra-oh-lin) (How I Built This)
- [Advice Line with Katlin Smith of Simple Mills](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2025-01-23-advice-line-with-katlin-smith-of-simple-mills) (How I Built This)
- [S3 E7: Building Bootstrapped Hardware That Sells with Christian Reed](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-builder-circle/2026-01-13-s3-e7-building-bootstrapped-hardware-that-sells-with-christian-reed) (The Builder Circle)

## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2016-04-05-005-miniature-construction-materials. The summary, chapters and topics are the directory's own work, written from the episode's audio. The episode itself, its title and its audio belong to Product Startup.