# 041: Testing Stereo Components with Jay DeMerit of RockIt Logs

- Show: [Product Startup](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup)
- Published: 2017-02-21
- Length: 50m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2017-02-21-041-testing-stereo-components-with-jay-demerit-of-rockit-logs
- Listen: https://theproductstartup.com/041-jay-demerit-rockit/

## Summary

Jay DeMerit, founder of RockIt Logs, explains how he combined reclaimed wood from British Columbia with Bluetooth speaker technology to create unique, portable stereos. He details the rigorous testing of wood species like cedar and hemlock to manage cracking, and the selection of specific full-range speakers and 60-watt electronics to ensure performance within a compact log enclosure. DeMerit discusses his decision to standardize internal components to streamline production while offering high visual customization, and his strategy of launching a local boutique market before scaling via a Kickstarter campaign.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2017-02-21-041-testing-stereo-components-with-jay-demerit-of-rockit-logs#t=0) Introduction: Jay DeMerit and RockIt Logs
- [2:03](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2017-02-21-041-testing-stereo-components-with-jay-demerit-of-rockit-logs#t=123) Origin Story: Reclaimed Wood and Speaker Design
- [7:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2017-02-21-041-testing-stereo-components-with-jay-demerit-of-rockit-logs#t=426) Component Selection: Speakers and Electronics
- [11:02](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2017-02-21-041-testing-stereo-components-with-jay-demerit-of-rockit-logs#t=662) Wood Testing: Managing Cracking and Drying
- [19:29](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2017-02-21-041-testing-stereo-components-with-jay-demerit-of-rockit-logs#t=1169) Iterative Prototyping and Local Sales
- [24:58](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2017-02-21-041-testing-stereo-components-with-jay-demerit-of-rockit-logs#t=1498) Logistics: Shipping Challenges and Market Focus
- [32:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2017-02-21-041-testing-stereo-components-with-jay-demerit-of-rockit-logs#t=1921) Kickstarter Strategy: Marketing and Content
- [43:49](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2017-02-21-041-testing-stereo-components-with-jay-demerit-of-rockit-logs#t=2629) Athlete Mindset and Business Lessons

## Topics

- [Industrial & consumer product design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/industrial-design)
- [Prototyping & iteration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/prototyping)
- [Crowdfunding & preorders](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/crowdfunding)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Logistics & fulfilment](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/logistics-and-fulfillment)
- [Marketing & brand](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/marketing-and-brand)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- RockIt Logs (product)
- Portmanteau Stereo (company)
- Mako Design + Invent (company)
- Kickstarter (other)
- B&O (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Building a Connected Musical Instrument with Rafael Atijas of Loog Guitars](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/over-the-air/2022-12-22-building-a-connected-musical-instrument-with-rafael-atijas-of-loog-guitars) (Over the Air)
- [18: No Cool Cheap Screwdrivers](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/thoroughly-considered/2016-09-17-18-no-cool-cheap-screwdrivers) (Thoroughly Considered)
- [354: The trade off](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2022-05-13-354-the-trade-off) (Making It)
- [Afterschool Podcast, Episode 18 - Michael Ditullo, Chief Design Officer of Sound United (04/08)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2014-04-10-afterschool-podcast-episode-18-michael-ditullo-chief-design-officer-of-sound-uni) (Core77 Podcast)
- [Episode 033: More listener questions](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2015-08-21-episode-033-more-listener-questions) (Making It)

## Citing this page

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