By Vicki Matranga, Design Programs Coordinator
Get to know the people behind the stylish, thought-provoking designs that will be exhibited in Discover Design. This series of conversations will give you a glimpse of the inspirations, influences and ideas that go into creating the exciting products that you’ll see at the 2013 Show.
New York-based Quench Products is driven by a team of creative minds that push the envelope on traditional design. They develop unique home-entertaining products that change the way people think about function and design. The Bar10der is their first product introduction. This cleverly named 10-in-1 tool has been called “a Swiss army knife for bartenders,” as it includes a jigger, a zester, corkscrew and other implements.
We’re speaking with company co-founders Josh Salles and Geoff Curley.
Josh and Geoff, where do you find inspiration when designing new products?
Our mission is to satisfy the thirst of daily life. We find inspiration in the special or the day-to-day activities that bring people together and look for solutions that will make at-home entertaining easier and less stressful. For example, the idea for the Bar10der started after a cocktail party. I [Josh Salles] was looking over the myriad of bar tools and other remnants of the evening that were still out and knew there had to be a better solution for making cocktails at home. I immediately started envisioning a multi-use bartending tool. And then… it hit me – all of the accessories needed for making a proper drink could fit into one tool by either hinging or telescoping out from a central location!
Are there any specific designers, places or eras that influence you?
There are so many fresh, dynamic and young brands that are bringing great design to market today and in all categories. I’m a gadget lover and have a great passion for design and function and seeing how the two tie together. In so many ways, design influence is all around us, it’s in the objects that we come across on a regular basis and the daily challenges we face.
How do you choose which idea to take to the next step — to product development?
We both have extensive experience in marketing, sales, start-ups and – in particular – the spirits industry. We look at our product ideas and evaluate their market potential and consumer opportunity. We then assess our target audience and see if our product will fill a need and if it falls in line with current trends. With the Bar10der, we aimed at making it easy and practical for the home consumer to have all the tools they need to make their favorite cocktails right at home –all in one affordable and convenient tool. We are giving consumers the opportunity to be their own mixologist!
How does Discover Design help to expand your brand?
This March will be the first time we are exhibiting at the Housewares Show. As a company that is just getting started, we were immediately attracted to the Discover Design section as it speaks to our brand philosophy and mission. We are truly honored to be part of the premier design destination at the International Home + Housewares Show.
Thank you, Josh and Geoff, for coming to Chicago to exhibit your innovation products in Discover Design. We wish you success as you meet customers from around the world in your booth
S4371.
To learn more about Quench and its products, visit www.theBar10der.com.
Discover Design is the premier design destination at the International Home + Housewares Show. Located in the South Building, within the Dine + Design Expo, the invitation-only category features more than 100 exhibitors from around the world. Companies driven by innovation and inspired by design present distinctive products and collections in Tabletop, Gift, Textiles and Home Décor categories. Exhibitors are selected to participate by a panel of industry experts comprised of retailers, design journalists and peers. Some exhibitors appeared here last year, many are new to our Show. The Discover Design Gallery, accessible to buyers and media, features select products that are entries in the Global Innovation Award (gia) for Design. Learn more about Discover Design exhibitors and their products by checking Housewares Connect 365 at www.housewares.org
