Northern Colorado Business Report
STICK THIS GREAT IDEA IN YOUR EAR
The Eye has just spotted the next $10 million idea.
Straight out of the "Ahh, why didn't I think of that?" file, a local firm is offering mibuds - a
plastic snap-on cover to customize several models of earbuds, including headphones for the
ever-popular iPod. Fort Collins-based Idm Enterprises LLC launched its mibuds Web site -
www.mibuds.com - during the final week of October and is seeking retail partnerships.
Idm was founded by Bob Sodetz in 1991. Sodetz explained that the company's name stands
for "idea man" because that was what his friends called him throughout school. The idea man
launched Idm with a weatherproof sports blanket, followed by a customizable ice pack. Both
inventions were intended for the promotional products category.
He said the idea for mibuds came to him in June 2007. He noticed the trend toward
customization of personal electronic devices - cell phone charms, for example. His children
were entering the iPod craze and the iconic white earbuds caught his eye.
"I thought it would be great to be able to customize them," he said.
The mibuds are currently available only through the Web site and retail for $4.99 per pair.
They come in 36 designs, ranging from peace signs to skulls. Sodetz hopes to eventually work
out licensing deals for popular characters and sport teams and may launch a line of matching
"skins" to decorate the iPod music players.
For those of you who don't remember, another simple add-on creation -Jibbitz for Crocs -
made its founder $10 million richer when the Boulder-based shoemaker bought the novelty
doodad company. Sodetz wouldn't mind if Apple, or another headphone manufacturer, came
to him with an offer.
"I don't get a real kick out of running the business," he said. "I get a kick out of coming up
with the idea."
Centro Designs
mibuds™ provide iPod & MP3 users a way to customize their ear buds
Almost anyone will confirm that iPods and other personal music players are a part of daily life. They’ll also tell you that almost everyone is always looking for ways to express their individuality.
That’s why Centro Designs is introducing mibuds™, easy-to-use ear bud attachments, as a custom designed giveaway during 2009 CES at their booth (South Hall 2 #23562).
Just as Centro Designs’ TV Stands and retail displays allow LCD and Plasma TV users a way to make an additional statement about their style and taste, mibuds™ offer iPod and MP3 users a great new way to personalize their ear buds – without breaking the bank.
Mibuds™ are just the right size to make a statement without getting in the way. Customers can choose from 36 different options in 12 series, each with three designs featuring bright colors and cool graphics or, as Centro Designs can attest, customize your own. Mibuds™ attach to ear buds quickly and easily, making it a “snap” to express a new idea and collect multiple pairs. Initial reactions from iPod users have been very positive. Per customer requests, mibuds™ is working on obtaining licensing agreements to develop mibuds™ depicting popular entertainers, collegiate and professional sports teams.
“Our mission is to deliver best of breed solutions that incorporate style, organization, storage and portability into the digital entertainment experience, at a competitive price, said Miles Davis, Business Development Manager for Centro Designs. We see that same type of innovative design, quality and value in mibuds™ so we’re excited to be partnering with them for this years’ show promotion.”
Additional mibuds™ information is available online at www.mibuds.com or by phone at 1-800-645-5983. Additional Centro Designs Information is available at www.centrodesigns.com or by phone at 1-888-309-0638.
PRNewswire
Mibuds enable iPod users to customize their ear buds
Almost anyone will confirm that iPods and other personal music players are a part of daily life. They’ll also tell you that almost everyone, particularly teens, are always looking for ways to express their individuality, even though their funds may be limited.
That’s why Idm Enterprises is introducing mibuds, easy-to-use ear bud attachments in a variety of vibrant, exciting designs and colors. Mibuds offer iPod users a great new way to personalize their iPod ear buds – without breaking the bank.
“Because iPods are everywhere, the stark white ear phones no longer make a ‘statement’ in and of themselves,” said Bob Sodetz, the founder of Idm Enterprises. “So we’re simply taking customization up the wire.”
By offering new opportunities for self-expression, this novel product appeals to people everywhere. “With mibuds, you can define yourself and display your uniqueness,” Sodetz said. “You can express your individuality without buying a new set of headphones.”
Mibuds are just the right size to make a statement without getting in the way. Customers can choose from 36 different options in 12 series, each with three designs featuring bright colors and cool graphics. Mibuds attach to iPod ear buds quickly and easily, making it a “snap” to express a new idea and collect multiple pairs. Initial reactions from iPod users have been amazing. They expressed a strong interest in mibuds and immediately requested designs featuring their favorite entertainers and graphics.
Idm Enterprises isn’t new to the personalized product market. Founded in 1991, the company is known for creating successful products like customized ice packs and sport blankets bearing team and corporate logos.
They have definite plans to expand the mibuds product line. “This is just the beginning,” Sodetz said. He is working on obtaining licensing agreements to develop mibuds depicting popular entertainers, collegiate and professional sports teams, and is also working on a series of matching iPod skins. Although designed specifically for iPod ear buds, mibuds also fit some ear buds from Sony, JVC and iLogic.
Current retail locations, purchasing and distribution opportunities and additional information are available online at http://www.mibuds.com or by calling Idm Enterprises at 1-800-645-5983.