Eric Ryan and Adam Lowry are the co-founders of Method, a company that revolutionized the cleaning products industry by combining environmental sustainability with innovative design. Founded in 2000, Method introduced eco-friendly cleaning solutions that were both effective and aesthetically pleasing, challenging the traditional notion that "green doesn't clean." Their entrepreneurial journey is detailed in their book, "The Method Method: Seven Obsessions That Helped Our Scrappy Start-up Turn an Industry Upside Down."
The Problem
The cleaning products industry was dominated by large corporations offering products that were often ineffective, unappealing, and harmful to the environment. Consumers seeking eco-friendly alternatives faced limited options that were either ineffective or lacked appealing design. This gap in the market presented an opportunity to create cleaning products that were both environmentally responsible and desirable to a broad consumer base.
The Solution
Method addressed this market gap by developing a line of cleaning products that combined high performance with stylish, user-friendly design. By using non-toxic, biodegradable ingredients and partnering with renowned designer Karim Rashid, Method created products that were both effective and visually appealing. This approach not only attracted environmentally conscious consumers but also appealed to a wider audience, making eco-friendly cleaning products mainstream.
The Motivation
Eric and Adam found it unsettling that they were soaking their homes in questionable chemicals every time they cleaned. And they were motivated by a shared vision to make sustainability accessible and attractive to the masses. Ryan, with a background in marketing, and Lowry, a chemical engineer, combined their expertise to challenge the status quo of the cleaning products industry. Their goal was to prove that environmentally friendly products could be both effective and desirable, thereby encouraging consumers to make more sustainable choices without compromising on performance or aesthetics.
The Lessons
The founders' journey with Method offers valuable lessons in innovation and entrepreneurship. It demonstrates the importance of identifying market gaps and leveraging diverse skill sets to create products that meet consumer needs. Their success underscores the impact of integrating sustainability with design to appeal to a broad audience. Additionally, Method's growth highlights the potential for small companies to disrupt established industries by offering superior alternatives that resonate with consumers.
Conclusion
Eric Ryan and Adam Lowry's creation of Method exemplifies how combining environmental responsibility with innovative design can lead to significant industry disruption. Their commitment to making eco-friendly cleaning products both effective and appealing has set new standards in the industry, inspiring consumers and businesses alike to consider sustainability in their choices.