SASKATCHEWAN - A Saskatchewan couple is aiming to transform any space into an entertainment/service hub with their product, the Nomad Pad.
The Nomad Pad functions like a portable TV, with the additional capabilities of processing payments, showcasing products and more.
Bailey Kimery, founder of the Nomad Pad, and Constantin Katsiris, the brand ambassador, discussed how the product idea first came to be.
"[We were] chatting about different opportunities and stuff like that and how it would be cool to travel the world. I guess like [what] we're starting to do now and sell a product online. We were looking at digital products and physical products," said Katsiris.
He came across this product, which was a smart screen on a stick with a battery as a base and thought it was interesting.
After doing more research into it, Katsiris believed they could develop a better product than the original one they saw and market it across Canada.
Kimery mentioned the two "saw so many gaps in not only the local community but in Canadian businesses as well. [So], it was really kind of bringing into fruition and connecting the dots for people in the sense of like how can you incorporate this [and] how can this enhance your life on an individual level, on a business level [and] on an entrepreneur level."
So, the two contacted a manufacturer overseas and gave them the design of the product they wanted to make with unique features that would appeal to different kinds of consumers. From there, the couple came up with the name Nomad Pad, and the manufacture branded it on their devices.
Katsiris said they spent $35,000 CAD on the first order of units. When asked if they felt it was risky to invest so much money at once, Katsiris mentioned through the e-commerce course they took. They were set up with a mentorship program, which allowed them to test out the need for the product before they ordered any supplies.
So, the two created a website for it, and marketed the product on a small budget and sold around nine orders in the first 10 days. The Nomad Pad has been sold to various types of places, including a hair salon and to a therapist.
What makes the product so versatile, said Kimery, is "[the] screen moves like horizontally and vertically, you can just swap it like this, and it automatically changes, so if you want to, you can mirror off of your phone or use [Apple] AirPlay if you want to [for gaming or watching movies/videos]. If you just have the screen and you want to show somebody something, it'd be great for trade shows for like any business, whether it's to showcase your website or showcase your products."
Referencing the therapist they sold a Nomad Pad to, Katsiris mentioned, "[they are] going to use it for teachable lessons that are kind of interactive for like counselling and for different kind[s] of trade shows where they're like teaching lessons on different kind[s] of disorders and coping mechanisms and stuff like that."
There are also other features like processing payments, downloading different apps, and having wheels at the bottom of the base to move the Nomad Pad around.
With all these features, Katsiris said, "I don't think there's a business out there that couldn't utilize it."
Even though only nine units have currently been sold, Kimery said they’re encouraged by the feedback they have received so far.
Katsiris even said other businesses, like Houston Pizza, have expressed their interest in having a Nomad Pad in each of their locations down the line.
As more consumers see the product, Katsiris believes it will have a snowball effect.
In terms of their hopes with the Nomad Pad, Katsiris said it’s all about being able to sell a product that helps people out.
While anyone would hope to become a millionaire from selling their product, Katsiris is content with eventually selling around 50 Nomad Pads per month as they continue to grow their branding.
