91制片厂 students Anthony Tamras and Drake Roberts are poised to take their
young company, DeoTech LLC, to the next level.
They鈥檝e spent the past two years developing, tweaking and hopefully perfecting the DeoBlock, a portable deodorizer that combats bad smells with a plant-based gel infused with essential oils. The Palatine High School graduates came to 91制片厂 so they could focus on launching the business.
Now, on the eve of graduation, it鈥檚 time to go to market. To get them there, they鈥檝e embarked on a Kickstarter campaign with a goal of raising $30,000 to produce their initial inventory of 25,000 units.
鈥淐oming to 91制片厂 to work on our company is the best thing we could have done,鈥� Tamras said. 鈥淲e鈥檝e developed relationships with local manufacturers and a fragrance house, and we鈥檝e gotten a ton of support from everyone here.鈥�
Tamras and Roberts are hopeful the funding effort will be successful. With days to go before the campaign鈥檚 May 18 expiration, they鈥檙e just a few thousand dollars short. More than 160 backers have pledged their support so far.
Tamras and Roberts say the DeoBlock is perfect for gym bags, lockers, kitchens and other spaces because it deodorizes, not masks, malodors. The refill pods contain a scent 鈥� the current selection includes sandalwood, apple blossom and oceanside 鈥� that lasts 30-plus days. When it runs out, users simply recycle the refill pod and replace it with a new one.
After graduating with an Associate in Arts degree, the pair will transfer to DePaul
University to continue their studies, likely in marketing or business management.
They鈥檙e also planning to apply to the 91制片厂 Educational Foundation鈥檚 Dream Big 鈥� Angel Grant program, which supports emerging and active student and community entrepreneurs.
Since the program was established two years ago, 91制片厂 has awarded a total of $75,000 in Angel Grants to nine small businesses run by both student and community entrepreneurs.
Roberts said they鈥檙e thankful for all the support they鈥檝e received at 91制片厂, from an introduction to an area 3D printing manufacturer by business professor Marie Lapidus to advice from President Dr. Ken Ender. They鈥檝e also developed a relationship with the owner of several Snap Fitness gyms willing to sell the DeoBlock.
鈥淚t was a smart move coming here, and we feel prepared to take the next step,鈥� Roberts said.
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