We decided were ready for the big dog. People should talk more about it. A St. George-based company has inked a marketing deal it hopes will get the world engaged in potty talk. Edwards said it will begin appearing on store shelves in November. It's a stool for better stools. About 450 companies pitched more than 750 products during the one-day event this year. Now, some 90 percent of the businesss manufacturing occurs in the United States. The idea was born as an effort to solve a personal issue in Edwards family, but promoting the product has created a need to talk openly and fervently about health issues people generally dont discuss in polite company. Its a huge honor, Edwards said. Its a gift that sparks conversation. Its kind of like the American dream.. For a time, Squatty Potty was made in China because it was just cheaper to go there. But the rise of Chinas middle class as well as the desire to boost jobs in the United States made the decision to pull manufacturing back closer to home more attractive, Edwards said. Scott Markley, Walmarts senior media relations manager, said Squatty Potty pitched its product as part of an open call event the retailer holds each year since rolling out a program in 2013 to invest $250 billion in U.S.-made products over the course of 10 years. Also, when large orders are placed, they may take 12 weeks to fulfill if theyre coming from China, he said. Following a meeting by the toilet posture products executives with Walmarts purchasing representatives at the companys Arkansas headquarters in June, the worlds largest retailer announced it will begin placing Squatty Potty on its shelves as well. Our employees are just so happy they can find good-paying employment in Washington County, Edwards said. I grew up here. 2022 www.thespectrum.com. The businessprimary innovation was a small toilet stool designed to raise the users feet to an ergonomically appropriate height during a trip to the bathroom a significant step in eliminating problems with elimination, so to speak, to prevent constipation and hemorrhoids. But its something everybody wants, and the company has found that it habitually underestimates how its sales will do during the Christmas season, he said. They spoke earlier this month at the invitation of Dixie State Universitys Technology, Innovation and Entrepeneurship Club, and at the Cedar City Economic Summit. Follow reporter Kevin Jenkins on Twitter, @SpectrumJenkins. Weve been very successful in every market weve been in, Squatty Potty CEO Bobby Edwards said Friday. Agood item for a white elephant gift. I went to high school here.. In January, the St. George Chamber of Commerce awarded its entrepreneur of the year recognition to the company. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Entrepreneurs and multi-national companies that participate run the gamut from little two-person companies to truly large businesses, he said. Squatty Potty has steadily built on its fortunes since it first appeared in 2012, gaining attention through the televised entrepreneur-promoting "Shark Tank" show and talk shows featuringHoward Stern and "Dr. Oz," as well as distribution through retailers such as Target, JC Penney, Ace Hardware and Bed Bath & Beyond. Edwards and his parents stay busy with speaking engagements as part of their efforts to proselytize their healthy digestion mission. Call him at 435-674-6253. Traditionally, the fourth quarter is strong for us but (to be involved with) a retailer like Walmart, it changes things. Increasing domestic manufacturing will help create additional jobs in the U.S. and that's good for American businesses, Markley stated. Walmart already lists the Squatty Potty as available on its website. Were expecting to do over $30 million in sales this year, he said. It has the potential to take us to five times our revenue.. Squatty Potty was one of the fortunate companies to secure a deal.. Its a health product., Local business leaders discuss global possibilities. By investing in products that support American jobs, we are able to bring new products to our shelves that our customers want and new jobs to our communities. All order fulfillment is taken care of in Salt Lake City, and Edwards has said he hopes to increase international sales to 20 percent of the companys business next year. Edwards said the company hopes to leverage its success to continue supporting other products, such as its Good Move! colon care formula. The companys headquarters are in St. George, but the product itself is manufactured in Logan, a site in Ontario, Canada, and close to home in Leeds. All rights reserved. A joke. That means reaching everyone in every venue we can. Retail distribution means a lot and our mission is to change the way America poops, Edwards said. The culture in our office is positive and fun.. Edwards embraces the fact that some people consider it a novelty. It also increases the companys workload.