Hey everyone, Giuseppe Grammatico here, your Franchise Guide! Welcome back to the Franchise Freedom Podcast. Today, we’re stepping away from our usual franchise focus to explore an inspiring small business story—Sorsoap!
I recently interviewed David Restiano, one of the founders of Sorsoap. His entrepreneurial journey truly captivated me. David’s story shows how innovation, passion, and real brand building can create incredible businesses from unexpected places… like your shower!
Before we dive into David’s story, I want to thank you, our listeners, for your feedback and support. Your questions and requests drive this podcast. I’m excited to share diverse perspectives and stories from the business world, both inside and outside of franchising.
Now, let’s get to our conversation with David Restiano, the creative mind behind Sorsoap!
David’s Background and the “Eureka!” Shower Moment
David’s background is as interesting as his product. A 50-year-old ex-athlete with experience in graphic design, he began his entrepreneurial journey during the COVID-19 pandemic. As David shared:
“It all started in my shower, Giuseppe. During COVID, my men’s soccer leagues shut down. I got into distance running to fill the void soccer left. One day after a run, I came back, got in the shower, and my hip flexors were sore. I grabbed a bar of green soap and started to scrape my muscles like a trainer would. It felt great.”
This shower experience sparked an idea that became Sorsoap. David, a graphic designer, envisioned a more functional muscle scraping tool made of soap.
The Concept and Evolution of Sorsoap: Soap That Scrapes (and Soothes!)
From that shower thought, Sorsoap was born. David explained how the product evolved and the unique approach Sorsoap takes to muscle recovery:
“We are a recovery company bringing a simpler way to treat yourself to the masses. We’re the first to make it out of soap.”
Sorsoap offers ultra-hard soap bars infused with essential oils and menthol for in-shower muscle scraping. They also developed the “Soar Tool,” a lightweight, non-soap muscle scraper popular among runners and athletes for on-the-go recovery. David highlighted how user-friendly Sorsoap products are, emphasizing their safety and convenience compared to traditional metal tools.
Showers, Serendipity, and the Science of Ideas
It’s amazing how many great ideas come from the shower! David and I joked about how showering’s routine nature frees the mind for creative thoughts. David shared an interesting perspective:
“When you do something you’ve done a million times, like showering, you don’t think about it. Part of your brain is free to think about bigger ideas because you’re relaxed. The shower environment is comforting.”
This highlights how routine and relaxation can spark creativity—a valuable lesson for any aspiring entrepreneur.
Marketing Authenticity: Showers and Social Media
David’s marketing for Sorsoap is as unique as the product. Embracing authenticity and humor, he isn’t afraid to be the face (and sometimes body!) of his brand, even using shower scenes in social media. He shared a funny story about his mother-in-law’s reaction to his early shower appearances online!
“Once I got over the discomfort of being the face of the company, I embraced it. When I made it authentic, we got great reactions. People enjoy our content and see behind the scenes of who’s doing the work.”
David’s genuine approach has been key to building a strong Sorsoap community online.
From Local Gyms to Shark Tank: A Sales Explosion and Mark Cuban
David’s journey took a huge turn when Sorsoap appeared on Shark Tank. After a producer saw his TikTok content, David and his partner, Dr. Dan Staats, pitched to the Sharks. David vividly described the nerve-wracking yet exciting experience:
“When a producer approached us, he liked my personality and dug deeper into our content. Next thing you know, we were standing on that rug you’ve seen a million times, scanning the Sharks. I told myself not to put too much pressure on this moment.”
Despite initial rejections, Mark Cuban, impressed by the product’s effectiveness, offered a deal! David recounted the surreal moment:
“He kept scraping his neck for a few more seconds. I thought we might have a chance. Then he said my neck hasn’t felt this good in months. That’s why I’m giving you a deal. Dan and I exhaled; we knew life might change at this point.”
The “Shark Tank effect” was immediate. Sorsoap experienced an exponential sales explosion overnight. David described the whirlwind of fulfilling orders from home with his family and partner, emphasizing the “all hands on deck” mentality needed to meet the sudden demand.
Building Community, Not Just Sales: Mark Cuban’s Wisdom
While the sales boost from Shark Tank was amazing, David shared valuable advice from Mark Cuban that shifted his focus beyond sales figures:
“Mark’s biggest point was to build community. You need a wide customer base. That’s an authentic way to build a business.”
This advice resonated with David. He realized that creating a genuine community around Sorsoap focused on helping people feel better was more fulfilling than just chasing sales. He emphasized the rewarding interactions he has with customers at events, learning how Sorsoap can positively impact their lives.
David’s Advice: Believe in Yourself and Treat People Right
As our conversation wrapped up, I asked David for his top advice for aspiring business owners. His heartfelt answer came from his own journey:
“If I could leave anything with people thinking about starting their own business, it’s to believe in yourself. Look at things differently, and remember what my mother taught me: treat people the way you want to be treated.”
David stressed the importance of self-belief, creative thinking, and treating everyone with respect. His mother’s values have guided him throughout his journey, shaping his approach to business and life. He beautifully summarized his philosophy:
“If I can help enough people and build a customer base, showing how they can feel better with our products, then the exits and growth will take care of themselves.”
David’s story reminds us that business success isn’t just about profits; it’s about passion, purpose, and making a positive impact on the world, one bar of soap (and one shower!) at a time.
Ready to explore Sorsoap and experience the recovery difference?
- Visit Sorsoap’s Website: https://www.sorsoap.com/
- Learn more about David’s Story: https://www.sorsoap.com/pages/about-us?srsltid=AfmBOoqAVlThTTaLJVNwB-vpzgRqwnhNROCLPMXcUWk34KcJ3bzSlhvK
And as always, if you’re ready to explore if business ownership, whether franchise or independent, is the right fit for you, book a free call with me: https://ggthefranchiseguide.com/right-fit/
