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Entrepreneur
4 days ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
James Dyson Created His 'Mad' Vacuum Idea While $1M in Debt
It took James Dyson five years of work and 5,127 failed prototypes to create the world's first bagless vacuum cleaner. In 1978, James Dyson had an idea for a bagless vacuum cleaner that maintained suction. He was frustrated with what was considered to be a top-of-the-line model, which he said frequently clogged and lost cleaning power as soon as it filled with dust. Dyson worked on his idea full-time, and after five years of work and 5,127 failed prototypes, he created the world's first bagless vacuum cleaner — the now-famous Dyson, which has since become a consumer electronics brand reaching sales of $9.6 billion in 2023. But those early years came at a cost: He was borrowing heavily from the bank to make ends meet and had accumulated over $1 million in debt. "Eventually, I owed over a million dollars, which for a penniless person in those days, going back 30 odd years, was a lot of money," Dyson, 78, told Entrepreneur in an interview. "I didn't have any money." Related: Emma Grede Dropped Out of School at 16. Now the Skims Boss Runs a $4 Billion Empire. But he also had "little to lose," he says, which is why he took a chance on his vacuum idea despite the financial pit. He lost his father at a young age and felt a keen sense of ownership and passion for what he was building and for his future. "I suppose I don't mind living on the edge," Dyson said. "I lost my father when I was nine years old. I had it built into me that my future was entirely down to me, and to do it on my own." "I wanted to do it," he added. James Dyson. Credit: Dyson Financial constraints made Dyson more creative because not having money taught him how to cope without it. For example, he couldn't hire salespeople, advertisers, or promoters, so he went out himself to sell the vacuum cleaner. "It took quite a long time," Dyson said. "Almost every businessperson I spoke to said that I was mad." Related: Nick Offerman's Side Hustle as an Actor Helps Fund the Business He Started 23 Years Ago — and Still Works at Every Day In 1993, Dyson set up his own shop and produced the first unit of the Dyson Dual Cyclone DC-01 vacuum cleaner at a price of $399. By 1998, Dyson had sold 1.4 million units of the vacuum globally, and by 2004, the DC-01 was cemented as a commercial success, outselling its nearest competitor in the U.K. by a ratio of five to one, per Industry Week. In recent years, Dyson's eponymous company has reached new heights. In 2023, with a broader product portfolio, including hair tools, lighting, fans, and headphones, Dyson's company achieved a record global revenue of £7.1 billion ($9.6 billion) and employed 6,500 workers. Revenue increased 9% from the previous year. Now, Dyson's net worth is reportedly around $15.3 billion, making him the third-wealthiest person in the U.K. He's received other honors, too, including a knighthood in 2006 for his services to business. Related: A Billionaire Founder Admits He Had 'Horrible Habits' — Then He Started a Morning Routine That 'Transformed' His Life Dyson has certainly paid off those early debts and says he celebrates the "little successes" just as much (or even more) than the big ones. He points to Dyson hand dryers as an example — the product isn't a "huge" business, like, say, the Dyson hair dryer, he says, but he still finds it "interesting." "You shouldn't do everything in life just to get big numbers, big successes," Dyson said. "Little successes are just as satisfying."
Daily Mail
10-08-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
You're using your dishwasher WRONG! Experts reveal the surprising items you should never put in there
At the end of a big meal there's nothing better than being able to put all the dirty cutlery in the dishwasher. At the press of a button, everything comes out clean and sparkling – even the grubbiest of dishes. But you've likely been using the appliance wrong, it turns out. Experts from Which? have compiled a list of unexpected items than you can and can't put in the dishwasher. They have revealed some common mistakes that could be ruining your items – and some surprising things you can safely put in. 'Before you start throwing in anything and everything, there are certain items where handwashing is always best,' Andrew Laughlin, principal researcher at the consumer brand said. His tips can help 'avoid having to replace items that aren't dishwasher safe'. So, are you guilty of the following errors? KITCHEN KNIVES 'While steel and ceramic knives are safe in the dishwasher and won't tarnish, the heat can make the blade more prone to dulling,' he said. 'It's better to wash them by hand to avoid having to sharpen them more often – and it will ensure they last longer and stay in great condition.' The same goes for blender blades, he explained, which can also dull over time and make your smoothies less smooth. WOODEN SPOONS AND CHOPPING BOARDS It may come as a surprise to some but anything wooden can't go in the dishwasher, Mr Laughlin said. 'Regardless of what type of wood it is, the high heat of a dishwasher will cause it to splinter and split, and any cracks are ideal breeding grounds for bacteria.' He said wooden items should be washed by hand but not submerged in water for too long. Lingering odours or stains could be treated by sprinkling some salt onto the board and scrubbing with half a lemon. NON–STICK ANYTHING AND SOME BAKING TRAYS Putting non–stick pans in the dishwasher can wear down the non–stick surface over time, he explained. Instead, these should be washed and dried by hand. While baking trays made of stainless steel or anodised aluminium are fine, cast iron or regular aluminium will need hand–washing. CRYSTAL OR MILK GLASSES Crystal can be expensive, and the best way to preserve it is by avoiding the dishwasher, Mr Laughlin said, adding: 'If you're adamant, choose a very mild detergent or look for one approved for crystal or cut–glass use. 'Place the crystal in the top rack of the dishwasher and make sure that the glasses do not touch one another. Then use a delicate cycle, which washes at a lower temperature to protect items.' Milk glass, meanwhile, can be chipped by knocking against other plates in the wash. Using the dishwasher might also cause it to turn slightly yellow over time. COPPER, ALUMINIUM OR CAST–IRON COOKWARE If you want to keep your prized copper cookware shiny, it's best to wash by hand as the harshness of the dishwasher can cause surfaces to dull. Meanwhile, detergent can cause aluminium to tarnish and turn black. 'If you're not sure, it's better to be safe than sorry, so keep your Le Creuset out of the dishwasher,' Mr Laughlin said. INSULATED COFFEE MUGS OR WATER BOTTLES The vacuum seal – a very important part of insulated items – could be damaged in the dishwasher. This could make insulation worse, preventing them from keeping your drinks hot or cool, or it could make them prone to leaking. 'While some coffee cups and travel mugs can be popped into a dishwasher on the top shelf, others need to be washed by hand, so always check the packaging or the manufacturer's website,' he said. Finally, while the actual pot of a pressure cooker can go in the dishwasher, a lid should always be hand washed. 'The high heat and water jets could damage the seal mechanism, making the actual pressure part of your pressure cooker obsolete,' he said. 'It could even make using your pressure cooker dangerous if the safety mechanisms are faulty.' Mr Laughlin also revealed a list of unusual items that can safely be put in the dishwasher, including make–up brushes, plastic hairbrushes, toothbrush holders and soap trays. The dishwasher can also come in handy for cleaning vacuum cleaner attachments and refrigerator shelves and drawers. Many baby items can also be cleaned in the dishwasher – and some models even come with high–heat programs specifically for this. 'These programs are often promoted as leaving dishes germ–free or sterilised,' he said. 'However, we wouldn't recommend that you rely on your dishwasher for sterilising items for very young babies. 'Use an alternative method instead.' Mr Laughlin has also previous shared advice on the correct way to stack a dishwasher. This includes never rinsing the plates and placing the dirtiest dishes on the bottom rack. Not overloading is also important, he said, to allow the water to circulate properly. Engineers devise VERY controversial method for loading the dishwasher Loading the dishwasher can be a sore subject. Everyone claims to have perfected their own foolproof 'technique', yet no two methods are the same. But in 2015, scientists ruffled a few feathers when they claimed to have devised the definitive way to organise a dishwasher's racks. The University of Birmingham engineers tracked water movement inside dishwashers before concluding that plates should be arranged in a circle. However, carbohydrate–stained dishes should be at the centre, they said, while protein–stained dishes should be around the edge. Carbohydrate–based stains need the full force of the water jets to get clean, while protein based foods need more contact with the chemical detergent. However, they warned that due to the way baskets are currently designed, this may prove to be difficult.
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Labor Smart, Inc. (OTC: LTNC) to Announce Major Strategic Launch on July 17, 2025
Chairman and CEO tease one of the most pivotal brand announcements in company history CHEYENNE, WYOMING / / July 14, 2025 / Labor Smart, Inc. (OTC:LTNC), a Wyoming-based public company focused on launching culturally relevant, high-growth consumer brands, announced today that a major strategic update will be formally released on Thursday, July 17, 2025. The company confirmed that the announcement will unveil a landmark initiative, representing one of the most ambitious collaborations in LTNC's history. "This Thursday marks the beginning of a new era for LTNC," said Tom Zarro, Chairman of the Board. "We've spent the last year quietly building something extraordinary-and now it's time to show the world. Our team, partners, and shareholders deserve to see what's next." "This upcoming launch represents the culmination of months of strategic work, major partnerships, and aligned vision," added Brad Wyatt, Chief Executive Officer. "It's bold. It's timely. And it's going to move the needle for everyone involved." While specifics remain confidential until the formal announcement, the company confirmed the July 17 update will involve: A new national consumer brand backed by global cultural icons A multi-channel launch strategy spanning e-commerce, influencer, and retail engagement Visibility during one of 2025's most widely viewed global sporting events Save the Date: Thursday, July 17, 2025National press releaseFull digital rolloutSocial campaigns via high-profile accountsInvestor and shareholder update About Labor Smart, Inc. (OTC: LTNC)Labor Smart, Inc. is a Wyoming-registered public company focused on building, acquiring, and scaling consumer brands in the beverage, supplement, and lifestyle sectors. LTNC operates a growing portfolio of revenue-generating subsidiaries, leveraging cultural insight, operational infrastructure, and strategic capital to bring breakout products to market. Safe Harbor StatementThis press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact are "forward-looking statements," including any statements regarding expectations, beliefs, projections, future plans and strategies, anticipated events or trends, and similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions as of the date of this press release, and the company undertakes no obligation to update them, whether as a result of new information, future developments, or otherwise. Investor & Media ContactInvestor Relationsir@ Labor Smart, in the State of WyomingOTC: LTNC SOURCE: Labor Smart, Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
