Founding story March 2022 - Smartsecur
Patrick Tattermann has been working in the transportation and assembly industry for large household and electrical appliances for almost 20 years, and has been self-employed for over ten of those years. With his idea, he not only wants to significantly reduce packaging waste, but also improve transport protection for household appliances. 18.91 million tons of packaging waste were generated in 2019, which amounts to around 227 kilos per capita. This could change with the Smart Wash Bumper, as the transport protection is reusable, offers appliance protection and simplifies the carrying function on stairs etc. Smartsecur developed the prototype together with Leibniz Universität Hannover, and Patrick Tattermann is now selling the product from Linden Harbour. He rented office and storage space for his two companies here in the summer and has already created new jobs.
Patrick, what is special about your product?
I've worked in the transportation industry for many years and have hauled a lot of household appliances into homes myself. Painter new appliances generate a lot of packaging waste that we have to take back with us. And carrying the appliances through stairwells or narrow rooms is simply no fun. With the Smart-Wash-Bumper, I have developed all-round protection which, with its integrated carrying function, ensures better handling and also fewer injuries and postural damage. This also automatically improves occupational safety. The principle is based on a cover that we put over the device. The sides are reinforced with wood, there are hose holders, carrying straps and even integrated order folders so that nothing can get lost.
What is your target group?
My target group includes kitchen studios, electrical stores, removal companies, but also car rental companies that offer vehicles for private removals. The bumper can be rented out at the same time so that household appliances are not damaged during the move. We have developed simple instructions that can be downloaded using a QR code.
What happened after you won the hannoverimpuls prize?
Quite a lot. We finished developing the product, applied for patents, looked for and found lenders, moved into new premises, which we furnished really cool, and I was able to recruit the first employees. In November, we not only celebrated the 10th anniversary of my transport company, but also gave the go-ahead for the bumper.
What are your tips for other founders?
Don't just rely on your idea. Create a solid foundation from which you can act. Don't march off without a plan. And don't think that people will immediately jump on your idea. It takes time, perseverance and 100% belief in your idea. If you have even the slightest doubt, don't do it. Don't develop your idea to death. Further development will come all by itself. Do it with sense and understanding.
Contact details:
smartsecur GmbH
Lagerstr. 1
30453 Hanover
Phone: 0511 33098630
www.smartsecur.eu
Patrick Tattermann on the cooperation with hannoverimpuls:
Taking part in the start-up competition really helped me. My mentor is still with me today. I wouldn't have managed the business plan that I had to create for the bank loan on my own.
Marcus Rohde, Project Manager Start-up and Entrepreneurship at hannoverimpuls, on the collaboration with Patrick Tattermann:
A great project that is well thought out down to the last detail. Here you can see the professional who wants to improve his actual work and at the same time focus on sustainability. It was fun to accompany Patrick's development.