Skip to main content

Utah SBDC Recognizes Company Run By Two Student Entrepreneurs



The Students’ Previous Achievements Hailed by Forbes Magazine and ‘Shark Tank’


Kisstixx is an Orem based start-up that launched in 2010 by Dallas Robinson and Mike Buonomo, two undergraduate students at Utah Valley University. In just two years since they sold their first box of Kisstixx lip-balm, Robinson and Buonomo now distribute  products worldwide.

 “We have set ourselves apart from the (rest) of the lip balm industry because we are creating a fun, innovative, high-quality product that is delivered for a better value,” said Robinson. “Kisstixx is unique in that the lip balm comes in two compatible flavors.   When you take one and give one to your special someone the flavors mix to create a new experience. It’s fun, it’s hip and the flavors are incredible.”

 Forbes magazine selected Dallas Robinson, who created the vision for Kisstixx, as an “All Star Student Entrepreneur” in August 2012. Robinson was one of only nine students selected for the Forbes annual recognition. Kisstixx was also featured on an episode of Shark Tank in March 2012, when billionaire investor Mark Cuban invested $200,000 into the business.  This year, the Small Business Administration (SBA) also selected Kisstixx as one of four companies to feature as part of the annual SBA video contest.  The video can be seen at http://www.sba.gov/stories/kisstixx

Robinson and Buonomo have secured contracts with national retailers including, Win Dixie, Kmart and Walgreens, and have signed nearly a dozen contracts with international markets including the United Kingdom, Australia and Japan.   Kisstixx is also embarking on new products and business partnerships including the launch of a double-ended lip balm, which will be available on QVC beginning in October 2012 in partnership with Shark Tank’s Lori Greiner.

While discussing the business idea with faculty from UVU, Robinson’s professors referred him to the UVU Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to help answer his questions about starting a business. “The SBDC helped us answer technical questions and build a business plan so that we could get a loan from the bank,” said Robinson.  “As two young college students, that was pretty incredible for us. I attribute a lot of our success to the help we received (from the SBDC).”

Ken Fakler, Director of the UVU Small Business Development Center continues to meet with Robinson and Buonomo monthly as a business advisor. “We have tried to build a culture in our company that you always ask questions, even if you think you have the answer,” said Robinson. “It’s so important to get expert opinions before making any big decisions.”

Kisstixx has created 17 jobs, in addition to the 40 sales reps representing the company.   “It’s amazing what Dallas and Mike have accomplished in such a short time, said Fakler.  “They have really got a lot of traction in terms of sales and it is quite the accomplishment.”
The UT SBDC provides consulting, training and other resources to emerging and existing small business owners in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), the Lead UT SBDC Center at Salt Lake Community College, and other colleges and universities in the state.   To learn more about the UT SBDC program, please visit www.utahsbdc.org.  For more information about Kisstixx visit www.kisstixx.com.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

SLCC's Undergraduate Annual Research Conference Registration Deadline

Salt Lake Community College’s annual Undergraduate Projects, Performances, Presentations, and Research Conference (UP3RC) is set to take place on April 2, at the Taylorsville Redwood Campus, offering students a chance to showcase their academic achievements, fostering a culture of intellectual exchange.  The UP3RC is an annual event designed to celebrate and highlight the academic accomplishments of undergraduate students. It provides a supportive environment for students to share their work, hone their presentations skills, receive constructive feedback, and engage in meaningful discussions with their peers and faculty. All SLCC departments and programs, including faculty and staff, are encouraged to support and visit the day of the event. Students with their poster from last year's UPRC event “The goal of this event is to make sure every school and student is given the opportunity to participate,” says Dr. Kamal Bewar, interim director of the STEM Learning Center, who is chairin...
Post a Comment
Read more

Rev Up Your Future at SLCC Annuals Hop into College

SLCC West Valley Center will be opening its doors on Friday, August 2, from 6-9 pm for their annual lowrider event that celebrates the automotive culture and welcomes current, past, and future Bruins into the SLCC community. This unique event allows lowriders to showcase their vehicles and for spectators to witness the creativity, craftsmanship, and passion that goes into a lowrider car. From the sleek custom paint jobs to the impressive hydraulics showcased at the hop-off, attendees get immersed in the vibrant culture created by SLCC West Valley’s community. Beyond the car show, Hop into College provides prospective students and their families the opportunity to explore SLCC, engage with their future peers, staff and faculty and obtain valuable insight into the degrees and programs offered. Furthermore, the community is provided with countless beneficial resources not only as an SLCC student but as a community member. Whether interested in learning more about the lowrider community o...
Post a Comment
Read more

HB 261 and HB 257 Frequently Asked Questions

Dear Faculty, Staff and Students: The Utah Legislature recently passed two bills that significantly impact higher education:  HB 261  Equal Opportunity Initiatives and HB  257  Sex-Based Designations for Privacy, Anti-Bullying, and Women’s Opportunities. Salt Lake Community College is deeply committed to our students, faculty, and staff. We strive to be a place where all are welcomed and respected. While there are many unknowns about the ultimate effect these bills will have on some student and staff support programs, be assured that SLCC will maintain an environment where all can find success and feel a sense of belonging. In the coming months, college leadership will work to gain clarity and determine the changes necessary for legislative compliance. We will also share this information as it becomes available.  We realize that during this time, some in our college community may feel unsettled and stressed. We encourage you to make use of available SLCC resourc...
Post a Comment
Read more