Tell us what your business does.
RZ Mask sells a filtering dust mask to those who suffer from allergies or asthma or just want to breathe clean air. We have provided more than 10,000 masks to military members, farmers, ATV riders and many others.

Why are you launching it now?

RZ Mask was launched to provide a quality and affordable solution for dusty conditions. We had been developing the mask for a few years before finally launching roughly one year ago. I was a home builder the past 20-plus years and wanted a change of scenery. 


Where did you get the idea for your business?

My four sons and I ride motocross. While riding at our cabin in Wisconsin all day, our faces would be blackened by dust. We’d be coughing for days to follow. The mask was more of a safety item for motocross but has expanded into a bigger product than we imagined. 


How did you develop your business plan?

The business plan was developed as we started the company. We wanted to saturate the ATV and motocross market within the first year. However, other opportunities in farming, hunting, military and others arose.


How are you financing your business? 

Through savings from my past work. 
How do you see current economic conditions affecting your business? 
We have found that most customers have been willing to buy the mask because of its affordability and its safety advantage in dusty activities such as farming and ATV riding. 


What makes your business unique?

We’ve been dealing with nationally known businesses within the first year. We have exceeded our expectations for this period and are surprising ourselves with this company growth. For only having a few employees, we have handled the growth very well.

What was the biggest obstacle you had to overcome to get this business going? 

Jumping into a market with no niche. We were completely unknown and had little to spend on marketing. 


How did you overcome the obstacle? 

We approached it in a cost-efficient manner and received over 30 magazine reviews through good media relations. This propelled us a great deal. We also have used forums to discuss our product and answer questions. Finally, we built a Facebook page to do social networking. This has allowed us to share news and receive plenty of feedback.


What will tell you the business is successful?

I feel that the business is successful and heading in the right direction. However, there are many aspects to improve upon. The company is growing rapidly and, hopefully, more success will follow. The dust mask can be used for active sports for safety and protection from weather conditions.