You must dare to believe in your own idea

Sometimes the simplest of solutions can be the most impactful. Jouni and Raimo Kautto are the brothers from Eskilstuna who together developed the innovation Brelock. The product has been in the SmartaSaker range for almost ten years and has grown over the years to become a popular bestseller.

It all started when Jouni ran into his distant relative Raimo by chance in the local second hand shop. The unexpected meeting became a fond reunion and Raimo was able to take the opportunity to tell him of an idea he had recently.

- Raimo often gets many ideas so his head spins. In that way, we are a good match. He starts running and then I take over the baton, says Jouni.

Raimo’s idea may have been simple, but would soon prove to have great impact both nationally and internationally. The idea was based on the frustration he felt with the number of butter knives used on a daily basis. He realised that the problem could be easily solved with a lid combined with an integrated butter knife that could be reused time and time again. The lid could also vary in design, depending on which spreadable breakfast spread was of interest.

Although both Raimo and Jouni were happy with the idea, they initially chose to keep it to themselves.

- We asked very few people what they thought of the product. Nor did we do any market research. Partly we were probably afraid of what people would think, but we also didn't want someone else to steal our idea.

From prototype to finished product

In addition to producing keychains, Jouni also runs his own company Unik Racing, which is engaged in the manufacture and sale of motorcycle and car parts. This experience was particularly gratifying to bring into the innovation creation process, especially the practical knowledge that was crucial during the production of the product. Jouni explains how there are probably a lot of people out there who have good solutions but lack the tools to make their ideas a reality.

-If I didn't have the experience with Unik Racing, I probably wouldn't have dared to invest, admits Jouni.

It took about 9 months from the initial idea stage to the product being fully completed. Many years have passed since Brelock was new on the market and at the time of writing the product has sold several 300,000 units. Jouni is extra proud of the fact that both product and packaging are produced in Eskilstuna and have spread all the way to the USA. He notes himself impressed:

- It's cool that two old men can get an idea that can result in something big.

Both Jouni and Raimo use Brelock daily and state that even today the product still lives up to its promise.

Jouni's tips for other innovators:

Be open to different types of collaborations and partners.
Dare to bet on your idea! If you believe in the product yourself, it is probably worth exploring.

Sometimes the simplest of solutions can be the most impactful. Jouni and Raimo Kautto are the brothers from Eskilstuna who together developed the innovation Brelock. The product has been in the SmartaSaker range for almost ten years and has grown over the years to become a popular bestseller.

It all started when Jouni ran into his distant relative Raimo by chance in the local second hand shop. The unexpected meeting became a fond reunion and Raimo was able to take the opportunity to tell him of an idea he had recently.

- Raimo often gets many ideas so his head spins. In that way, we are a good match. He starts running and then I take over the baton, says Jouni.

Raimo’s idea may have been simple, but would soon prove to have great impact both nationally and internationally. The idea was based on the frustration he felt with the number of butter knives used on a daily basis. He realised that the problem could be easily solved with a lid combined with an integrated butter knife that could be reused time and time again. The lid could also vary in design, depending on which spreadable breakfast spread was of interest.

Although both Raimo and Jouni were happy with the idea, they initially chose to keep it to themselves.

- We asked very few people what they thought of the product. Nor did we do any market research. Partly we were probably afraid of what people would think, but we also didn't want someone else to steal our idea.

From prototype to finished product

In addition to producing keychains, Jouni also runs his own company Unik Racing, which is engaged in the manufacture and sale of motorcycle and car parts. This experience was particularly gratifying to bring into the innovation creation process, especially the practical knowledge that was crucial during the production of the product. Jouni explains how there are probably a lot of people out there who have good solutions but lack the tools to make their ideas a reality.

-If I didn't have the experience with Unik Racing, I probably wouldn't have dared to invest, admits Jouni.

It took about 9 months from the initial idea stage to the product being fully completed. Many years have passed since Brelock was new on the market and at the time of writing the product has sold several 300,000 units. Jouni is extra proud of the fact that both product and packaging are produced in Eskilstuna and have spread all the way to the USA. He notes himself impressed:

- It's cool that two old men can get an idea that can result in something big.

Both Jouni and Raimo use Brelock daily and state that even today the product still lives up to its promise.

Jouni's tips for other innovators:

Be open to different types of collaborations and partners.
Dare to bet on your idea! If you believe in the product yourself, it is probably worth exploring.