A Passion for Progress

The Creation of Sipback

A new product is hitting the market soon, turning seventy pounds of beach essentials into a portable twelve-pound bundle you can easily carry on your back. Three Independence High School students with go-getter attitudes, saw an opportunity to create something that made life a little simpler. SipBack is more than just a beach chair, with an integrated beverage tap system and a detachable insulated cooler module, it is designed to keep your drinks cold all day long. For an added benefit, mesh pockets were integrated into the design to secure all of your valuables, making your trip to the beach totally hand - and hassle - free. 

The trio of high schoolers, who are also participants in the Williamson County Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center, came up an inventive idea and found a way to make it happen. The team - Harrison Smith, CEO, Graham Kosobud, Marketing, and Hudson Oakes, Sales/Finance - have been friends for years. Their journey with SipBack began in a garage, when Harrison repurposed a windshield wiper pump by attaching it to a beach chair. The three decided then and there that this had to be the perfect product for all of the dads out there, who break their backs to ensure that their family has everything needed for a full beach day. 

Despite being busy with athletics and academics, the boys have successfully managed the challenges of running a business as seventeen-year-old students, always finding a few hours each week to push SipBack’s success forward. Fortunately, the three have benefited greatly from exceptional mentorship, with the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center playing a major role in their journey. 

The dream for SipBack is big, and their blaring passion shows in every conversation. When the boys were asked, “What has been pivotal in making SipBack happen?” Harrison so keenly responded: “Learning to chase progress over perfection.” The team has faced many challenges in the creation and launch of SipBack, and the lessons learned have only grounded them in their mission to push forward. Focusing on their progress has allowed their creativity to flourish, something that is evident in not only their product, but the way in which they speak about their business. 

The trio could not be more proud of what they have accomplished, and their well-deserved pride makes them all the more eager to share SipBack with the world. Developing a convenient, practical product is no small task, but their determination has set them apart. Between classes and studying, the team has taken trips to pitch their product to potential clients, such as locations in 30A, music venues and more. The team’s next goal is to sell their product here in Williamson County.

If you are looking for the perfect gift for the hard-to-shop-for person in your life, SipBack is the ultimate choice. Not only are you supporting young entrepreneurs in our community, but this unique gift will be sure to stand out. SipBack is perfect for beach dads, college tailgaters, music festival lovers, and anyone who appreciates convenience. 

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To keep up with the trio and their product, follow their Instagram @shopsipback or check out their website at shopsipback.com.