From Joke to Big Business: Canadian Entrepreneurs Cash In on Bottled Air
In a world where bottled water is a billion-dollar industry, two Canadian entrepreneurs have turned a seemingly absurd idea into a thriving business: selling bottled air. Moses Lamb and Troy Paquette, former real estate partners from Edmonton, Alberta, have capitalized on the purity of the Canadian Rockies’ air, bottling it and shipping it around the world.
The idea, initially born as a joke, quickly gained traction. “We looked at a bottle of water and said, ‘Hey, we want to try something fun, let’s try bottled air,’” said Paquette. Their first attempt, a bag of air sold on eBay for 99 cents, actually cost them money to ship. However, the second bag sold for a whopping $168 to an American buyer, proving the potential of their unconventional product.
Lamb and Paquette invested a million dollars to establish Vitality Air, a company that captures fresh air from the Canadian Rockies and packages it into 161-second "shots" costing between $20 and $25. Their product, they claim, is a unique way to experience the clean, crisp air of Banff National Park, often described as one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
To ensure the purest air possible, the duo embark on arduous expeditions. They drive for hours from Edmonton to Banff National Park, where they spend 40 hours straight filling their tanks with fresh air. This process, which requires them to brave the elements and even once led to them getting locked out of their car in freezing temperatures, highlights the dedication behind their unusual venture.
“When we’re filling air in the middle of the night, we talk about trying not to die and trying not to get eaten by animals,” joked Paquette. Despite the challenges, their commitment has paid off. Vitality Air’s 2016 sales reached $230,000, and they are aiming for a whopping half a million dollars in revenue this year.
The success of Vitality Air is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of Lamb and Paquette, who have proven that even the most seemingly outlandish ideas can become profitable. As Lamb puts it, "I could live out here, I don’t need Wi-Fi or cell phones, I can live in this kind of environment." While Paquette, the more tech-savvy of the two, admits he needs his phone, their contrasting personalities illustrate the yin and yang partnership that drives their success.
In a world increasingly focused on clean living, Vitality Air offers a unique and perhaps unexpected solution: a dose of pure Canadian air delivered right to your doorstep. Only time will tell how far this unconventional business can reach, but one thing is certain: the demand for fresh air, especially in polluted urban environments, is undeniable.
From a Joke to a Million Dollar Business: Canadian Entrepreneurs Bottle Fresh Air
In a world increasingly concerned about pollution and environmental degradation, a unique and unexpected business venture has taken root in Canada. Vitality Air, founded by two entrepreneurs from Edmonton, Alberta, sells bottled air from some of the world’s most pristine locations, including Banff National Park, a breathtaking natural wonder in the Canadian Rockies. This intriguing concept, born out of a lighthearted joke, has blossomed into a surprising success story, proving that even the most unconventional ideas can find a place in the market.
Key Takeaways:
- Fresh air, bottled and sold: Vitality Air is capitalizing on the growing desire for clean air, particularly in urban areas plagued by pollution.
- From a joke to a million-dollar business: What started as a humorous experiment has rapidly grown into a profitable enterprise, with sales reaching $230,000 in 2016.
- A unique product for a global market: Vitality Air is tapping into a niche market and proving that there is demand for air from pristine locations across the globe.
The Birth of a Quirky Idea
The idea for Vitality Air was initially a playful proposition between two friends, Moses Lamb and Troy Paquette, who were both in the real estate business. Inspired by the commercial success of bottled water, they joked about capturing and selling air from Canada’s beautiful surroundings. "We got together and said, ‘Hey, let’s try something fun and new. Let’s try bottled air," Paquette recalled. "We thought, ‘If Fiji could sell water, why couldn’t Canada sell air?’"
Their initial attempt involved filling a Ziploc bag with air and selling it on eBay for 99 cents. While they lost money on shipping, the fact that the bag sold sparked a surprising realization. "We actually lost money on that first shipment," Lamb admitted, "but the second bag sold for $168 to an American, and I was like, ‘Holy smokes!’" The realization that there was a market for bottled air, even if it sounded ludicrous, fueled their determination.
From Concept to Company
Motivated by the surprising online success, Lamb and Paquette decided to take their venture seriously. They invested a substantial amount, around a million dollars, to purchase equipment, including a truck trailer, tanks, and a facility. Paquette, a skilled welder, designed a system to capture and compress the air into cans, creating their product, Vitality Air.
"We believe that we were the first company in the world to be selling air to consumers," said Paquette. Each can holds enough air for 161 seconds and retails for around $20-$25.
The Air Collection Process: An Adventure in the Wild
The process of capturing and bottling the air is no easy feat. Lamb and Paquette, along with a partner from Calgary, embark on arduous journeys to collect pristine air from various locations, including Los Angeles, New York, and the picturesque Banff National Park.
"We actually have to go out and collect the air ourselves," explained Lamb. Their trips involve long drives, late nights, and even encounters with wildlife. "When we’re filling the air in the middle of the night, we talk about trying not to die and trying not to get eaten by animals. It actually can be a little scary."
They once even found themselves locked out of their car for hours in freezing temperatures, requiring them to break a window to gain access. The team’s dedication and passion are evident in their commitment to capturing and sharing the essence of these diverse locations.
The Yin and Yang of Entrepreneurship
Lamb and Paquette acknowledge that they are two very different individuals, but their complementary strengths have been instrumental in the success of Vitality Air.
"I’m an office guy, I’m a computer guy," Lamb described himself. "I like smelling the toner for my printer—like, all that stuff brings me happiness. I couldn’t live out here, I don’t need the Wi-Fi’s and the cell phones and everything like that."
In contrast, Paquette is more at home in the great outdoors. "I can live out here; I don’t need the Wi-Fi’s and the cell phones and everything like that," he stated. "I love this."
This dynamic duo demonstrates that even contrasting personalities can work together to achieve something extraordinary. While Lamb focuses on the business aspects, Paquette brings his technical expertise, and their shared vision fuels their progress.
A Unique Niche Market: A Breath of Fresh Air
Vitality Air has carved out a unique niche in the market, appealing to customers seeking a literal breath of fresh air, especially those living in urban environments with poor air quality. The company has tapped into a growing concern for environmental health and the quest for a cleaner, more natural existence.
"We’re not just selling air; we’re selling an experience," said Paquette. "We’re selling a part of the world. We’re selling a moment in time."
The Future of Vitality Air
With sales steadily increasing, Vitality Air has proven that even the most unconventional business ideas can find success. The company is expanding its operations and exploring new markets. Their future ambitions involve distributing their bottled air through major retailers and establishing partnerships with airlines and hotels.
Vitality Air’s improbable success story demonstrates the power of creativity, perseverance, and a willingness to challenge conventional business paradigms. In a world facing environmental challenges, this unique venture offers a fresh perspective on how to connect with nature and enjoy the simple pleasure of breathing clean air.
It remains to be seen whether Vitality Air can maintain its momentum and become a major player in the global market. However, the company’s early success suggests that there is a real demand for its distinctive product, proving that the air we breathe can indeed be a valuable commodity.
