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For most of us, it would be a dream come true to create an original product to market and use to form our own successful business. Most people aren't lucky enough to do so, but Brent Kidman has been living that dream.
After Brent served a mission in Taiwan for the LDS Church, he spent time in China inventing and developing products. In his work, he saw a number of products he was impressed with, including a unique LED flashlight. He hadn't seen anything like it in the United States so he brought it home to examine more closely. He showed it to his daughter, Lynzi Coffey, who wasn't impressed with the item's appearance, but she saw potential.
Brent and Lynzi teamed up with Wayne Stewart to launch their new venture. Wayne and Brent had worked together on a previous business enterprise and knew they would be a good team. They met with the manufacturer of the flashlights in China and received licensing to begin providing the product in the United States. After forming a marketing strategy and making some important modifications to the product, Brent, Lynzi and Wayne launched Outback Flashlights in 2006.
Outback Flashlights provides high-powered LED flashlights in a variety of sizes, colors and designs. The newest product is the Joey, a high-intensity flashlight complete with a magnetic base and red signal light for use in emergency situations. Batteries in most of the flashlights will last up to 25 hours, and the Big Stick and Mongo lights shine brightly enough to illuminate objects up to 350 yards away.
The products have been so well received that the Provo company is now selling nationwide as well as in Canada, England and Germany. Brent, Lynzi and Wayne are surprised and delighted at the success of their venture and are currently looking into additional distribution options with major retailers.
