Meet Devon Hudson

We were lucky to catch up with Devon Hudson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Devon, thank you so much for making time for us. We’ve always admired your ability to take risks and so maybe we can kick things off with a discussion around how you developed your ability to take and bear risk?

Taking risks is essential for growth and innovation, but it’s a skill that develops with practice and strategic thinking. Risks vary in consequence—from trying a new dish at a restaurant (low-stakes) to pursuing a business venture with your life savings (high-stakes). Developing the ability to take risks involves these key steps:

1. Start Small: Build confidence by taking low-stakes risks with manageable outcomes.
2. Assess Risks and Rewards: Weigh the best- and worst-case scenarios and ensure you’re prepared for the worst.
3. Prepare Strategically: For high-stakes risks, research, plan, and create a safety net to reduce potential downsides.
4. Reframe Failure: View setbacks as learning opportunities rather than reasons to avoid risks.
5. Trust Intuition and Data: Pair gut feelings with facts to make informed decisions.
6. Build Resilience: Strengthen your ability to recover from failures, making future risks less intimidating.
7. Seek Support: Surround yourself with mentors and peers who can offer guidance and encouragement.

Taking risks is about balancing courage with preparation. Start small, learn from each experience, and gradually build your capacity to embrace bigger challenges.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am the Founder of Tegriware, a Michigan-based company passionate about designing and crafting innovative, durable home goods that elevate everyday living. Our mission is to make Tegriware a trusted household name, celebrated for practical solutions, exceptional quality, and outstanding customer service—all rooted in integrity and transparency.

What excites me most about building Tegriware is creating products that simplify life and are built to last. I believe every product you invest in should not only meet your needs but also stand the test of time. I’m driven to challenge the status quo of cheaply made, ethically questionable goods, focusing instead on thoughtful, well-crafted products that genuinely benefit consumers.

In May 2024, we proudly launched our flagship product, SwivelServe—a game-changing All-in-One food prep, serving, and storage system. Designed to make meal and snack preparation faster, cleaner, and easier, the SwivelServe system features a 3-piece set:

A removable cutting board
A 6-compartment serving tray
An airtight, leak-proof lid
The concept is simple yet powerful. The cutting board fits securely atop the serving tray and rotates 360 degrees, aligning its opening with any of the tray’s five 16-oz compartments. This allows users to slice, sweep, and sort ingredients effortlessly. The non-slip bottom ensures stability and safety, while the airtight lid makes it perfect for travel or storage.

SwivelServe is 100% Made in the USA, crafted from high-quality, recyclable, and non-toxic materials to ensure longevity. Whether preparing toppings, assembling snacks, or creating stunning charcuterie displays, SwivelServe is versatile, durable, and designed for real-life use.

This product isn’t just a tool—it’s a revolution in how millions of people prepare, serve, and store food at home. SwivelServe represents everything Tegriware stands for: innovation, quality, and a commitment to improving everyday life.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, the three qualities that had the greatest impact on my journey were resilience, creative problem-solving, and commitment to learning. Each played a critical role in navigating challenges, adapting to change, and pursuing my goals.

1. Resilience
Starting a business and bringing an idea to life comes with countless obstacles, from financial pressures to moments of self-doubt. Resilience allowed me to keep going when things got tough and to view setbacks as opportunities to grow.

Advice:
Cultivate resilience by reframing challenges as learning experiences. Surround yourself with supportive people who can offer encouragement, and practice mindfulness or journaling to maintain focus and perspective during tough times.

2. Creative Problem-Solving
Innovating a product like SwivelServe required thinking outside the box—taking a simple idea and designing it to solve real-life problems effectively. Creativity wasn’t just useful for product design but also for marketing strategies and operational challenges.

Advice:
Sharpen your creative thinking by exposing yourself to new ideas, industries, and perspectives. Experiment with brainstorming techniques like mind mapping or reverse thinking, and don’t be afraid to test and iterate on your ideas.

3. Commitment to Learning
I didn’t have a background in product development or engineering, but I was determined to learn what I needed. Whether it was researching materials, understanding manufacturing processes, or mastering business skills, an open mind and a hunger for knowledge were invaluable.

Advice:
Embrace a mindset of lifelong learning. Read, take courses, and seek mentors in your field. Stay curious and be willing to ask questions—no matter how basic they seem. The more you know, the more prepared you’ll be to adapt and grow.

Final Thoughts
For those just starting out, focus on building resilience, fostering creativity, and committing to continuous learning. These skills will serve you not only in your business but also in life. Most importantly, believe in your ability to grow through challenges—you don’t have to have all the answers at the start, but persistence and adaptability will carry you far.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

The most helpful resource in overcoming challenges and building the skills, qualities, and knowledge I needed to be successful was finding a local startup incubator. It became a cornerstone for my growth and provided invaluable support in multiple ways.

Through the incubator, I gained access to a network of fellow founders who understood the unique challenges of starting and growing a business. Their shared experiences, advice, and encouragement helped me navigate many obstacles, from product development to scaling operations.

The incubator also connected me to reliable vendors, manufacturers, and industry experts, which was critical for Tegriware’s development. Building relationships with these professionals gave me insight into materials, production processes, and ethical sourcing—things I wouldn’t have known how to navigate on my own.

Additionally, the funding opportunities and mentorship provided through the incubator were game-changing. Not only did I learn how to pitch effectively and secure resources, but the guidance I received from experienced mentors helped me refine my business strategy and decision-making skills.

For anyone looking to grow, I highly recommend finding a local incubator or similar resource. It’s a way to surround yourself with knowledgeable, like-minded individuals while gaining access to tools and connections that can accelerate your success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tegriware.com
• Instagram: @swivelserve
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devon-hudson/