Tyler McCombs - Being an Entrepreneur Means That You Are Most Likely Already Wired to Get Jobs Done

Founder/CEO of Devon + Lang

Tyler officially founded Devon + Lang in April of 2019 with the commitment to produce innovative garments that would be as comfortable as they are durable and stylish. Tyler started by inventing and patenting a new pouch design for Devon + Lang's mens boxer briefs, and when COVID-19 arrived in Canada he was able to successfully pivot Devon + Lang to begin manufacturing premium face masks that could be worn all day comfortably and safely.

Tyler has extensive experience as a leader, most notably with over 10 years of experience working at Apple Inc as a Manager.

With a strong focus on creating the best products that don't cut corners, and an emphasis on industry leading customer service, Tyler is working to grow Devon + Lang into a household brand.

1. Tell us more about your company and your journey.

My wife, Dayna, and I founded Devon + Lang in 2019. We started making Premium Men’s Pouch Boxer Briefs, and have expanded to create Reusable 3-Layer Non-Medical face masks, and are in the works to begin making a Women’s Underwear line as well.

2. How did you come up with this idea and go about executing it?

The idea for Devon + Lang started on a walk in the Hawaiian heat with my wife. During our walk I ripped a hole in the inner thigh of the boxers I was wearing which caused chaffing and discomfort. I was tired of buying “quality” boxers that would not last very long and wanted to create a product that would meet my (as well as many others) needs.

I worked with a local designer in Calgary to build a prototype of the boxer that I was satisfied with, and while doing this invented and patented a new pouch design for our boxers that would comfortably separate and support your junk.

We spent over 10 months working designing our first product and finding a manufacturer that could produce our product to the standards that we required.

We officially launched the business in August of 2019, and have been humbled by the overwhelming support that we have received from that time.

In April of 2020 we began designing face masks. Many other businesses were doing a “1-size fits most” mask, but this is both unsafe, and uncomfortable. We decided to make multiple sized of masks to fit all face types. We make our masks from silver-infused modal fabric with a pocket for a filter and replaceable nose wires. Our masks were featured on many news articles across Canada and we have seen a lot more growth since then.

3. What has been your biggest challenge that you faced and how did you overcome that?

Finding a quality manufacturer took a very long time to do. So many manufacturers are trying to make products as cheaply as possible, and it is hard to go against the grain and find a manufacturer that really focuses on creating high quality products.

4. What do you think are the most important qualities of a successful entrepreneur/CEO/Founder?

Being comfortable with how uncomfortable starting a business can be. There are so many things that a small business owner can worry about. Be it finances, manufacturing issues, or customer complaints, it can be really easy to get down on yourself. I recommend finding like minded entrepreneurs that you can connect with to talk through these issues with.

Delegation is also such an important one. Being an entrepreneur means that you are most likely already wired to get jobs done. Relying on others to do work for you feels counterintuitive because they might not do it the way you would have, but taking the time to train and delegate work to others will free you up to focus on the aspects of your business that are most important. Fight the urge to do everything yourself.

5. What are some of the most important factors for running a successful business?

Always be looking to improve your business and products. Settling for what is currently working will not allow you to adapt to your customers ever changing needs. Follow “The Lean Startup” mentality and be constantly asking yourself “should I pivot or persevere with this product feature or idea?”.

Marketing is so important. If you want your business to last, make sure that you have a quality product, but once you have that you need to begin to invest in marketing. The best product in the world is nothing unless people know about it. Having a marketing budget can be difficult when starting a small business, but it can not be understated how important it is in scaling a company.

6. What are your tips for first time and aspiring entrepreneurs?

Reach out! From my experience, entrepreneurs love to help each other (and talk about our businesses)! When I first had my idea for my business I looked for other companies in my city that were doing similar things and asked to buy them a coffee (or now have a zoom call), and I don’t think a single person declined me. There is nothing more encouraging (or humbling) than having someone experience to talk about running a business.

Write a Business Plan! When I started my idea for my business I used a Business Plan Template from Futureprenure which was extremely helpful. It allowed me to think about my business beyond just the product, create a budget, and define my mission and company vision. It is a lot of work to do, and it can be tweaked and adjusted any time in the future, but it is a worthwhile roadmap to invest in to make sure you idea is viable.

7. How can one overcome a hurdle of lack of funds when starting up?

A good business plan goes a long way. If you have a unique idea, and a good plan on how to execute the idea then finding investors (while still a lot of work, and full of rejection) should be very possible.

Bootstrapping the business yourself, and funding it with your own savings is usually necessary. Look to family and friends who believe in you for investments, but I would recommend trying to give up as little equity as possible when you start your business. If your business ends up being successful you will be wanting that equity for much larger investors.

Unfortunately starting a business can cost a decent amount of money. But, a higher cost of entry usually means less competition, which is very beneficial to the businesses that can meet that barrier of entry. All of that is to say, finding investors and taking loans can be worth it.