How does a person go from being the owner of a tech company to manufacturing high quality, unique masks for kids and adults alike? It really comes down to serendipity, according to co-founder of Go Fun Face!, Keith Fotta.
“I was flying back from a business trip on the West coast and I ended up sitting next to a gentleman who was an incredible designer. We struck up a conversation. Even though he worked for a company focused on technical engineering, he shared his passion for designing unique masks, a hobby he had pursued for years. I was very impressed and believed there might be a new market opportunity for his designs.”
Together with co-founder Rob Ziemba, the pair researched the market, as well as design and manufacturing options, coming to the conclusion that there was merit to the idea of bringing unique, high quality masks to the marketplace. With a strong entrepreneurial background, including seven successful companies ranging from financial services to publishing, Fotta was well placed to see the opportunities that were available to them.
What sort of occasions? The list is long! These masks are perfect for sports fans who want to take their spirit to a new level; anyone who enjoys cosplay; mascots at games, festivals, and concerts; and events like Halloween, as well as parties, for kids big and small.
“Since we are continuously developing new designs, we are able to create new designs and masks to meet the needs of our customers.”
For Keith, Rob and the rest of their team, part of the appeal of creating Go Fun Face! was the ability to build a company that could be managed without major infrastructure. No brick and mortar locations for them! Instead, a solid B2B marketing plan, including a grueling seven expo/show a year schedule, has allowed the company to grow with Fotta in his home office in Boston and the partners and other team members spread out, including New Jersey, Atlanta, and Mexico City. The manufacturing and distribution for Go Fun Face! was recently moved to Fort Worth, Texas. With this wide base of operations, having staff in one place didn’t make sense.
The home based advantage allows Fotta the ability to manage and oversee operations, 24 hours a day. After all, with a strong direct to consumer presence on Amazon, as well as on their own site, and wholesale B2B contracts with various zoos, aquariums, colleges and theme parks, Go Fun Face! is poised to become a global brand in its niche market. This doesn’t happen without a lot of effort and attention to detail.
“Technology has come so far in the last 15 years that I have access to any capability that I require, at a highly professional level, directly from my home.”
Though only a year old, Go Fun Face! is making noise and disrupting their chosen market to an extent that none, least of all Fotta himself, could have foreseen. This is a company to watch. Visit www.gofunface.com.
