Seattle Raindrops - A new Mint

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WHEN THE RAINDROPS HIT YOUR TONGUE

Whether getting close to that special somebody, closing the deal or trying to get out of that falsely issued parking ticket…fresh breath can be the difference between “nos, maybies and yeses”. The idea of freshness and quality in breath mints is what drove Pacific Northwest native, Richard White, to launch the locally produced and nationally accepted new flavor in your mouth, Seattle Raindrops

“Breath mints?” You ask. A good question, with the Altoids, Listermints and different corporate competitors of the world lined up for the profits in this market. It would seem that the breath mint market would be quite the challenge to penetrate with these big money companies vying for attention, but Richard White sees challenges as inspiration, not prevention. The elders have always stressed the importance of a good education. So after, Richard White graduated from Tacoma, Washington’s Franklin Pierce High School and extended his studies to Central Washington and then Golden Gate University in San Francisco, he became an astute student of business which inspired action after a leisurely gaze on the Puget Sound’s most notable offering.

“One day I was just looking out of my window on a wet day and thought, ‘Seattle Raindrops,” says White from his Seattle headquarters. “When I think of the NW and Seattle environment, I think of the crisp, fresh air, and my next though was a breath mints.” The rest as they say is history. One might ask, why a breath mint? When one thinks of rain, one thinks of umbrellas, raincoats, goulashes, soup and sandwiches – but not White. White and his favorite consultant (who happens to be his wife), Melissa collaborate on the image, branding and creative elements of the Seattle Raindrops company and decided that a quality mint that is locally produced could capture the taste buds and pleasant conversation of locals and tourists.

The concept of rain covering the population of locals and out-o-f towners has been successful according to White’s company goals. Since Seattle Raindrops’ 2000 launch, the peppermint fresh mint has sold in stores from Seattle’s Bartell’s Drugs and QFC’s to high end hotels like the Hilton, Monaco, Crowne Plaza and Sea-Tac Airport’s Warren’s Gifts in Concourse B to the far reaches of the Southeast where Seattle Raindrops is now available at the Atlanta Marriott. The profits have pleased White, but he is not focused on the financial aspect of the business at this time – he would rather discuss expansion. Expansion will recur in White’s story. “I wanted to see if Seattle Raindrops would sell in other cities besides Seattle and in fact we have had a lot of positive feedback from around the world – our latest and most distant admirer contacted us from West Sussex, England,” shares White.

When asked about the challenges of producing and marketing Seattle Raindrops as an independent businessman, the answer becomes more powerful when White explains that he is the sole investor and financier for Seattle Raindrops. “We have met our expectations and goals [financially] since the launch in 2000, but the challenges were many,” explains White. “Securing reliable manufacturing is difficult for example. We like to support independent and local business, but we had to go to an out-of-state manufacturer to maintain costs and balances.” Another challenge for White was getting the word out about Seattle Raindrops. “We have a good team at SR, which includes our Sales and Promotions Executive, Lionel Charles and Definition Marketing (a Seattle-based marketing firm which has handled corporate and entertainment industry clients like Def Jam). In the beginning our advertising and promotions campaigns were mostly word of mouth and I sold to clients on a busy traveling schedule.” White loves the challenge and has seen his labor bear fruits but insists, “I wouldn’t change anything, but [I know] with more financing SR could develop at a faster pace.” Product development and expansion is exactly what is in White’s business plan and he has a special message for entrepreneurs.

“I’d say just stay with it. A lot of set backs and successes [come with an independent venture], but learn as much as you can and keep going”, says White. White patterns Seattle Raindrops’ taste in your mouth after his work ethic – effective and long lasting. He learned the concepts of quality and persistence from his father Willie who was once a part-time appliance storeowner, who turned it into a full-time gig. Willie’s example is daily inspiration for the younger White to follow in his now-deceased father’s footsteps. White is expanding the reach of Seattle Raindrops breath mints and is also expanding his product line to include some surprises that will ‘soon be revealed’ according to the ever-planning businessman. White closes the interview the way he opens it with a statement and purpose, “Seattle Raindrops’ aim is two-fold: deliver quality peppermint products to locals and tourists and to continue to learn and grow as a company.

Seattle Raindrops are known for being subtly strong and, because of the convenient size of the souvenir tin, the fresh Northwest flavor of Seattle Raindrops is able to “reign around the world,” smiles White. Next time your disease-breathed boss or teacher is in your grill about what you did not do - give them something to do. Tell’em to taste the forecast for fresh breath, Seattle Raindrops straight outta Seattle.