Co-founder and owner of DAM Coolers, a lifestyle outdoors company known for its innovative coolers and backpacks, Femi Agbato continues to build the brand, one day at a time. What began as an idea for a group project in an Executive MBA class at Kennesaw State, is now a fully functioning business run by the Alpharetta resident.
"I knew this was what I wanted to do as soon as I heard the idea," says Agbato, who currently owns a 95% stake in the company and manages all the facets of the business. Most known for their lighter, leaner, higher-performance cooler using V.I.P technology, their line of innovative backpacks has launched with much acclaim.
He credits the 1500-plus backers for helping him get his company off the ground through his Kickstarter campaigns.
“We crowdfunded to raise money," says the Alpharetta resident. “This not only gave us the funding to bring the product to market, but it was a way to build an audience. Our funds come from people who want the product. “
And despite many pandemic-related setbacks, he was determined to deliver. And he did just that. Now, DAM coolers is making waves in the outdoor lifestyle space with their original coolers while expanding very successfully with their feature-rich backpacks which have the convenience of an insulated cooler.
“These are very versatile,” Femi says of the backpacks that have the functionality of any bag out there with the convenience of an insulated cooler. “We designed these for all kinds of trips and adventure,” he continues. “But you can use them however you want. I keep my valuables and electronics in the hidden cooler area.”
Currently, Femi spends much of his time on the road, exhibiting at tradeshows for outdoor lifestyles, and has no plans of slowing down.
Most recently, DAM Coolers introduced a line of drinkware, made to keep drinks hot or cold for hours longer than a normal bottle. Currently on the pipeline is a new, even more advanced and modern backpack, lunch bags and a bigger version of the cooler.