The Rocco A. and Mary Abessinio Speaker Series at Neumann University started in 2016 and has hosted nine lectures since its start. The series allows students and staff to hear from successful individuals in the business world, providing yet another great opportunity.
On Tuesday, November 12th, Neumann welcomed Aaron Krause, the president and CEO of Scrub Daddy, a popular smiley face dish sponge.
Neumann’s very own Dr. Debbi Bromley exclaims, “I say this with a nod to Aaron’s love of hockey: We have fully scored a winning goal.”
Krause is an inventor, entrepreneur, and overall creative individual.
His journey, story, and the creation of Scrub Daddy were highlighted in his lecture, as well as his appearance on the widely recognized television series Shark Tank.
Proving to be a great speaker and storyteller, Krause explains how, as a kid, he first started a car washing business. This developed into something bigger and led to the creation of a buffing pad, one of his first inventions and patents.
3M, the well-known company, bought out Krause’s buffing company and almost everything else he owned. There was one thing, however, that they did not buy. The small sponge with two holes and grooved edges was meant to be used as a hand scrubber.
The box of these sponges was labeled as “scrap” and shoved in the back of the office. Little did Krause know he would use one of these sponges in his own home and discover the endless possibilities.
Eventually, after much thought and consideration, the out-of-the-ordinary sponge that was rounded and appeared to smile was created.
The Scrub Daddy was born.
Through many ups and downs, Scrub Daddy had a breakthrough on its second airing on QVC and took off after the captivating demonstration on Shark Tank.
From a buffing pad to a hand scrubber, and finally, to a unique smiling sponge, Krause has become an extremely successful entrepreneur.
Even though his journey was not the smoothest, he tells us all to keep pushing and do what we are passionate about. He did not get to where he is today by taking a break.
So why did Krause choose to come to Neumann?
“The first thing is its local. I really do love to share my story, but it’s been really difficult because of how much I travel and how much I work.” Said Krause.
“My son played in the juniors at Aston Ice Works, and so did I. I grew up watching Neumann University have their hockey team here, and I’ve seen many games…I love that they are involved with hockey.” Krause said.
Many did not know that the well-known brand was once located in our backyard. Scrub Daddy’s first factory was in Folcroft, Pennsylvania. Now, their new facility is located in Pennsauken, New Jersey. It features a retail store, an on-air studio, and is completely run on solar energy.
The brand is continually growing with the addition of countless products.
Krause himself, the Daddy of Scrub Daddy, continues to be creative and inventive. He is now the founder of TOVI, an up-and-coming hockey stick company.
