From Side Hustle to $20 Million: The Journey of Tinker Tin
May 16, 2025, 12:23 am
In the world of entrepreneurship, stories of success often begin with a spark of inspiration. For Jaime Holm and her brother Matt Hannula, that spark ignited a journey that transformed a simple side hustle into a $20 million enterprise. Their company, Tinker Tin, is a testament to the power of creativity, resilience, and a little bit of luck.
Holm's journey began over a decade ago while she was working at Trader Joe's. Picture this: a young woman stocking shelves, dreaming of vintage campers and road trips. She reminisced about her time in Australia, where she rented quirky trailers for adventures. This nostalgia led her to a bold idea: why not bring that experience to California? With just $800, she purchased her first vintage trailer, marking the birth of Tinker Tin.
Initially, the business focused on renting out these unique trailers. However, the siblings quickly pivoted. Hollywood came calling. They began renting trailers to film studios, creating a niche in the entertainment industry. Soon, companies like Facebook and Pepsi sought their expertise not just for trailers, but for retail displays and marketing activations. Tinker Tin evolved from a rental service to a full-fledged design and manufacturing company.
The growth was rapid. In their first year, Tinker Tin generated a couple of hundred thousand dollars. This was no small feat, especially in an industry that barely existed. The siblings found themselves in a big fish, small pond scenario, where their unique offerings set them apart. But success didn’t come without challenges.
As the business expanded, so did the complexities. Holm and Hannula faced the typical growing pains of entrepreneurship. They learned the hard way about the importance of hiring the right talent. Initially, they operated with a skeleton crew, which led to burnout. Once they brought Hannula on board as CEO, the company began to thrive. His implementation of lean manufacturing principles streamlined operations and set the stage for explosive growth.
Yet, the road was not always smooth. Mistakes were made. In the early days, they designed beautiful retail displays for free, hoping to win clients. Instead, some used their designs without compensating them. This was a wake-up call. They learned to value their work and established clearer boundaries.
Another significant hurdle came when they began producing large quantities in Mexico. A logistics partner mishap resulted in a loss of $250,000 worth of product. This experience was painful but necessary. It taught them the importance of a reliable supply chain. They swiftly fired their entire logistics team, a decision that, while difficult, was crucial for future success.
Today, Tinker Tin stands as a beacon of innovation and resilience. The company has grown from a one-person operation to a $20 million powerhouse, employing a dedicated team. They have moved beyond the initial vintage trailer concept, focusing on creating stunning retail displays and entire stores for major brands. Their mantra, "beauty at scale," reflects their commitment to quality and design.
Holm and Hannula's story is not just about financial success; it’s about passion and perseverance. They emphasize the importance of maintaining hobbies outside of work. This balance fuels creativity and prevents burnout. Their advice resonates: don’t let your business consume you. Instead, let it inspire you.
As they look to the future, Tinker Tin aims to expand its manufacturing presence in the U.S. and Mexico. They are committed to building a sustainable business model that prioritizes quality and efficiency. The siblings are not just chasing profits; they are creating a legacy.
Their journey is a reminder that success often comes from unexpected places. It’s about seizing opportunities, learning from failures, and never losing sight of your passion. Holm and Hannula turned a simple idea into a thriving business, proving that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.
In a world where many chase quick wins, Tinker Tin stands out as a story of slow, steady growth. Their path is not just about numbers; it’s about the people, the creativity, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. As they continue to innovate and inspire, one thing is clear: the journey is far from over.
In the end, Tinker Tin is more than a business; it’s a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit. It shows that with a little creativity and a lot of hard work, dreams can become reality. The road may be long, but the destination is worth every step.
Holm's journey began over a decade ago while she was working at Trader Joe's. Picture this: a young woman stocking shelves, dreaming of vintage campers and road trips. She reminisced about her time in Australia, where she rented quirky trailers for adventures. This nostalgia led her to a bold idea: why not bring that experience to California? With just $800, she purchased her first vintage trailer, marking the birth of Tinker Tin.
Initially, the business focused on renting out these unique trailers. However, the siblings quickly pivoted. Hollywood came calling. They began renting trailers to film studios, creating a niche in the entertainment industry. Soon, companies like Facebook and Pepsi sought their expertise not just for trailers, but for retail displays and marketing activations. Tinker Tin evolved from a rental service to a full-fledged design and manufacturing company.
The growth was rapid. In their first year, Tinker Tin generated a couple of hundred thousand dollars. This was no small feat, especially in an industry that barely existed. The siblings found themselves in a big fish, small pond scenario, where their unique offerings set them apart. But success didn’t come without challenges.
As the business expanded, so did the complexities. Holm and Hannula faced the typical growing pains of entrepreneurship. They learned the hard way about the importance of hiring the right talent. Initially, they operated with a skeleton crew, which led to burnout. Once they brought Hannula on board as CEO, the company began to thrive. His implementation of lean manufacturing principles streamlined operations and set the stage for explosive growth.
Yet, the road was not always smooth. Mistakes were made. In the early days, they designed beautiful retail displays for free, hoping to win clients. Instead, some used their designs without compensating them. This was a wake-up call. They learned to value their work and established clearer boundaries.
Another significant hurdle came when they began producing large quantities in Mexico. A logistics partner mishap resulted in a loss of $250,000 worth of product. This experience was painful but necessary. It taught them the importance of a reliable supply chain. They swiftly fired their entire logistics team, a decision that, while difficult, was crucial for future success.
Today, Tinker Tin stands as a beacon of innovation and resilience. The company has grown from a one-person operation to a $20 million powerhouse, employing a dedicated team. They have moved beyond the initial vintage trailer concept, focusing on creating stunning retail displays and entire stores for major brands. Their mantra, "beauty at scale," reflects their commitment to quality and design.
Holm and Hannula's story is not just about financial success; it’s about passion and perseverance. They emphasize the importance of maintaining hobbies outside of work. This balance fuels creativity and prevents burnout. Their advice resonates: don’t let your business consume you. Instead, let it inspire you.
As they look to the future, Tinker Tin aims to expand its manufacturing presence in the U.S. and Mexico. They are committed to building a sustainable business model that prioritizes quality and efficiency. The siblings are not just chasing profits; they are creating a legacy.
Their journey is a reminder that success often comes from unexpected places. It’s about seizing opportunities, learning from failures, and never losing sight of your passion. Holm and Hannula turned a simple idea into a thriving business, proving that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.
In a world where many chase quick wins, Tinker Tin stands out as a story of slow, steady growth. Their path is not just about numbers; it’s about the people, the creativity, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. As they continue to innovate and inspire, one thing is clear: the journey is far from over.
In the end, Tinker Tin is more than a business; it’s a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit. It shows that with a little creativity and a lot of hard work, dreams can become reality. The road may be long, but the destination is worth every step.