Here are some snippets of what’s happening at Abe & Dotty.

We’re forging ahead on website development. We’ve invested a tremendous amount of time researching what we want our site to be and do. This resulted in a thorough specification document, ensuring we’re aligned on key strategic and technical issues. We’re also working on the art (and science) of the user interface design. Very exciting. It’s a fun challenge to find the balance of conveying our brand personality in the design but in a way that’s clean and easy to navigate.

We’ve begun some informal, market research-style conversations with natural product business owners. Fascinating to hear about their passion for their products, their challenges, pain points, etc. These conversations are illuminating some great ideas. And the conversations are validating that we’re hitting on a highly valuable and needed opportunity.

We’re working on investment strategy. We’ve had several informal conversations with both individuals and institutions. The feedback is fantastic. We’re working through models to hone in on how much we want to raise and when. And we’re developing an investor presentation that communicates all key points in a way that’s succinct and engaging. Definitely want to avoid PowerPoint hell.

Much more going on that I can’t reveal just yet. So far, I’m having a great time on this journey.

A number of folks have contacted me in the past few days with reactions to my starting a company. For those who encouraged me, thanks for the supportive feedback. For those who questioned the wisdom of starting a company in this economy, thanks for challenging my thinking. I’m convinced that now is a great time to start a company and a great time for Abe & Dotty specifically. Here are seven reasons that are either general reasons to start a company now or specific reasons that have me encouraged about Abe & Dotty:

1) Seth Godin, among many others, is predicting that “local is the next big frontier.” While “local” refers to geography, I think the implication is broader. I think consumers want to feel more connected to their product and service providers. People want to feel a personal connection of the sort that existed for many years at the neighborhood pharmacy or bank or dry cleaner but which is largely lacking now. Supporting smaller businesses who are tangible makes consumers feel good, and it enables stories. When is the last time you bought, say, some soap from Fortune 500 Company X at Behemoth Retailer Y and went home to tell your friends about that purchase. But if you ever buy handcrafted soap made by Stay-at-Home Mom X from Local Boutique Y, wouldn’t you consider telling your friends that you just bought “some all natural soap made locally with fresh lavender, and it smells great”? While Abe & Dotty is not specifically about “local” small businesses in any particular geography, it is squarely about helping upstart, entrepreneurial, smaller businesses. And it’s about enabling stories.

2) The healthy and natural component of Abe & Dotty positions it in the “green collar” sector that President Obama sees as critical to the U.S. government economic stimulus package.

3) Even in this down economy, consumers continue to care about health, wellness and the environment and to spend money on products that support these concerns. See these interesting data points from the 2009 Cone Consumer Environmental Survey (http://www.coneinc.com/news/request.php?id=2030), conducted January 29-30, 2009:

• 44% say “MY ENVIRONMENTAL SHOPPING HABITS HAVEN’T CHANGED AS A RESULT OF THE ECONOMY”
• 34% say “I AM MORE LIKELY TO BUY ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE PRODUCTS TODAY”
• 8% say “I AM LESS LIKELY TO BUY ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE PRODUCTS TODAY”
• 14% say “I DON’T SHOP WITH THE ENVIRONMENT IN MIND, REGARDLESS OF THE STATE OF THE ECONOMY”

4) Though institutional investment activity is relatively quiet, I’ve talked to private investors who are specifically seeking investment opportunities aside from the stock market and real estate. Though no investment is needed yet for Abe & Dotty, I’m optimistic that if and when that time comes, we’ll be an attractive option for investors.

5) There’s a vast pool of available talent in the market.

6) Advertising inventory and other brand-building tools are available at low cost.

7) It’s prudent to prepare now to be in a business leadership position when the economy improves.

So….. onward with Abe & Dotty.

Fantastic day at Abe and Dotty!  I’ve wanted a partner on this journey.  There’s plenty of work for more than one person, and it’s more fun with a trusted partner.  As is, I’ve been using my buddy RD as my sounding board for all things related to this company.  Unofficially, this has already been a partnership.  Now, it’s official – RD is on board as a full partner and is as excited as I am.

Richard Demb is not only a great friend but a veteran business-builder.  His most recent venture is Dale and Thomas Popcorn and it’s wholesale brand, Popcorn, Indiana.  Richard co-founded that company in late 2002 and has grown it into a cult brand doing tens of millions of dollars in sales annually.  In building a gourmet natural popcorn business, RD attended many natural product shows, met many great natural product companies trying to build their businesses, knows the challenges those business face daily, and knows how to solve them.  In short, he fully “gets” what Abe and Dotty is all about.

From a business standpoint, partnering with RD is a no-brainer.  Neither of us, however, is interested in putting business in the way of friendship.  We’ve spent weeks talking among ourselves and consulting with our wives and other trusted advisors about the idea of working together.  We take it seriously.  After crossing off how we’ll handle potential challenges to ensure a continued friendship, we’re ready to roll.

RD, welcome aboard.  I’m thrilled to be working with you.  Here’s to building a tremendous company….and maintaining a valued friendship!