What’s In This Email

• How a DIY Toy Turned Into a $3M Business Without Big Investors

• The Emoji Gen Zs Want to Ban

• The Best Job-Change Advice We’ve Received

• Notable Spotlight: UNDRGRND Night Market

• Notable Plug 🔌

✍️ TAKE NOTE

How a DIY Toy Turned Into a $3M Business Without Big Investors

Joe Burke didn’t set out to disrupt the toy industry — he just wanted to solve a problem at home. His kids were stuck inside, full of energy, and breaking things left and right. So, he built a prototype at the kitchen table: a lightweight ball safe enough to use indoors. What started as a simple fix for a rowdy afternoon turned into Ollyball — a toy now sold in major retailers with over 3 million units shipped.

There was no trust fund, no flashy accelerator program, and no celebrity co-sign. Just grit, storytelling, and clever strategy. Burke leaned into earned media, captured people’s imagination with a simple idea that actually worked, and proved you don’t need a massive marketing budget to get national traction.

His story is a blueprint for every aspiring entrepreneur who’s ever built a prototype in their garage or pitched an idea that made people say, “Wait, that’s actually genius.” It’s about patience, resourcefulness, and the kind of creative thinking that turns problems into profitable products.

Key Takeaways

Storytelling Is a Superpower
The emotional hook behind your product can be just as important as the product itself. Burke focused on storytelling to stand out and build a loyal customer base.

You Don’t Need Big Ad Budgets
Instead of pouring money into ads, he used grassroots tactics and PR to generate buzz. It’s proof that strategy beats spend.

Saying “No” Can Be Strategic
Burke turned down certain retail offers to maintain control and focus on brand integrity — showing that discipline can protect long-term growth.

Mindset Is Everything
Self-doubt is part of the process, especially when you’re doing something new. Burke credits mental toughness and belief in the idea for getting through tough stretches.

Why It Matters

For entrepreneurs in Canada (and beyond) trying to get a side hustle off the ground or launch that first product, Burke’s story is a practical lesson in doing more with less. You don’t need Silicon Valley connections or venture capital to build something people love. You just need an idea that solves a real problem, the tenacity to keep going when it’s quiet, and a strategy that plays to your strengths.

It also highlights a shift in the startup playbook. Today, success isn’t just about who has the most funding. It’s about who can move smart, tell a good story, and create something that actually makes life better. Whether you're building a product from scratch or rethinking how to get attention in a crowded market, this one’s a reminder: the simplest ideas can become the biggest wins — if you treat them like they matter.

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🔌  NOTABLE PLUG

🎙️ Get Into It: Gent's Talk Podcast. Hosted by Samir Mourani, Gent's Talk is a Canadian podcast that delves into candid conversations on mental health, masculinity, entrepreneurship, and personal growth. Each episode features in-depth discussions with notable guests, including Russell Peters, Robin Sharma, and Justin Baldoni, exploring their journeys, challenges, and insights. The podcast aims to break stigmas and redefine modern masculinity, offering listeners a platform for reflection and empowerment. Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

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Notable Life is Canada for young professionals, entrepreneurs, and culture generators operated by The Notable Group. Notable Daily inspires ideas and sharpens the minds of over 40,000 top-tier professionals in competitive industries.

Disclosure: While we utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to assist with certain aspects of content development, all information provided in our content is thoroughly vetted and edited by our team of humans. We strive to ensure the accuracy and reliability of all information. However, we recommend that readers conduct research or seek professional advice to make informed decisions. This email may contain sponsored content.