GenX Adulting Podcast - Episode 31 - The Millennials - Jacob Kirstein #entrepreneur #smallbusiness

Name: GenX Adulting Podcast - Episode 31 - The Millennials - Jacob Kirstein #entrepreneur #smallbusiness
Uploaded: 2025-08-18T00:00:00-04:00
Duration: 2 h 36 min 47 s

Episode Summary

In Episode 31 of GenX Adulting, Jacob Kirstein, founder of Chappie and TERA, discusses his experiences as a zillennial, his entrepreneurial journey, and the development of innovative products like Chappie, a vacuum-insulated container for cosmetics, and TERA, a multifunctional cooler. The episode highlights the challenges and successes Jacob faced while navigating the world of startups and product design.

Key Takeaways

Jacob identifies as a zillennial, bridging the gap between millennials and Gen Z.
Chappie is designed to prevent cosmetics from melting, catering to outdoor enthusiasts.
Jacob experienced significant challenges with manufacturing and supply chain issues during the launch of Chappie.
The TERA cooler is designed for outdoor use, featuring a waterproof speaker and the ability to float.
Jacob emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience in engineering and product development.
He learned valuable lessons about entrepreneurship, including the need for quick testing and iteration.
Jacob's journey reflects the challenges faced by young entrepreneurs in a competitive market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chappie?

Chappie is a vacuum-insulated container designed to keep cosmetics, like lip balm, from melting, making it ideal for outdoor activities.

What is TERA?

TERA is a multifunctional cooler that floats, features a waterproof speaker, and is designed for outdoor use, catering to those who enjoy activities like boating and beach outings.

What challenges did Jacob face when launching Chappie?

Jacob faced significant challenges with manufacturing, including being scammed by a fraudulent manufacturer, which delayed the launch and required him to invest his savings to continue.

How did Jacob come up with the idea for Chappie?

The idea for Chappie originated from a friend's suggestion about creating a Yeti-like product for lip balm, which Jacob then developed into a full product with the help of his girlfriend and social media.

What is unique about the TERA cooler?

The TERA cooler is unique because it floats, has a built-in waterproof speaker, and includes features like dry storage and charging capabilities for devices.

Part of these Topics: Entrepreneurs & Founders

Featured guests: Jacob Kirstein

Read the full transcript →

Description

In this episode we welcome Jacob Kirstein, the founder of the brands Chapie and TERA. Jacob, a Zillennial / Millennial, shares about moving with his family to different parts of Florida when he was young, and eventually settling in Tampa, where he spent his formative years until 8th grade. After his parents divorce, he moved to South Florida where he discovered a love for graphic design and 3D printing in his Drafting and Design Class in high school. This led to pursuing a degree in aerospace engineering at University of Central Florida, where he was presented with many opportunities, one being building a satellite that was sent into space, all while working on his first invention. We get a glimpse into the world of SpaceX, where Jacob worked one summer during college, as well as his thrilling experience skydiving in Hawaii. After graduating, he accepted a job at NASA, where he once again was presented with unique and rare opportunities that few get to experience. After accepting a corporate job, Covid hit, and he found himself once again in South Florida living with his then girlfriend, now fiancé. Jacob’s endless drive led him to inventing Chapie, a vacuum insulated container to keep your chapstick from melting in the heat. Chapie’s line grew to include containers perfect for lipstick, epipens, make-up, deodorant, your phone and even an extra large, spill proof water bottle. Jacob’s curious mind then invented the TERA cooler, which is a cooler that literally meets every need. In addition to keeping food and beverages cold, it has drink and towel holders, a speaker, dry storage, phone charger, bottle opener and it even floats! Even while Jacob’s constantly thinking and curious mind has led him to even more business ventures, he has never lost sight of his goal of creating a positive impact on the world through his work and inventions. He is also looking forward to his upcoming wedding and having a family with his bride-to-be. Nicole and Brian fully support the Chapie and TERA brands, as we know they will both help make people’s lives easier and more enjoyable, and were invented with good and authentic intent. We look forward to Jacob’s return to the studio in the future so we can hear about what new things he has created and experienced!

Check Out Jacob's Linktree:

https://linktr.ee/JacobKirstein

Buy Chapie:

https://www.mychapie.com/

Buy Tera Gear & The Awesome Cooler:

https://www.teragear.co/

Chapters

Chapters In This Episode:

00:00:00 Intro

00:00:15 Introduction

00:00:27 Zillennial/Millennial Childhood

00:02:12 Virtual Reality Generation