Monday, September 5, 2016

Kickfurther Merchant of the Week: Noodle Mon

category chillraft

Today I have the pleasure of interviewing Susan Laudwig, one of the founders of Noodle Mon, a company that had inventory funded by Kickfurther.

As my regular readers know, Kickfurther allows ordinary investors to help companies that sell tangible products buy those products.  Instead of the investors lending money to the companies, the investors purchase the inventory and then return it to the company to sell on consignment.  As the inventory sells, the companies re-pay the investors, with a profit to the investors.  If the products sell more quickly than anticipated, the investors are supposed to be paid more quickly than anticipated.  If the products take longer to manufacture than planned, or if they do not sell as quickly as planned, the companies are only obligated to repay the investors for the products sold, and the investors do not receive additional compensation for the additional time.

Q:  Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your company.  Where are you located?  When did it start?

A:  Noodle Mon was started the in 2011 by Steve and Susan Laudwig, it is located in Osage Beach, Missouri @ the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks.  Steve had been in manufacturing for 30 years and had sold his company.  Susan Laudwig had been an entrepreneur for 15 years and had recently sold her marketing company.  They both had wanted to live at the lake and had wanted to start a business so that they could live full time at the lake.  Steve felt he could manufacture a better water toy than was offered on the market and Susan could provide the sales and marketing to take the product to the market so the CHILLraft was born!

The company was named Noodle Mon after an tale of a Jamaican Captain that was chartering a boat full of young & fun college kids boating to Party Cove.  A random guy had ended up on the boat ride back and was being overly obnoxious.  The girls had requested the Captain drop this guy off at the next dock as they wanted him removed from the boat.  However, the Captain, pulled the boat right over in the main channel and asked the guy to get off the boat, leaving him swimming.  As the boat pulled away, the young girls were upset that the Captain had just left him in the main channel.  The Captain said, "What?  I gave him a Noodle Mon.”


Q:  This picture shows kids standing on a CHILLraft.  Did the photographer get them just before they landed in the water or are these mats that stable?  How many people can use one raft at a time?

A:  Kids and some coordinated adults can run and stand on the CHILLraft all day long and it isn’t hard.  They hold over 1000 lbs so they can support a lot of weight.  These mats are stable in the water but if you are running down them, you are likely to eventually fall or jump in the water as they are in constant movement.

Q:  If a raft is used every weekend, but cared for properly, how long will it last?  What is proper care?

A:  The raft can last 5-7 years if taken care of properly.  The main thing is keeping it in the shade when not in use.  It has UV protection but the sun can dry out the foam over time.  Also, don't jump on the raft from a boat or dock.  You can run on it or step down onto it, but bigger kids and adults that jump from another object onto the center can risk ripping it.  However, the CHILLrafts come with lifetime repair and rips can be fixed.

Q:  Can you pull a CHILLraft behind a boat with a passenger on the raft?

A:  No.  CHILLrafts are not meant to be towed.  The inflatables work much better than foam for that.

Q:  Your website has a form potential customers can fill out and get information about dealers near them.  In general, can most people find a dealer near them? 

A:  We do not have dealers in all the states.  We are in 15 states but we do offer free shipping some of the year for those customers who do not have dealers close to them.

Q:  How did you first hear about Kickfurther and why did you choose to use them?

A: I found them via an internet search and they had good reviews.

Q: You are right on target, having paid back about 2/3 of the offer.  So far, what has been your impression of Kickfurther?  Do you think you will use them again?

A:  No, I will not be using them again as long as their payback plan is the same.  Also, they never set up my payback schedule correctly which made all my investors question us and why we weren’t providing that information.  I prefer just equal payments rather than paying as you sell your product as that can be an accounting nightmare since some units are sold at retail price and others sold wholesale.  Also, customer payment terms and what funds were used for what shipments just makes it difficult to pay the way Kickfurther wants us pay.

Q: Have you tried Kickfurther from the investor side?  Knowing what you know, would you recommend it to family and friends looking to invest money?  Why or why not?

A:  I have not tried it from an investor side.  I would recommend it to investors that are able to have riskier investments for decent returns.

Q:  Do you have a giveaway for us?

A:  We will offer two winners $40.00 coupons  from our sister company, The Water Soul Nautical Apparel Company.

Thank you!  That will allow them to buy some of these cute items;

Boating Tank Top - WaterGirl Keep Calm Lightweight RacerbackWaterGirl Distressed Red Anchor Ball Cap
Seaside Zippered Large Anchor ToteMen's Boating T-Shirt- NautiGuy Beer & Boats

You can learn more about Noodle Mon  and Watersoul on their website or by liking them on facebook.  You can also follow them on Twitter.

If you would like to help companies like Susan's, and possibly earn a profit for yourself, use this link and you get $5.00 toward your first investment. If you have a company that needs help purchasing inventory, use this link to learn about Kickfurther and whether it is for you.


a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disease Called Debt

89 comments:

  1. Love this! http://thewatersoul.com/mens-boating-long-sleeve-nautiguy-talk-nauti/

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  2. My favorite is the adorable http://thewatersoul.com/womens-hoodie-watergirl-pinstripe-anchor-burnout/ Love the color!

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  3. I like the BOATING ANCHOR NECKLACE (WATERGIRL SILVER SIDEWAYS).

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  4. I love the WOMEN'S BOATING RELAXED TEE- WATERGIRL HAPPY BY THE WATER.

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  5. I LOVE the ladies Anchor Blossom Hoodie! So cute.

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  6. I like the Seaside Zippered Large Anchor Tote.

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  7. i love the Men's Horsepower Happiness Short Sleeve T-Shirt. it fits my fiancé's personality perfectly

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  8. My little water baby would rock this onesie http://thewatersoul.com/watergirl-anchor-bodysuit/

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  9. I love the http://thewatersoul.com/boating-tank-top-watergirl-seagulls-anchor-signature-tri-blend-racerback/ ⚓️

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  10. I would love the large Anchor Tote

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  11. BOATING NECKLACE - WATERGIRL WHITE PEARL

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  12. Men's Boating Long-Sleeve- NautiGuy Happiness!

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  13. I like WOMEN'S HOODIE - WATERGIRL PINSTRIPE ANCHOR BURNOUT

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  14. I love the Anchor Tote bag!! How cute :)

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  15. http://thewatersoul.com/boating-tank-top-watergirl-outdoorsy-premium-racerback/ this tank is so cute

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  16. I really love the BOATING NECKLACE- SPARKLING HORIZON SUN!

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  17. I love the Watergirl Outdoorsy tank!

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  18. So many to like. The WATERGIRL DISTRESSED RED ANCHOR BALL CAP, the womans hoodie.

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  19. Love the watergirl wanderlust hooded fleece, great for the cool mornings on the lake!

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  20. I just love the BABY NAUTIBOY CAPTAIN BODYSUIT

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  21. I would love to have the womens boating relaxed tee- Happy by the water.

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  22. I would love the Nautical Silver Necklace! Thank You!

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  23. I like the boat hair don't care watergirl racerback tanks!

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  24. I would like to have the BOATING TANK TOP- WATERGIRL A LITTLE NAUTI MUSCLE TANK.

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  25. I would like to have the BOATING TANK TOP- WATERGIRL A LITTLE NAUTI MUSCLE TANK.

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  26. The BOATING TANK TOP - WATERGIRL SUN PREMIUM RACERBACK is really cute.

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  27. I would love the anchor tote! Its so adorable and would be perfect for our trips to the beach

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  28. I liked the boating large anchor necklace and the WOMEN'S BOATING RELAXED TEE- WATERGIRL OUTDOORSY.
    kayleefaith1228@aol.com

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  29. The Women's Hoodie would be really nice out on the boat in the fall.

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  30. I would love to get one of the onsie's, probably the Captain's Daughter one for my soon-to-be-niece! My brother and sister-in-law are obsessed with sail boats so this would be perfect for her!

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  31. I like the WOMEN'S HOODIE - WATERGIRL PINSTRIPE ANCHOR BURNOUT.

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  32. WOMEN'S RACERBACK TANK: I'M OUTDOORSY IN THAT I LIKE DRINKING ON BOATS

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  33. I love the Anchor Necklace - Sterling Silver Cutout.

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  34. I like the BOATING SHORT-SLEEVE CREW -WATERGIRL OUTDOORSY T-SHIRT.

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  35. I would love to have the watergirl distressed red anchor ball cap
    Thank You for the chance
    Fiona N

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  36. Um I think I did this wrong... I think I was supposed to leave my name in the blank and answer the question here... I would like the Happy By the Water Racerback tank.

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  37. The tanks are really cute but I think I would want a hoodie!

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  38. I really like the Watergirl Bohemia Sun Signature racer back.

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  39. I dare the bag that says "The water Soul" on the Anchor on the pocket.
    ******************
    {in the contest I am Margot C__ on the Rafflecopter}

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  40. I love the lets get nauti tank top. Love their styles. http://thewatersoul.com/boating-tank-top-watergirl-lets-get-nauti-premium-racerback/

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  41. I like the Men's Horsepower Happiness Short Sleeve T-Shirt

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  42. I like the Women's Boating T-Shirt - Watergirl Weekends Deep V
    Thank you!

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  43. I like the CAPTAIN'S DAUGHTER to shirt

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  44. Hot Magenta & Azure Blue CHILLline with Braided Rope - 40' Length

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  45. I like the CAPTAIN'S DAUGHTER to shirt

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  46. I love this top: http://thewatersoul.com/boating-tank-top-watergirl-simple-anchor-signature-tri-blend-racerback/. It looks cool and comfy.
    treasuretoday@aol.com
    Pam C.

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  47. I think this is cute. http://thewatersoul.com/youth-short-sleeve-watergirl/

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  48. I like this top
    http://thewatersoul.com/boating-tank-top-watergirl-sun-premium-racerback/

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  49. I would love the boating tank top for women! http://www.dothenoodle.com/womens-racerback-tank-im-outdoorsy-in-that-i-like-drinking-on-boats/

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  50. I love the zipper Sweatshirts in grey!

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  51. Women's Racerback Tank: I'm outdoorsy in that I like drinking on Boats like this teeshirt thanks

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  52. I love the Seaside Zippered Large Anchor Tote. I think it would be a great accessory for my summer wardrobe.

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  53. The woman's boat relaxed tee in the watergirl infinity the boat anchor infinity design is why I choose this item.

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  54. I love the WOMEN'S BOATING RELAXED TEE- WATERGIRL FIRST MATE shirt!

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  55. The 'Keep Calm and Go Boating' shirt is so cute

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  56. I like the anchor necklace and the tote bag!

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  57. I love the keep calm and go boating shirt.
    Flyergal82 at (yahoo #dot -com
    Dana

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  58. I love the I an the captain onesie. I would totally get that!

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  59. I love the WATERGIRL HAPPY BY THE WATER shirt.

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  60. WATERGIRL DISTRESSED RED ANCHOR BALL CAP

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  61. I like the WOMEN'S BOATING RELAXED TEE- WATERGIRL FIRST MATE shirt!

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  62. Oh they have such cute shirts! I really love the WOMEN'S BOATING RELAXED TEE- WATERGIRL FIRST MATE and would have to get our little one the YOUTH SHORT-SLEEVE- NEED FOR SPEED! Oh he would love that!
    landfjacobson @ charter .net

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  63. I love the Men's Horsepower Happiness Short Sleeve T-Shirt!

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  64. I'd love the WOMEN'S BOATING RELAXED TEE - WATERGIRL INFINITY!

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  65. BOATING TANK TOP - WATERGIRL GENTLEMEN PREMIUM RACERBACK...I ❤ it.

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  66. I love the WOMEN'S HOODIE - WATERGIRL WANDERLUST BURNOUT. I need a hoodie! kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.

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  67. I liked the WATERGIRL DISTRESSED RED ANCHOR BALL CAP. (jozywails@gmail.com)

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  68. I would get the WaterGirl Distressed Red Anchor Ball Cap

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  69. I love the anchor tank top with the seagulls and the anchor necklace.

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  70. BOATING TANK TOP- WATERGIRL BOHEMIA SUN SIGNATURE TRI-BLEND RACERBACK

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  71. I would buy the Water girl tank and the Im nauti tank

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  72. I like the anchor tank top and the hoodies great for a cruise. Super cute stuff.

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  73. I love the womans anchor blossom hoodie!
    Jaimebroadwater@gmail.com

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  74. I love the http://thewatersoul.com/boating-tank-top-watergirl-lets-get-nauti-premium-racerback/

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  75. I love the Captain in Training shirt for my son

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  76. I love the large anchor bag..cute stuff

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  77. The ladies Anchor Blossom Hoodie is darling!

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  78. I really like the WOMEN'S FULL-ZIP HOODED FLEECE - WATERGIRL WANDERLUST!

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  79. I would like this for my husband http://thewatersoul.com/mens-boating-long-sleeve-nautiguy-time-to-get-nauti/

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  80. I love the WOMEN'S FULL-ZIP HOODED FLEECE - WATERGIRL WANDERLUST! It'd be perfect!

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