Back
Ansh Kadam
Founder & CEO at Bui... • 1m
WD-40 was never meant for your dad’s toolbox. It was designed to protect nuclear missiles. Specifically, it was made to stop ICBMs (Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles) from rusting, giant rockets designed to hit any target on Earth but ideally never used. In the 1950s, three engineers in San Diego formed a tiny company called Rocket Chemical Company. Their goal? To create a water displacement chemical that could prevent missile corrosion. It took them 40 tries to get the formula right, so they named it WD-40 (Water Displacement – 40th Attempt). For years, it was strictly for military use. But then, something interesting happened. Engineers working on these missiles started taking the product home. It turned out WD-40 was just as useful for loosening hinges, waterproofing bolts, and stopping squeaky doors. And that accidental "home use" led to an entire business pivot. They slapped a spray nozzle on their missile maintenance fluid and turned it into the household product we all know today. The Lesson? Most businesses look for new customers. But the best products find new markets. ✅ Listen to how people actually use your product. Unexpected use cases might unlock massive new opportunities. ✅ Small pivots can create billion-dollar businesses. WD-40 went from a niche defense solution to a household staple, just by repositioning. ✅ Your next big idea might already exist. Instead of building something new, look at how existing solutions can serve a different audience. If you’re building a business, stay open to where the market pulls you. Want more insights on business growth, startups, and pivots like this? Subscribe to my newsletter through the link in the comment. 🚀
Replies (2)
More like this
Recommendations from Medial
Download the medial app to read full posts, comements and news.