Packsize Intl and Packsize NOW - Wearing Different Hats (or Suits!) to Build a Sustainable and Innovative Business

Saving the world — one box at a time is the ultimate goal at
Packsize and Packsize NOW. Today, we are thrilled to chat with
Hanko and Laura Kiessner of Packsize Intl and Hansi Kiessner of
Packsize NOW. All three are proud University of Utah alumni!


Packsize is a multinational technology company that develops,
manufactures, supports, and sells a full spectrum of advanced
packaging systems and automated machine technology. In 2016,
Hansi founded Packsize NOW, which provides big box store
technology and pricing with local box store service and support.


Hanko and Laura talk about how they started Packsize from scratch
and their challenges, especially with a growing family to take
care of. They also tell us how perseverance helped them become an
industry leader today due to their focus on innovation and
improvement, as well as sustainability. This year, Hanko was
awarded Entrepreneur of the Year by MountainWest Capital Network.


Hansi also shares his experiences with Packsize NOW. He tells us
the company's early beginnings, where it is now, and the path
it's going moving forward, plus how they managed to get through
the pandemic as a young company.
Episode Quotes:

Hanko's vision when he came back with his family to the
US


"So, fresh off the boat in New York City, Hanko takes me to Wall
Street and tells me that someday we're going to play a role in
the world's biggest economy here. And that's what we did." -
Hansi


On starting a business and taking care of a young
family


"It's just staggering and overwhelming, just the sheer energy and
dedication and commitment required to start a business. And in
addition, you've got three young kids that you're raising. You're
a parent to those kids. And to navigate that, it took a lot of
self-awareness and understanding the leadership style and the
working style of your partner, and understanding that there is
that difference between business and a difference between family,
but somehow they're married, and one needs to understand and make
priorities." - Laura


Advice on young entrepreneurs:


"I would say that the journey is the goal. And so, focus on the
steps. Of course, you should know where you're headed, but you
need to be flexible to walk around obstacles, to get things out
of your way. To really enjoy that journey the best you can and do
what you can to make sure that it's fun and sustainable. You just
stay focused on where you are." - Hanko


"One needs to enjoy what you're doing and have a passion for what
you're doing. And take the time to set the priorities and make
time to spend with your family, make time to get to know people,
and enjoy the people you're working with because they are really
what makes going to work fun." - Laura


On persevering through all failures and
obstacles:


"That element is a key; when you get pushed down, come back up
and figure it out, and keep figuring it out until it works." -
Hanko


"Building something from nothing and not giving up took a
tremendous amount of strength, both physically and mentally, and
emotionally. Never give up, commit and be dedicated, and be loyal
to know that you are going to help make a difference by making
this business successful." - Laura


On their commitment to minimizing environmental
impact:


"When we started Packsize, I made the commitment that I didn't
want to start just any business with the same problems that some
or many businesses have, which is they need to be profitable but
then they end up being profitable at the expense of the society.


When you add up the pollution, the destruction to the planet, and
you compare that with the profit of the company, the destruction
might be a higher number than the profit and the goods that the
company might have ever done. 


If you create a higher cost to society than your profit, you
haven't done anything for society. So, from the get-go, I wanted
to create a company that I'm proud of. And I wouldn't be proud of
it if we were doing more damage than we were doing good. So, that
is where we came up with we need to be sustainable." - Hanko
Show Links:

Packsize

Packsize NOW

MountainWest Capital Network Names Packsize CEO Hanko
Kiessner 2021 Entrepreneur of the Year