In this world of women’s cosmetics, home interior, and fantasy parties, you knew it would not be long before the men got in on the action. ManCave is a Minneapolis based company that hires “advisors” to market products through a male gathering (called a MEATing) held at an individual’s house. By hosting the event, the advisor brings an array of MEAT (from Buffalo, to Brats, to Chicken) to grill. Cards and watching big sporting events are also part of the experience. During this festivus, at some point in time (maybe after alcohol has been consumed?) products are pitched to the guys. These products include grilling tools, rubs, marinades and even the meat itself. Other products offered are poker products, bar accessories, beer dispensers, and even some “gifts for her” which includes body butter, and an ultimate night kit (only $30) which includes body oil, candles and 500 rose pedals.
22 year old Minnesota Carlson School of Business college student Nick Beste of East Grand Forks, created the concept in which he hopes some day will be bigger than Mary Kay. Using a familiar business model, commissions are paid to the advisors based on their own sales and they get a smaller percentage of the sales of people they recruit. The host, besides free MEAT, gets 10% in free merchandise if $0 to $800 is sold at the party, 20% over $800 in sales. Sell over a $1000, and receive the GOLDEN MUG with the ManCave emblem and a 24 kt. Gold rim. There’s a bit of foolishness thrown into the equation too…like Manlaws…in which all men will abide. Here are a few of them:
• Grilling, regardless of weather, is always the first choice of cooking
• No man shall ever turn down free beer…for any reason. Never
• A Manpurse is still a purse.
Starting just one year ago, ManCave now operates in 11 states with 48 advisors, and will do over $150,000 in sales this year, with projections of next year being over $1 million in sales. A typical meeting usually has about 10 guys attending and does anywhere from $300 to $2000. Much of the event is centered around a presentation on grilling techniques and equipment. Sounds like something right out of Tim "The Toolman" Taylor’s Home Improvement show! What will be next…a garage party for Craftsman tools? Could be a good alternative to grilling in Minnesota in January!
Website:
Sounds like a glorified tupperware party. Real men don’t need this crap. It’s a money making venture, concocted by an enteprenuer, as a way to make a living by doing as little as possible in the way of real honest, hard work. I ain’t buying it. And neither is any of the people that I know. Look at your dad, and your grandfather. Those were real men, tough men, that didn’t need this crap. The men of today are gettin’ goofy in the head. Their idea of manhood is drinkin’ lots of beer, lookin’ at porn, and driving the biggest pickup with the biggest tires. They’re gettin’ fat and stupid.