How It Started
In 1992, MagneRod® inventor Scott Mulder was selling Magne Seal doors, which were steel doors with magnetic weather stripping. The doors were high-quality, but there was a lack of window treatment options for them. He also needed to avoid drilling into the doors, as drilling done outside the factory would void their warranty, and he didn’t want his company to absorb the cost of doing that. He was tired of losing sales over this problem. He had to find a way for his customers to hang window treatments from his steel doors while still maintaining the integrity and warranty of the door. He created the MagneRod®, a magnetic curtain rod, as the answer to this problem.
Scott Mulder
28
Years in Business
10
Patent Copyrights
100%
Customer Satisfaction
Their first magnetic curtain rod was developed with parts purchased at hardware stores like Woolworth’s and a scientific outlet store called Edmunds Scientific. He also purchased green felt from JoAnne’s Fabrics to use as backing for the homemade magnetic mounts, thinking at the time that the felt added a ‘finished’ look. By gluing a café rod to a ring magnet and putting felt on the back, he had the first magnetic curtain rod of its kind. He had the first prototype finished in one year, with his first patent subsequently being granted in 1994.
Initially he made these handmade versions in his garage, and as they evolved, he listened to the suggestions of customers, friends, and family. The majority of the complaints he heard were about the fact that the rod slipped a bit, especially when the door was slammed closed. It was his father, John, who suggested that they needed something with more grip than the felt backing. While the felt looked great, it made the surface more slick, which lessened the hold of the magnets. He began using 1” x 2” block magnets that were positioned vertically, along with closed cell foam on the back of the mounts.There was one final, major design improvement needed to make it completely stable. That was accomplished by joining the bracket and finial end cap to make them one piece. It was no longer a rod clipped onto brackets–but instead, all one piece. The MagneRod® no longer slipped or dropped. That general look established the prototype for the industry for the next 20 years.
Company History
MagneRod® traces its roots back to 1992 when it was founded after three years of dedicated experimentation by its visionary founder. The company's journey began with a focus on innovation, specifically in the realm of curtain rods that could be seamlessly attached to steel residential doors. The breakthrough came with the development of brackets equipped with magnets, offering a novel and efficient solution.
By 1994, MagneRod® had successfully introduced its flagship product, the "Magne Rod," to the market. This innovative curtain rod quickly gained traction and found its way onto the shelves of major home center chains, including Menards, Home Depot, and Lowes. Initially, the company relied heavily on mail-order catalogs, which became a significant channel for reaching consumers and contributed to the growing success of the Magne Rod.
Recognizing the increasing importance of the internet in business, MagneRod® took a strategic step forward in 1995 by launching its first website. This move not only expanded the company's reach but also marked its entry into the digital era of commerce. The online platform facilitated easier access for customers, broadening the company's customer base and providing a convenient shopping experience.
Building on the success of the Magne Rod, MagneRod® continued to innovate, diversifying its product line. In a move that showcased its commitment to meeting varied customer needs, the company introduced the "Magne Blind®," an aluminum mini blind version that complemented its curtain rod offering. This expansion into window treatments further solidified MagneRod®'s position in the home improvement market.
MagneRod® enjoyed years of sustained growth, achieving continental distribution for its innovative products. The Magne Rod® and Magne Blind® became household names, known for their reliability, functionality, and ease of installation. The company's commitment to quality and innovation contributed to its longevity in the market, as it consistently met the evolving demands of consumers.
As MagneRod® thrived in the competitive landscape, it left a lasting mark on the home improvement industry. The company's history reflects a journey of creativity, resilience, and adaptability, making it a notable player in the world of household accessories.
In the years following its inception, MagneRod® continued to evolve and adapt to the dynamic landscape of the home improvement industry. The success of the Magne Rod and Magne Blind laid the foundation for the company's growth and expansion into new markets.
Throughout the late 1990s and into the early 2000s, MagneRod® further solidified its position as a key player in the home improvement sector. The company's commitment to innovation led to the introduction of additional products designed to simplify and enhance the lives of homeowners. These included various curtain accessories, unique window treatments, and other innovative solutions for interior décor.
MagneRod®'s dedication to quality manufacturing processes and materials garnered the trust of both consumers and retail partners. As a result, the company expanded its distribution channels, securing partnerships with additional home improvement retailers and expanding its reach to international markets. The Magne Rod and Magne Blind became sought-after products not only for their functionality but also for the contemporary and stylish designs that set them apart in the market.
In response to the growing trend of online shopping, MagneRod® continued to invest in its digital presence. The company enhanced its website, incorporating user-friendly features, and implemented e-commerce strategies to streamline the purchasing process. This digital transformation not only catered to changing consumer preferences but also allowed MagneRod® to reach a global audience, reinforcing its position as an industry leader.
As sustainability and eco-friendly practices gained prominence in consumer consciousness, MagneRod® demonstrated its commitment to responsible manufacturing. The company explored and implemented environmentally friendly materials and production processes, aligning its operations with emerging industry standards and meeting the expectations of an increasingly environmentally conscious market.
MagneRod®'s ability to anticipate and adapt to market trends ensured its longevity in the competitive home improvement sector. The company's culture of innovation extended beyond product development to include customer service and engagement. Through social media platforms and other online forums, MagneRod® actively sought feedback from customers, fostering a sense of community and loyalty around its brand.
Over the years, MagneRod® became synonymous with quality, reliability, and innovation in the home improvement space. The company's history reflects not only its capacity for product development but also its resilience in navigating industry shifts and staying ahead of the curve. As of my knowledge cutoff date in January 2022, the company's future continued to look promising, with MagneRod® maintaining its reputation as a trailblazer in the world of household accessories and interior solutions.