By: Factfullguys
The FunkAway #31 car isn’t the only thing at the top here in town!
What started as a fun little idea in a conference room of a family-run manufacturing facility, Kyle Bolke and Dan Zbynski have transformed FunkAway into a national brand and top odor eliminator product for all things you can’t just toss into the wash.
From being available in stores like Target and Wal Mart to partnering with people like NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Parker Retzlaff and other athletes and celebrities, this Illinois-created company is giving hope to other entrepreneurs in the region to dream big.
This August marks the 100th Anniversary of Ace Hardware and to celebrate Ace is putting on a massive Fall Market Showcase in Chicago that will highlight brands like FunkAway and more in the region who are making a difference.
Photo Courtesy: FunkAway
Ahead of the show, we spoke exclusively with Kyle and Dan to learn more about how our city and all has inspired FunkAway to take on the most extreme smells!
To start off, you are a global success story! How does that feel?
Growing up in a blue-collar, lower to middle-income community in Chicagoland was an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything. The values and work ethic I developed there have been fundamental to my journey. Alongside Kyle, I balanced a regular job with evenings and weekends dedicated to launching our project. Although the hours were long and the work was tough, we managed to find joy in the process and shared a common dream.
The first time I saw FunkAway on a retail shelf was an overwhelmingly exciting moment, a sense of accomplishment that I still feel every time I spot our product. Despite FunkAway now being available on tens of thousands of shelves around the globe, that initial thrill hasn’t faded. I can’t leave a store without checking for FunkAway, and I am continually amazed at how our creation has blossomed into a global success.
How did living in Illinois (Lake County and the Waukegan city) inspire you each to create these products together? Do we really smell that bad here?
First of all, it’s not that we have particularly bad odors; it’s just that Chicago is a big market with both athletes and hard-working construction workers. The city is full of people who work hard and sweat a lot due to the constant construction and sports activities everywhere. When we started, our focus was on consumers who embody this hardworking and active lifestyle. We initially catered to athletes and those who sweat heavily, but soon realized that our product’s application extended beyond sports gear and was effective on just about anything.
Both Kyle and I had firsthand experience with extreme athletic odors—pure funk. I spent around 20 years as a youth football coach, while Kyle was an athlete himself. I remember carpooling with kids carrying their football equipment and having to hang my head out the window because of the overwhelming odor. We were both frustrated by products that claimed to eliminate odors but only masked them instead. Recognizing a genuine need for a more effective solution, we tapped into our connection with a blending and filling contract manufacturer to start developing and testing formulas for extreme odor elimination.
Our initial tests in the lab were promising. We began by using the spray on hockey gear and football equipment and were impressed with the results. We then collaborated with experienced professionals in Marketing and Sales, such as Scott Wood, who played a crucial role in helping us establish a market strategy and drive growth. To further validate our product, we conducted consumer testing and distributed FunkAway to youth football teams, receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback. Once we moved to professional packaging and added the FunkAway branding, the product truly began to take off.
Photo Courtesy: FunkAway
What can consumers of your products look forward to that will be on display at the upcoming Ace Fall Market in Chicago in August, that will also celebrate the 100 Anniversary of Ace Hardware?
We are very excited to be part of Ace Hardware’s 100 year celebration. FunkAway has been working with Ace Hardware for a number of years on a Dropship basis. This summer we received placement of our Odor Eliminating Beads and Smoke aerosol into the Ace National RSC’s and are part of the Household Cleaning/Aircare Discovery Planogram. This will allow Ace Members the ability to order directly from the Ace Distribution Centers. We are very excited to be part of Ace Hardware’s 100 year celebration. If you are attending the show please stop by Booth 3387 to see the full line of FunkAway products.
Your families are also involved heavily in the communities here and your company is all about giving back. Kyle, your wife is a big part of Reading Power. Tell us more!
Reading Power’s one-to-one tutoring intervention was initially inspired by Reading Recovery over twenty years ago. Our program has evolved to incorporate current research that supports direct phonics instruction. Our program focuses on oral language development and building vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency skills for all students. Because we are an individualized tutoring program, we can differentiate our lessons for our students to provide instruction in their learning styles.
As an avid reader and book lover, one of my biggest passions is child literacy. A friend of mine introduced me to Reading Power and after hearing about her experience, I knew I needed to volunteer and become a tutor.I started tutoring for Reading Power at Learn 6 Charter School in September of 2021. I tutor one day a week for 3 hours and work with 3 scholars that are in first and second grades. The Reading Power program is really special in that tutors provide 1:1 support for reading and writing. I love watching the progress my scholars make throughout the school year. Seeing the look on their faces when they jump a reading level, or can write a sentence about a book we’ve read with a smile on their face makes my heart happy. The Chairman of the Board for Reading Power started a quote “tutor one child, change two lives” and it’s true. I’m beyond grateful for my experience with Reading Power. Being able to use my passion for child literacy and building relationships with my scholars and making friends in the process has been an incredible opportunity.
Photo Courtesy: FunkAway
When not working, what do you each like to do and where are some of your favorite, best-smelling spots to go to in Chicago?
When not working, I love fishing and have recently taken up snowmobiling, which I find incredibly relaxing and a great way to experience the winter landscape in all its glory. My past passion included singing in a band that performed around the Chicagoland area for 20 years, where we even played some Funk. I also enjoy sports, so some of my favorite spots in Chicago are attending sporting events like a Bears game at Soldier Field or a Bulls or Blackhawks game at the United Center. However, I must admit that these events aren’t exactly known for their pleasant smells, which is where FunkAway comes in handy.
Where does Chicago rate in terms of your company’s overall sales market?
Illinois is a Top 10 Market for FunkAway. We have invested heavily into the Chicago Cubs over the past 5 years sponsoring the Funkiest Play of the Game. In addition we have great local retail support through Jewel. We love giving back to Chicago as it is where our home roots are!
Where can residents here go to buy your products today?
Locally in the Chicago Market FunkAway is sold in Jewel (in Laundry Aisle), Target (in Automotive Aircare Section), Walmart (in Home Organization, Shoe, Sporting Goods, and Automotive Aircare Departments), you also can find our full assortment on Amazon
Do you have additional expansion plans in Illinois and across the United States coming up?
FunkAway is having another great year in sales growth; distribution during 2024 we will add products into a number of Major Retail chains Including Ace Hardware, Walmart, Target, Tractor Supply, Bass Pro and more. FunkAway also is entering into the Commercial / Institutional Space with FunkAway Extreme. FunkAway Extreme will continue to eliminate the Nastiest Odors but also we will be helping entering into the All Purpose Cleaner & Degreaser Market.
Published by: Martin De Juan
