Kinkajou bottle cutter brings Sudbury entrepreneur success

Sudbury's Patrick Lehoux has definitely "made it" in the business sense, but since finding success with his Kinkajou bottle cutter, he says his perspective has shifted. 

The Kinkajou is a tool that upcycles glass bottles into glassware.

Lehoux, 40, came up with his novel design back in 2012, after deciding that he wanted to try what was, at the time, a new thing on the internet — a Kickstarter campaign.

Lehoux gave a TedX talk in Sudbury on the genesis of his business last year. 

Three years later, the product has sold in more than 50 countries, and has grossed more than $4 million in sales. 

Lehoux said there's no doubt that his bank statement has changed. But more than that, he's arrived at a different definition of success. 

"When I was younger, in my other businesses, I thought 'making it' was maybe a corner officer, lots of responsibility, a big title," he said. "But really, for me, 'making it now is more about setting up your life up so that you have the freedom to do what you want, when you want." 

Lehoux said he works from his kitchen table — about 15 hours a week. 

"I know that if I worked 30, I would have more money. But, I don't need to work the 30, because I have enough."

Morning North6:33Turning to the bottle and making money at it

Build a better mousetrap, and the world will beat a path to your door. Patrick Lehoux would probably agree with that advice. He built a better bottle cutter that turns bottles into drinking glasses. He shared his story with us on our Good News program.

Listen to the complete interview with Patrick Lehoux here.