An Interview with
simplehuman CEO Frank Yang
I know you worked for your Dad’s
product company before you launched
your business, what made you branch
out on your own?
My Father’s company focused on classic
design, whereas I could see there was an
opportunity for a new housewares business
with a different sort of product design,
better engineering and stronger branding.
Did you face many challenges when you
were starting out on your own?
Yes, a few. Although my early product
designs were well received, I had to convince
buyers that simplehuman could deliver.
Also, it was challenging to find the right
factory partner who shared my focus on
high quality materials and great design.
How long after launching the company
did you feel you could really see the
potential it had?
Well, it wasn’t long! Probably about a year
after we launched in 2000. That was when
we started getting sizeable, regular orders.
Where do you get your design
inspiration from?
I think inspiration is everywhere. It’s all
around us, in the conversations we have
with people and the products we use. For
example, it was watching the motion of
my car trunk that made me think about
the slow close lid on our trash cans. Being
around younger people and seeing how
they interact with technology is inspiring
too. I look at the games people play on
their smartphones and can see that there’s
something addictive in their simplicity,
much like the purity of apple products that
makes those so appealing. On a personal
level, I enjoy being part of a small team,
brainstorming ideas and coming up with
cool products that we’re proud to share with
our friends.
What drives you to succeed in your
business career?
When I read a consumer review that says
“You know what, I never thought I’d say
this, but I LOVE my trash can” – that’s my
idea of success. I speak quite regularly to
MBA students at UCLA and USC and they
ask really good, searching questions. I want
to keep thinking like that, to stay open to
new ideas and new ways of doing things. At
simplehuman we’re always looking for ways
for ourselves and our customers to become
more efficient.