The Challengers – Eric Martin, Inventor of Boxr Bench

We launched a new series here at EQ that we call The Challengers. After all, we're a Challenger Bank, and we want to showcase some other incredible people who we feel live and breathe what it means to be a Challenger. But first, you’re probably wondering what does it mean? To be a Challenger is a mindset. It’s not about challenging what others are (or aren't) doing; it’s a challenge to ourselves to cut through the nonsense and provide more value to Canadians.

This month, we sat down with Eric Martin, Founder and CEO of North of Modern and Inventor of Boxr Bench, a smart bench that allows you to receive packages securely when you aren’t home, without compromising on curb appeal.

For our viewers who might not be familiar with the origin story of Boxr Bench, can you describe that moment that made you say "enough is enough, something has to change"?

Back in 2014, I started to get missed delivery notices - the last straw was when I had to drive for 45 minutes to pick up a parcel. I imagined other people doing this and thought, “this is not sustainable”. From an environmental and productivity point of view, this doesn’t make sense whatsoever. Initially, I started to think about how I could solve this for myself, but things kicked into action from there.

What's the secret sauce that makes you keep challenging the status quo?

At the core of who I am, I’m a problem solver. I started solving puzzles of 100 pieces when I was two years old. When I see a problem that needs solving, I try to come up with a strategy. With Boxr, it was to solve the issue of stolen parcels without ignoring the desire for curb appeal. That’s the kind of thinking that is the secret sauce for me. Solving the practical problem, while considering what else can be solved as well.

What's next for North of Modern, and how will you continue to foster the Challenger mindset in future endeavours?

Outside of Boxr, we are examining other problems that people face when spending time outdoors. Outdoor space is typically tight, and at a premium. So this presents an opportunity for optimizing furniture and equipment that live in those spaces.

What is your advice for someone who wants to challenge the status quo and do something that involves out of the box thinking?

For me, an idea is only as good as the problem it solves. If you have the intimate knowledge around a problem, you have the inside edge. And if you have the know-how, and the solution doesn’t already exist, chances are, you will be successful. There is room for all kinds of variations of a product. Don’t give up - get to know the issues you are familiar with and try to get knowledge from the people you know who are facing the same challenge.

Watch the full interview with Eric here, and follow us on Instagram for interviews with future Challengers!