Business & Tech
Bethesda Man 'Makes Time' for Entrepreneurship in College
Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School graduate Nathan Resnick is the founder of Yes Man watches.
Nathan Resnick of Bethesda is obsessed with watches. Well, one particular watch -- the one he invented and will soon put on the market.
Resnick, a University of San Diego student who graduated from Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School in 2012, has been an entrepreneur since childhood. He is carrying that passion to a new level with a wristwatch he has named Yes Man. The watch has a special buckle that does not damage the watch band's leather, he said.
While he was home for winter break, Bethesda-Chevy Chase Patch caught up with Resnick to talk about his invention, his inspiration and his upcoming crowd-sourced marketing campaign.
Q. How did you become interested in becoming an entrepreneur while still in college?
A. I’ve had a keen interest in entrepreneurship since I was young through the empowering aspects I saw in it. As a child, I’d collect and resell my neighbor’s unwanted goods on Ebay, often turning a little profit. This was my first business and was the foundation for other entrepreneurial endeavors.
Q. Why watches? Why the name Yes Man?A. After thinking of this innovative buckle apparatus, I thought why not design my own watch? I was looking for a way to empower people to consider their use of time, and watches let me incorporate my lifestyle directly into our products. Design aspects like our logo placement at the 5 o’clock mark reflect this. The name Yes Man comes from the idea of making the most of your time. Everyone has the same 24 hours in a day, yet so few consider their use of time.
Q. When does your Kickstarter campaign start and what are you hoping to get out of it?
A. Our Kickstarter campaign starts Jan. 13 and we are seeking to raise $15,000. We have everything in place needed to make these watches except the funds to go into our first production run. With the help of our Kickstarter supporters, we will be able to make these one-of-a-kind watches and empower people to realize It’s Your Time.
Q. Did your upbringing in Bethesda contribute to your success?
A. I am extremely fortunate to have been brought up here. The support of our community and the countless opportunities available have enabled me to grow. People in Bethesda are ambitious—this quality inspires my determination.
Q. Tell us where you went to elementary, middle, high school and college and a little about your background.
A. I attended Somerset Elementary, Westland Middle School, and then Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School. I am now attending the University of San Diego, a huge change from the East! During my junior year of high school I immersed myself in Beijing, China, through the School Year Abroad program. I was able to utilize my Chinese language ability and understanding of Chinese culture to build a strong relationship with my manufacturer. Entrepreneurship is all about utilizing your skills and resources; every experience should be learned from.
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