Daniel Jantzi is the founder and CEO of the Kitchener, Ontario-based direct-to-consumer shaving company Henson Shaving. Henson is ranked as the fifth-fastest growing company in the country by the Globe and Mail and last year grew to more than $25 million in annual sales.
Are there any misconceptions about your industry?
That more blades are not better. All you need to get a smooth and safe shave is a single blade that’s supported well.
Is that where Henson’s background in aerospace projects comes in handy?
Aerospace parts require not only precision, but repeatable precision. Cultivating machining skills over decades and combining them with an appetite to make a new product is what led to our razors.
People aren’t used to paying $90 for a razor. Has the market been receptive?
You're touching on a common misconception. Our razor is more up front, but the blades are only $0.10 each. That's 30 to 60 times cheaper than multiblade razors depending on which one you use. People end up spending less in the long run on a higher-quality product.
What are you paying the most attention to these days?
I'm always paying close attention to cash flow. As a business, you can be profitable one month and still lose cash, or vice versa. So taking the time to understand our inputs and outputs has helped us grow quickly and profitably.
Is there a book you’ve read recently that you’d recommend?
I just really resonate with the approach laid out in To Sell Is Human by Daniel H. Pink.
This interview has been edited for clarity and length.