SideSling
Fishing rod carrier built by an Old Village Resident
Your name: Jay McGinnis
Your position: Owner and Developer of SideSling
Company name: SideSling, LLC
Website: www.side-sling.com
Phone number: 843-212-7240
Industry: Fishing Accessories
Describe the company & what your company does:
SideSling is a fishing accessory that allows hands free carrying of up to 4 inshore/fly rods.
Anything extraordinary/unique that your company does:
The SideSling is a first of its kind carrier with a patent pending design unlike any other. The use of 4 well executed “L cuts” in EVA foam provides a superior grip and special distance to allow tangle free carrying.
How long have you been in business?
6 months
What prompted you to start your own business?
While on a family trip to Destin, FL I noticed my brother in law carrying 8 rods to the boat from the truck. I watched as the rods began to tangle and bend while trying to carry coolers and handle the children. I immediately knew there was a need and I knew it would be a product made of foam, I just did not know how to connect the rods to the foam. That development came 6 months later after cutting in to foam on my back patio, trying out different designs and angles.
Where can locals find your products / services?
The best way we are found is on Amazon and straight from our website Retail/Wholesale is in development for the Spring of 2024.
Given your business expertise and the nature of what you do, what advice (whether general or specific) can you offer to the residents of your neighborhood?
If you have an idea, do not give up on it. I had so many people along the way tell me it can not be done. When researching foam people would send samples without any insight. Its up to you to make choices to determine what is best for the vision in your head. Manufacturers were even harder, no one wanted to work the project, excuse after excuse for 6 months until one day… I found the right one. Just don’t give up and definitely do not let anyone tell you that you cant do it.
How did you decide on this industry (events that led up to where you are now, where you went to school, etc.)?
Entrepreneurship and making ideas a reality has always been my passion. It is what makes me the most excited. 10 years ago we had an iPad carrying company called Sherpa and that was a lot of fun to see that take off. Looking back, it was a basic product, a strap on an iPad case that had not be done yet but the lessons I learned in developing that product helped immensely in creating SideSling.
What section of the neighborhood do you live in and how long have you lived in the neighborhood?
We purchased our home in May of 2009 in Old Mt Pleasant. We live on the corner of Palmetto and Simmons and have enjoyed watching this neighborhood grow. The people and children that live here are an absolute treat to be around.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Huntsville, AL until I left for college to Auburn University. Huntsville was a great place to grow up as a child. It has now become the largest and most progressive city in Alabama. I compare it to Greenville, SC a lot.
Give us a general overview about your family:
Mikelyn and I have 2 boys, Rivers (12) and Mac (8). My wife is a successful manager at MUSC for over 15 years. She is pretty good at socializing too. Our boys play baseball, wrestling and tennis and we enjoy watching them compete and have fun.
What are you your hobbies/interests?
I love playing music and golf. I moved to Nashville after college to give music a run and quickly found out there is a lot of talent walking around that town. So now I am a weekend Instagram warrior with whatever song I feel at the moment and I enjoy playing and singing. Golf is an amazing time to get together with friends and enjoy the outdoors.