Meet Marcial Stewart

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marcial Stewart. 

Hi Marcial, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
The idea of the original gaming glove started in my shed like every other innovative idea we know and all love. I was beating my buddy David pretty well in John Madden football. He left and came back with a rubber thimble complaining his finger was slipping, then the light bulbs went off. He was the concept man while I was the brain and engine to bring this idea to life. In 2008 I was granted a design patent, then two years down the road, I created Grip It Sleek LLC 2010. 

I had no mentors except artificial intelligence, Google, and YouTube. 

I failed many times trying to reach out to big companies to give me a look. In 2009, I had my patent attorney reach out to Sony Corporation in Japan by fax, hoping to get some interest. It worked! I was super happy when they asked to review the idea for six months to decide if they would consider using the design. 

Ultimately, the idea was just an idea, no prototype, no data, and no traction. They mentioned it was too early to make a decision. It was back to the drawing board. This let me know this idea had some potential because I had a fax from a powerful Sony executive in my hands. I never viewed it as a loss, just a lesson to get more traction and bring this gaming glove to life. 

Fast forward to the 2014 International Toy Fair in New York City. My mother and I went to showcase the prototypes I had manufactured in Baltimore. I had so many big-name companies stopping past my booth to check out this half-a-glove idea. Sleekz were being taken off my table as if they were free samples. They were not samples. 

I’ll never forget how a Nike executive told me that he had to come down from the third floor to see what all the excitement was about this half a glove thing. He told me the idea and talk reached the third floor. 

So many folks and companies surrounded my small table wanting to know more. It was super overwhelming. So many contacts wanted the Sleekz in their stores, but once again, I had no manufacturer. 

At the same event, I met a gentleman who would become my manufacturer connect. 

Once the first thousand Midnight Crows Sleekz were manufactured in 2017. I had no clue what to do with them. I gave away a lot of the product throughout the next few years, which was not too bright. I put the remaining 200 units on Amazon towards the end of 2019 and the Sleekz sold out in 45 days. $4,800 dollars popped into my business account seemed overnight. 

Now in 2021, with two design patents, a registered logo, and a registered wordmark. The Sleekz brand is born and is now available on Amazon. The name is Fiery Phoenix Sleekz 3,000 second edition. 

The 3,000 means this is the total number of Sleekz created for this special edition. 

Once a Sleekz version or edition is made public, it will never be made again. This is why the Sleekz will be so valuable down the line. My brother is the financier and the heart and soul of Grip It Sleek LLC. He’s like the Roy Disney! Guess that makes me Walt! 

Our second entry market is the Golf market. Golfing Sleekz is a must! 

Sports Sleekz®, then cashier Sleekz®, and fashion Sleekz® and etc. Possibilities are endless! 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, the road was not smooth at all. Not knowing just basic business principal, marketing, and ultimately not having a mentor in my opinion was huge. I met my chief marketing officer. our CMO, who now lives in FL. He inspired me to get on Amazon and get my mind in marketing mode. Bill Muhar is a talented man who sees the company’s vision and is on board to help cover the world in Sleekz. 

Shafreel Cosmos, Marine1169(Gunny), and Ryen Esterling all were a big help in the second edition of the Sleekz. From a visual perspective to all the promotions. These gentlemen are true Sleekzsters and see the vision of the Sleekz in the years to come. All professionals in their own rights. These gentlemen also helped Sleekz achieve daily sales on Amazon. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I love to innovate and play golf. My goal is to turn professional by the age of 39 on the PGA Tour. I would have already been professional by the age of 23 but was sidetracked taking on the Sleekz idea. 

I played golf on the High School team and made a promise to win a single PGA match for my golf mate who passed away due to a brain tumor. This was a personal promise and I would like to be the first to win a professional tournament with my Golf Sleekz on, first in history. I’m super serious. 

Who on the PGA won a tournament wearing their innovation creation??? 

A dream I plan to accomplish. I’m known for being extremely active and discipline. Before the Sleekz was on my radar, I would hit golf balls twice a day till my hands started bleeding. I was 7 or 8 handicap. The progression is what I’m most proud of and all the dedication. This includes working out religiously to achieve a powerful smooth swing. 

I love the Smithsonian channel and Disney, and can’t forget Sir David Attenborough. He’s always on my screen. My business mind and matureness set me apart from the masses. 

Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
My favorite books are “The Count of Monte Cristo” and “Robinson Crusoe” 

Simply redemption and having self-reliance. 

I recently fell in love with “The Profit” on CNBC. Marcus Lemonis in 2020. I truly believe this show help shape my business mind as well. 

Pricing:

• Fiery Phoenix Sleekz® 3,000 Large 34.99
• Fiery Phoenix Sleekz® 3,000 Medium 34.99
• Fiery Phoenix Sleekz® 3,000 Small 34.99

Contact Info:

• Email: info@gripitsleek.com
• Website: www.gripitsleek.com
• Instagram: sleekmanmoss
• Facebook: Grip It Sleek LLC
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3Qo9LLeGVL1hp_v8DO1qdw 

Image Credits
Shafreel Onyx
Joenaidys Ryen
Esterling Marine1169/Gunny