Business 2 CommunityBYU Student Scores with Waterproof Electronics
Scott Walker Credit: BYU
Scott Walker, a recent marketing graduate, said he went to Brigham Young University because his parents are alumni of the school. As a junior in 2011, the Oregon native invented waterproof electronic gadgets such as headphones, earphones, and iPod Shuffles. Walker’s innovative use of sealants, plastics, and proprietary sealing processes has earned him recognition as a promising entrepreneur.
“This past Christmas [2011], the demand was almost impossible for us to keep up with,” Walker told the Daily Barometer. “The success has been phenomenal.” Walker says that his largest group of customers are swimmers. He also plans to waterproof other types of Apple products.
In April, Underwater Audio, the name of Walker’s business, was recently named as the No. 1 student-run business by Utah Student 25, an organization that recognizes student entrepreneurs across the state of Utah. “It was nice to receive recognition for all the hard work,” Walker told the Marriott School of Business. “Winning this competition has opened all kinds of doors for me,” said the Oregon native.
The waterproof devices enable users to bring their music or favorite audio book to the water. Using proprietary technology, the company seals fourth and fifth generation Apple devices from the inside out. The liquid-proof iPod Shuffles are routinely tested beyond 200 feet in salt, fresh, and chlorinated water. “With our method, we don’t crack open the iPod Shuffle and take it apart,” Walker said.
Walker is pioneering a breakthrough technology in an emerging market. He says Underwater Audio has the No. 2 market share in the industry. “I spend every spare moment working on Underwater Audio,” Walker says. “But I feel like I have a balanced life. It’s busy, but I enjoy it.”
Aside from the United States, Underwater Audio sells its products in some parts of Canada and Australia. Walker also plans to set up locations in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. He hopes he can save his customers money form having to replace expensive electronics damaged by water intrusion into sensitive internal parts. Walker also wants to reach out to more surfers, divers, beachgoers, and others who find activity near the water.
At the banquet held by Utah Student 25, Walker was able to network with several business entities. He hopes one of his contacts can help take his rapidly growing company. At the banquet, 25 businesses were selected based on revenue and profitability. “Applicants were required to be in a management position, be full-time students, have their company’s financial accounts up-to-date and own a significant percentage of the company,” according to the school.
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