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In the world of DIY, precision and efficiency are everything.
Whether you’re an artist perfecting your next masterpiece, a professional painter tackling a project, or a casual crafter working on home improvements, the frustrations of using masking tape are all too familiar.
That moment when you reach for a roll of tape and can’t find the edge? It’s the bane of every project, turning what should be a smooth experience into a tedious task.
Enter Nathan Pratt, inventor of Tape Cap, a game-changing solution that offers a frustration-free taping experience.
Tape Cap is a compact tape dispenser designed to make every project easier by attaching directly to rolls of masking or painter’s tape. With its ability to hold the edge of the tape and deliver straight, clean cuts, it takes the guesswork out of applying tape and allows you to work with precision.
Whether you’re masking corners, making labels, or tackling a painting project, Tape Cap ensures that your tape is applied quickly and cleanly—every time.
For Nathan, this journey began during his teenage years, where his love for creating sculptures introduced him to the world of masking tape. Years later, his passion for innovation and efficiency led him to dream up a simple, affordable dispenser that could save people time and make taping enjoyable. Today, Tape Cap is helping artists, crafters, and DIYers everywhere cut through frustration and focus on what matters most—their projects.
What was your life like before you embarked on this entrepreneurial journey? Were you always drawn to entrepreneurship, or are you a reluctant entrepreneur?
Thankfully, creativity was encouraged in my family. My mother was a stained glass artist, my grandmother was a painter and ceramicist, and my father is a Native American painter, sculptor, and forensic artist. I come from a long line of creators, including a sculptor uncle and another uncle who is a medical doctor and inventor.
As a child, I loved to draw, sculpt, and dream of different inventions. I sold my first ceramic sculpture when I was 11 or 12. From then on, I continued to experiment with various materials, molds, and manufacturing processes, which naturally led me into the world of patents and product development.
After earning a degree in marketing, I spent much of my twenties doing chainsaw carvings—risky but something I loved for its physicality. Despite brief stints in law enforcement, sales, and corporate product development, I always felt drawn back to my work as an artist.
During one project in an after-school program that required a lot of masking tape, I found myself frustrated with the inefficiency of tearing tape by hand. That’s when the idea for Tape Cap came to me. Why not create a small, efficient tape dispenser that could be attached directly to a roll of tape? It was a simple idea that I felt could save people time.
What was the spark of inspiration for Tape Cap?
The idea hit me during a project using masking tape. I kept thinking about how inefficient the process of tearing tape was—finding the edge, peeling it off, and often dealing with ripped shreds. I realized that a compact, affordable tape dispenser could make a big difference.
At the time, I was about to turn 40 and reflecting on how precious time is. Although it might seem trivial, the time I was wasting with that roll of tape sparked the idea for Tape Cap.
How did you go from idea to action? What were the first steps you took in turning your idea into a tangible product?
I wanted the device to be simple, small, and inexpensive, with only the essential features. It also needed to be ergonomic, allowing users to hold the tape roll comfortably. I spent time studying how people naturally hold and tear off tape.
The breakthrough came when I realized I could use the adhesive quality of the tape itself to hold the dispenser in place. From that point on, the design came together quickly.
I started by sketching, then made prototypes out of cardboard and metal. My good friend Joel generously offered his 3D modeling skills, and we were able to test and refine each version using 3D prints.
Tell us about the challenges you faced during the creation of your first prototype. Were there any significant obstacles or unexpected surprises that shaped the final product?
Balancing simplicity with functionality was a challenge. I wanted the product to be both ergonomic and unique. The biggest surprise was the realization that the tape’s adhesive could hold the dispenser in place, which allowed me to simplify the design. Once that idea clicked, everything came together.
Share the story of your first sale. How did it feel to see your product finally in the hands of a customer?
HIS Paint Manufacturing Company in Oklahoma City was my first customer. They agreed to carry my first box of Tape Caps and provided valuable feedback on the early prototypes. Their support, along with a feature on a local news station, helped generate interest. Within two weeks, I received a licensing offer from FoamPRO Manufacturing in California, which boosted my confidence in the product’s potential.
I’d love for you to share 1-2 of your favorite stories from customers who have used Tape Cap and their experience with it.
I had the chance to teach a 6-week class to middle school students, and we used Tape Caps for a masking tape sculpture project. It was so much fun watching the kids work with the Tape Caps. The product is different from other dispensers, which makes it fun to use. I also enjoy reading reviews from customers who say they love the product and plan to give it to friends. Tape Caps make great stocking stuffers!
What is something you did from a marketing or sales perspective that gave your business a jolt of success?
I sent free product samples to YouTube channels and influencers in the arts and crafts space. Crafters appreciate the simple benefits of a Tape Cap, especially since many of them are detail-oriented and organized. They use Tape Caps on all their masking tape rolls and love making labels with different colors of tape.
Can you share a time when you faced a significant setback or failure? What did you learn from that experience, and how did it shape your approach to your business?
The pandemic disrupted my initial partnership with a company that was helping me launch the product. When that fell apart, I had to start over, redesigning the logos, packaging, and launch strategy on my own. While it was a setback, it gave me valuable experience and control over the process. In hindsight, I’m grateful for the lessons learned.
What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve received from a mentor, coach, or peer? How has it influenced your entrepreneurial journey?
This journey with Tape Cap has been about more than just tape—it’s about time. At a career crossroads, I found myself deep in the trenches of inventing and launching this product. It wasn’t an easy time, but I stayed the course, believing that something good would come of it. Now, several years later, I’m developing a range of new products.
One of my high school teachers, who is still a mentor, pointed out that this journey has been a means of deepening my faith. That insight has been my greatest takeaway from this experience.
What are some effective routines or habits that help you be more productive or run your business more effectively?
I take a walk every night in a neighborhood with big trees and a nearby park. Nature inspires me, and those walks give me time to think about design or marketing ideas. It’s a chance to clear my mind, reflect, and get fresh air.
If you could go back and advise your younger self during the early days of your business, what would you tell them to help reach those first 1,000 sales more efficiently?
Don’t wait for things to be perfect—they never will be. Before hiring someone else, challenge yourself to do it on your own. Even if it takes longer, you’ll learn so much in the process. Also, listen to your customers. Don’t rely solely on your own assumptions. Let people try your prototypes, listen to their feedback, and be willing to make changes, even radical ones.
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