Episode 216
From Military to CEO: Doug Katz on Building a Business from the Garage to the Marketplace
Many aspiring entrepreneurs struggle with turning a passion project or hobby into a profitable business, unsure of where to start or how to secure the right resources. Doug Katz, a former military officer turned CEO, knows this challenge firsthand. After navigating corporate America and multiple career pivots, he found himself drawn to entrepreneurship through a hobby—knife making. But launching a product-based business wasn’t easy, from manufacturing struggles to understanding the complexities of commercialization.
In this episode, Doug shares how he built Nulu, a patent-pending adaptive knife designed for efficiency and accessibility. Learn how he leveraged veteran resources, strategic partnerships, and a Kickstarter campaign to turn an idea into a scalable business.
Key Takeaways:
• From West Point to Entrepreneurship: Doug’s journey from military service to corporate roles and ultimately becoming a CEO.
• Turning a Hobby Into a Scalable Business: How Doug’s passion for knife-making evolved into Nulu, a first-of-its-kind adaptive kitchen tool.
• The Power of Asking for Help: Discover how veterans and aspiring entrepreneurs can access free resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities to build a business.
• Lessons in Manufacturing and Crowdfunding: Doug shares the challenges and breakthroughs of product development, including supply chain hurdles and launching a successful Kickstarter campaign.
• The Importance of Collaboration: Why surrounding yourself with experts and letting go of total control can take your business further than going at it alone.
About the Guest:
Douglas Katz is a West Point graduate, disabled Army veteran, and entrepreneur dedicated to empowering people with physical limitations to maintain their independence in the kitchen. With a career spanning the military, steel casting, telecom, and lending, he found an unexpected calling—creating NULU, an adaptive knife designed for individuals with upper-body strength challenges, joint issues, or limited mobility.
Inspired by his own experience with upper extremity impairments and caregiving for an octogenarian, Douglas reimagined traditional kitchen tools. Unlike conventional knives that rely on sawing motions and upper-arm strength, NULU’s circular design works with the body’s natural mechanics, making cutting easier, safer, and more accessible.
Supported by a team of seasoned professionals—including fellow West Point grads and veterans—Douglas is leading a Kickstarter campaign to bring NULU to those who need it most. The campaign raises awareness for conditions like MS, arthritis, and Parkinson’s while offering special discounts for veterans, seniors, and supporters of adaptive tech.
More than just a kitchen tool, NULU represents a movement toward practical innovation, independence, and resilience. Douglas is passionate about starting conversations on adaptive technology and redefining what true independence looks like, ensuring that people of all abilities can continue to do what they love.
Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglaskatz/
Fast Five Questions:
1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “Go into his garage, start inventing, and turn a new idea into a product.”
2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Trusting too much without verifying—waiting too long to pivot from an underperforming manufacturing partnership.”
3. What is a book that you would recommend? “The Road by Cormac McCarthy—valuable lessons on leadership, survival, and fatherhood.”
4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “AI tools like ChatGPT—Doug uses AI daily for research, planning, and refining business strategies.”
5. What is your definition of freedom? “The ability to do what he wants, when he wants, without external constraints—living life on his terms while making an impact.”
About Jeff:
Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/
Connect with Jeff:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/
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