Side Hustle Spotlight: Jeremy Barker and Murphy Door

In the world of entrepreneurship, stories of transformation and innovation often inspire others to take the leap into business. One such story is that of Jeremy Barker, a 50-year-old entrepreneur from Ogden, Utah, who transitioned from a firefighter and paramedic to the founder of Murphy Door. This company specializes in "hidden" home furnishings, such as bookcase doors and Murphy beds, offering unique storage solutions that blend functionality with aesthetics.

The Genesis of Murphy Door

Barker’s entrepreneurial journey began in December 2012, sparked by a personal need. While working as a firefighter, he envisioned creating a home theater for his children, which led him to explore hidden storage solutions. He recognized a gap in the market for multifunctional furniture that could revolutionize how people utilize their living spaces. His ambition was not just to sell products but to create a new category in the home furnishings market.

Early Days: Challenges and Breakthroughs

The initial phase of Murphy Door was challenging. In its first year, the company generated only $30,000 in revenue. However, Barker remained committed, balancing his side hustle with his demanding job in fire services. The turning point came in 2013 when he took the business online and received valuable advice from Architectural Digest. This guidance helped him pivot from focusing solely on hidden doors to broader multifunctional storage solutions, allowing him to tap into a larger customer base.

Mentorship and Resources

Barker credits much of his success to the mentors he sought out along the way. He worked with industry experts like Don Blohm (operations), John Porter (human capital coach), and Brandon Dawson (business systems). He emphasizes the importance of mentorship for young entrepreneurs, noting that many successful businesspeople are eager to help those just starting out. Additionally, he considers customer feedback to be one of the most valuable resources for refining his business model.

Navigating Financial Challenges

Reflecting on his journey, Barker wishes he had better banking support in the early days. He faced bankruptcy twice—once in his early 20s and again in his 30s. He believes that improved financial guidance could have alleviated many of the headaches he encountered. This experience underscores the importance of having a solid financial foundation when starting a business.

Manufacturing Hurdles

One of the most significant challenges Barker faced was the long lead times for manufacturing equipment. The specialized machinery from Germany often had lead times of 6 to 12 months, complicating demand forecasting and expansion efforts. He learned that balancing creativity with practicality is crucial; innovations must be feasible, cost-effective, and genuinely meet customer needs.

Learning from Mistakes

Barker recalls a pivotal moment when his team showcased hidden doors for panic rooms at a major trade show. While the product was intriguing, it catered to a limited market. This experience taught him the importance of embracing feedback and being willing to adapt. The realization led to a broader concept of hidden storage doors, which ultimately had mass appeal.

Revenue Growth and Expansion

It took about four years for Murphy Door to achieve consistent monthly revenue. By 2016, the company hit a revenue trend of $5 million, allowing Barker to leave his firefighting job and take his first paycheck. The growth trajectory accelerated dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic, with revenue skyrocketing from $7 million to nearly $28 million in 2024. Today, Murphy Door employs over 100 people across multiple manufacturing facilities, including locations in Kentucky and a new plant opening in Plano, Texas.

The Joy of Innovation

What Barker enjoys most about running Murphy Door is the thrill of innovation. He finds fulfillment in creating products that solve real problems while contributing to job creation in America. The combination of innovation, impact, and building something lasting motivates him every day.

Actionable Business Advice

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Barker offers a crucial piece of advice: "Build fast, break faster, then refine." He believes that waiting for perfection can be detrimental to a business. Instead, he advocates for rapid prototyping and real-world testing, allowing entrepreneurs to learn from feedback and improve their products.

Conclusion

Jeremy Barker’s journey from firefighter to successful entrepreneur is a testament to the power of innovation, resilience, and mentorship. Through Murphy Door, he has not only carved out a niche in the home furnishings market but has also inspired countless others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. His story serves as a reminder that with determination and the right support, anyone can turn a side hustle into a thriving business.