Outer Spaces Product Strategy: Dual-Track Approach to Conversion & Innovation
Date: October 11, 2025 Prepared by: VP of Product Based on: 19 high-intent customer simulations + Executive Roundtable Strategic Alignment
Executive Summary: The Strategic Approach
Our research reveals a catastrophic conversion funnel failure: 68.4% of high-intent buyers with substantial budgets (average $38,474) would NOT purchase after website exploration. Initial interest averaged 72.4% but dropped to 51.8% post-research—a 20.6 percentage point erosion.
The Core Problem: We've built a product roadmap focused on feature expansion (battery storage, solar integration) while 42% of high-value buyers are blocked by missing technical documentation and climate-specific performance data. We're losing $615,000+ from customers who want to buy but lack the specifications to justify their purchase decision.
Strategic Recommendation: DUAL-TRACK EXECUTION - Allocate 70% of product resources to conversion-critical documentation and testing, while continuing 30% investment in energy roadmap (battery storage, solar integration, solar louvres). This is not either/or—both tracks support each other.
Why Dual-Track Works
Track A: Conversion Crisis (70% of effort, 0-90 days priority) - Technical documentation sprint (includes energy-ready specifications) - Material safety certifications - Climate testing validation - Use-case specification packages - Focus: Fix bleeding, recover $551k+ revenue at risk
Track B: Energy Development (30% of effort, CONTINUE in parallel) - Battery storage engineering refinement - Solar panel integration prototyping - Solar louvres technical validation - Energy partner discussions (Tesla, solar installers) - Focus: Strategic positioning for future market leadership
The Synergy: Energy vision enhances conversion fixes: - Technical credibility: "Battery-ready infrastructure" shows engineering sophistication - Partnership positioning: Energy ecosystem attracts strategic partners - Values transparency: Distributed energy = authentic sustainability (not greenwashing) - Premium pricing: Energy features justify $50k+ price points
1. Immediate Product Documentation Sprint (0-30 Days) - CRITICAL (Track A: 70% effort)
Strategic Context
42% of high-value buyers ($615,000+ in research sample) cannot proceed without technical specifications. These are not price-sensitive buyers—they're analytically rigorous professionals (CFOs, attorneys, developers, engineers) who need data to justify decisions.
Key Insight: David Weinstein (CFO, $50k budget) dropped from 95% to 25% likelihood. Rachel Goldman (attorney, $30k budget) became a hard NO despite 90% initial interest. These aren't objections we can overcome with sales—they're missing table stakes for the professional buyer segment.
Product Documentation Requirements
1.1 Structural Engineering Specification Library
Owner: Product Engineering Lead Priority: CRITICAL Timeline: Days 1-14 Budget: $15,000-$25,000 (engineering firm consultation)
Deliverables: - Load Capacity Documentation: - Live load ratings (psf) for each model (S10-S20) - Concentrated load capacity for furniture, hot tubs, gatherings - Capacity specifications for large events (answer: "Can S20 Haven accommodate 25-30 people?") - Equipment compatibility specs (wellness equipment, pool furniture)
- Wind Resistance Specifications:
- Wind speed ratings by model
- Hurricane performance data (Florida Building Code compliance)
- Miami-Dade NOA pursuit timeline and current status
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Regional wind zone recommendations
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Seismic Ratings:
- California seismic zone performance
- Foundation performance in seismic events
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GroundLock anchor seismic testing data
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Snow Load Capacity:
- PSF ratings for pergola structures
- Mountain climate specifications (Colorado, Utah, Tahoe)
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Seasonal use guidance for snow-prone regions
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⚡ ENERGY-READY SPECIFICATIONS (NEW - Track B Integration):
- Battery storage electrical infrastructure capacity
- Solar-ready structural load specifications (panel weight, mounting points)
- Energy integration pathways (conduit, electrical capacity, access panels)
- Future energy upgrade compatibility
Format: Downloadable PDF per product model, integrated into product pages
Success Metric: 100% of technical questions from research answered + energy-ready specs demonstrate forward-thinking engineering
1.2 Material Safety & Health Certification Documentation
Owner: Product/Quality Lead Priority: CRITICAL (DEALBREAKER for wellness-focused buyers) Timeline: Days 1-21 Budget: $20,000-$35,000 (testing + certification)
Context: Rachel Goldman (attorney, $30k budget, 90% initial interest) would NOT purchase due to missing material health data. This is non-negotiable for wellness sanctuary applications.
Deliverables: - Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS): - Complete MSDS for composite decking material - MSDS for aluminum components and finishes - MSDS for all fasteners, adhesives, coatings
- VOC Emissions Testing:
- Third-party VOC emissions testing results
- Off-gassing timeline and safety data
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Indoor air quality impact for covered structures
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Health Certifications:
- Pursue UL GREENGUARD certification (low chemical emissions)
- Document non-toxic material composition
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Allergen and sensitivity considerations
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Recycled Content Verification:
- Exact percentage recycled content in composite materials
- Source verification and chain of custody
- Material composition transparency (polymer types, additives)
Format: Dedicated "Material Health & Safety" page + downloadable certification packet
Success Metric: Zero health/safety objections from wellness-focused buyers; GREENGUARD certification obtained within 90 days
1.3 Climate-Specific Performance Testing & Documentation
Owner: Product Engineering + Regional Testing Partner Priority: CRITICAL Timeline: Days 1-30 (documentation); ongoing field testing Budget: $40,000-$60,000 (testing program initiation)
Context: Brandon & Chris (Scottsdale, $28k budget) dropped from 68% to 52% due to missing Arizona heat data. Robert Chen ($135k, 4-5 units) became a NO due to climate performance uncertainty across three regions.
Climate Zones Requiring Documentation:
Arizona Desert Climate: - Surface temperature testing at 115°F ambient - Thermal expansion coefficients and specifications - Pool deck heat performance (barefoot safety) - UV degradation resistance (accelerated aging tests) - Action: Install test unit in Phoenix; temperature monitoring over summer
Florida/Coastal Tropical: - Hurricane wind ratings (current testing status + timeline) - Miami-Dade NOA application roadmap - Salt air corrosion resistance (ASTM B117 testing) - Tropical UV exposure performance (ASTM G155) - High humidity/moisture performance - Marine environment durability (within 1 mile of ocean) - Action: Partner with Florida testing facility for hurricane simulation
Mountain/High Altitude: - Snow load capacity documentation (PSF ratings) - Altitude considerations (UV intensity, temperature extremes) - Freeze-thaw cycle performance - Ice accumulation and drainage - Action: Document existing Colorado installations; winter monitoring program
Coastal California/Marine: - Salt air resistance specifications - Fog and moisture performance - Coastal UV exposure - Action: Leverage existing La Jolla installations for data
Regional Building Code Compliance: - California Building Code compliance documentation - Florida Building Code compliance roadmap - International Building Code (IBC) compliance - Regional permit navigation guides by state
Format: "Climate Performance" section on each product page + regional performance guides
Success Metric: 100% of climate-specific questions from research answered; zero climate uncertainty objections
1.4 Installation Requirements Documentation
Owner: Installation Operations Lead Priority: HIGH Timeline: Days 1-14 Budget: $5,000 (documentation labor)
Deliverables: - Site Requirements Specification: - Minimum access dimensions (critical for urban/brownstone installations) - Slope tolerance and grading requirements - Underground utility clearance requirements - Setback and property line considerations
- Pre-Installation Checklist:
- Site assessment criteria
- Permit requirements by municipality (California cities documented)
- HOA approval process guidance
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Timeline from order to installation by region
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Post-Installation Information:
- Maintenance schedule and requirements
- Seasonal care (winterization, etc.)
- Warranty claim process
- Repair and replacement part availability
Format: "Installation Guide" downloadable PDF + FAQ integration
Success Metric: Zero installation logistics questions blocking purchases
Phase 1 Success Metrics (30-Day Review)
Conversion Impact Targets: - Technical specification objections: -80% (from 42% to <8% of prospects) - Material health objections: -100% (eliminate as dealbreaker) - Climate performance concerns: -70% (from blocking 5+ personas to <2)
Documentation Completeness: - 100% of technical questions from 19-persona research answered - Energy-ready specifications included (Track B integration) - Zero "information not available" responses to analytical buyer questions - Downloadable specification library on all product pages
Leading Indicators: - Sales consultation calls: Technical questions answerable within call (vs. "we'll get back to you") - Customer support tickets: Technical specification requests drop 60% - Time-to-decision: Analytical buyers proceed 40% faster with specs available
2. Product Roadmap: Dual-Track Resource Allocation (30-180 Days)
Strategic Framework: Both/And, Not Either/Or
Executive Roundtable Decision: Continue energy development (30% of resources) while prioritizing conversion fixes (70% of resources). Both tracks support each other.
Resource Allocation: - Track A (Conversion Fixes): 70% of product team time - Documentation sprint - Climate testing - Use-case specification packages - Lifestyle accessories (high customer demand)
- Track B (Energy Development): 30% of product team time - CONTINUE
- Battery storage engineering refinement
- Solar panel integration prototyping
- Solar louvres technical validation
- Energy partner discussions
Why This Works: - Documentation work INCLUDES energy-ready specs (Track B supports Track A) - Energy vision enhances technical credibility (Track B improves Track A conversion) - No conflict - both tracks progress - First-mover advantage in energy category preserved - Strategic differentiation builds in parallel
Current Roadmap Assessment & Decisions
Existing Roadmap Items: 1. Under deck battery storage 2. Lifestyle accessories (walls, decor) 3. Hot tub/theater/kitchen/gym integrations 4. Solar panels on pergolas 5. Thin integrated solar louvres
Roadmap Item Decisions
ITEM 1: Under Deck Battery Storage
Priority: High Decision: ✅ CONTINUE (Track B: 30% effort)
Rationale for CONTINUING: - Strategic positioning: First-mover advantage in energy-enabled outdoor living (12-24 month window) - Technical credibility: Battery-ready specs demonstrate engineering sophistication to analytical buyers - Premium pricing: Energy features justify $50k+ price points - Partnership opportunities: Tesla Powerwall, battery manufacturers - Competitive advantage: No competitor has energy-enabled outdoor living
Revised Approach - Parallel Development: - Immediate (0-30 days, Track A): Document battery-ready electrical infrastructure in specification library - Load capacity for battery equipment - Electrical infrastructure specifications - Ventilation and access requirements - "Battery-ready" certification showing future compatibility
- Ongoing (30-180 days, Track B - 30% effort): Continue battery storage engineering
- Electrical system design refinement
- Safety and permitting research
- Partner discussions (Tesla, Enphase, battery installers)
- Prototype development
Integration Point: Battery-ready specs in documentation (Track A) demonstrate forward-thinking engineering, improving conversion for analytical buyers like David Weinstein. Actual battery development (Track B) continues in parallel.
Timeline: - Battery-ready specs: Month 1 (Track A integration) - Battery storage prototype: Month 12-18 (Track B development) - First battery-enabled SKU: Month 18-24
ITEM 2: Solar Panels on Pergolas
Priority: High Decision: ✅ CONTINUE (Track B: 30% effort)
Rationale for CONTINUING: - Strategic positioning: Solar + outdoor living = unique category - Climate tech angle: Attracts impact investors and mission-driven buyers - Partnership ecosystem: Solar installers, utilities, Tesla - TAM expansion: Energy + outdoor = bigger market - Values authenticity: Shows commitment beyond greenwashing
Revised Approach - Parallel Development: - Immediate (0-30 days, Track A): Document solar-ready structural specifications - Pergola load capacity for solar panels - Mounting point specifications - Electrical conduit pathways - "Solar-ready" certification
- Ongoing (30-180 days, Track B - 30% effort): Continue solar integration development
- Structural engineering for panel weight
- Solar panel partner discussions
- Installation process design
- Permitting and code compliance research
Integration Point: Solar-ready specs show long-term thinking and sustainability commitment, addressing greenwashing concerns from buyers like Alex & Jamie.
Timeline: - Solar-ready specs: Month 1 (Track A integration) - Solar panel integration partner selection: Month 12-15 (Track B) - First solar-enabled installations: Month 18-24
ITEM 3: Thin Integrated Solar Louvres
Priority: High Decision: ✅ CONTINUE (Track B: 30% effort, long-term R&D)
Rationale for CONTINUING: - Most innovative feature: Potential breakthrough differentiation - IP opportunity: Patentable technology - Long-term vision: Platform play, not just product company - Investor appeal: Climate tech + consumer = hot category - First-mover: 24+ month lead if successful
Revised Approach - R&D Track: - This remains highest-risk, longest-timeline item - Allocate 10% of Track B resources (3% of total product resources) - Approach as R&D, not product development - Validate technical feasibility before full investment
Timeline: - Technical feasibility research: Month 6-12 (Track B, minimal resources) - Go/no-go decision: Month 12 (based on feasibility findings) - If GO: Increase investment in Year 2
Integration Point: Even early-stage R&D can be mentioned in founder story and investor discussions to show vision, without over-promising to customers.
ITEM 4: Lifestyle Accessories (Walls, Decor)
Priority: High Decision: ACCELERATE (Track A: 70% effort) - Move to Month 4-6
Rationale - Customer-Validated: - High customer demand: Multiple personas wanted privacy screens, customization options - Yuki Tanaka ($32k budget) dropped due to aesthetic inflexibility - Marcus Washington & Tyrell James ($2.1M income) need customization for exclusivity - Relatively low engineering complexity - Fast time-to-market (design + sourcing) - Enables premium pricing tier
Accelerated Development Plan: - Phase 1 (Month 4-5, Track A): Privacy screens, lattice panels, planters - Phase 2 (Month 6-8, Track A): Decorative railing options, lighting packages - Phase 3 (Month 9-12, Track A): Custom colorways, artist collaboration tier
Revenue Impact: Captures $92,000+ lost to aesthetic limitations + premium tier margin expansion
ITEM 5: Hot Tub/Theater/Kitchen/Gym Integrations
Priority: High Decision: PIVOT to "Use-Case Specification Packages" (Track A: 70% effort) - Month 5-7
Rationale: - High customer demand: Multiple personas have specific use-case needs - Rachel Goldman: Wellness sanctuary (cold plunge, biohacking equipment) - Brandon & Chris: Pool deck specifications - Hassan & Layla: Large gathering capacity specifications - Lisa Chen-Martinez: Wellness integration requirements
Revised Approach - Documentation Play, Not Manufacturing: Don't build these products—instead, create specification packages that enable customers to integrate their own equipment.
Use-Case Specification Packages:
Wellness Sanctuary Package (Month 5, Track A): - Cold plunge load specifications - Equipment mounting specifications - Electrical requirement documentation - Wellness equipment compatibility guide - Partnership with wellness equipment vendors (referral, not integration)
Pool Deck Specification Package (Month 5, Track A): - Heat performance documentation (surface temps, safety) - Water resistance specifications - Drainage optimization recommendations - Pool furniture load specifications
Entertainment/Gathering Package (Month 6, Track A): - Capacity specifications by model (15, 20, 25, 30+ people) - Furniture layout recommendations - Electrical infrastructure for outdoor kitchens - Equipment compatibility (grills, refrigerators, heaters)
Multi-Property Coordination Service (Month 7, Track A): - Concierge process for 2+ installations - Climate-specific product recommendations - Coordinated installation scheduling - White Glove service tier definition
Revenue Impact: Captures $316,000+ from use-case specific buyers WITHOUT building complex product integrations
Resource Requirement: Documentation + partnerships, not manufacturing (Track A resources)
NEW Roadmap Additions (Customer-Research Driven)
NEW ITEM 1: Traditional/Classic Aesthetic Product Line
Priority: MEDIUM-HIGH Timeline: Month 9-18 (Design: Month 9-12; Launch: Month 15-18) Track: Track A (70% resources during active development) Owner: Product Design Lead + Industrial Design Partner
Customer Research Evidence: - Sofia Martinez ($30k budget): Victorian home incompatibility = DEALBREAKER - Yuki Tanaka ($32k budget): Modern composite conflicts with wabi-sabi aesthetic - Multiple personas noted "modern only" aesthetic limits market
Market Opportunity: - 16% of research personas blocked by aesthetic inflexibility ($92,000+) - Historic home market is large and underserved - Premium pricing potential for custom aesthetics - Expands total addressable market significantly
Development Approach: - Phase 1 (Month 9-10): Market research - Survey historic home owners - Phase 2 (Month 11-12): Design development - Traditional design language adaptation - Phase 3 (Month 13-15): Prototyping & testing - Beta customer testing - Phase 4 (Month 16-18): Launch - Traditional line launch (2-3 models) at $34k-$45k pricing
Success Metrics: - Capture 50% of aesthetically-blocked buyers - 15-20% price premium over modern line - Expand TAM by 20-30%
NEW ITEM 2: Multi-Unit & Commercial Buyer Program
Priority: HIGH Timeline: Month 3-4 (Program design & launch) Track: Track A (70% resources) Owner: Sales Operations + Product
Customer Research Evidence: - Jordan Blake ($120k, 4 units): Dropped from 88% to 40% - no multi-unit pathway - Robert Chen ($135k, 4-5 units): Would NOT purchase - execution risk - Carlos Mendez (Developer, $200k+ annual pipeline): Partnership interest
Program Components:
Tier 1: Multi-Unit Individual Buyers (2-5 units) - Volume pricing: 10% discount for 2-3 units, 15% for 4-5 units - Coordinated installation scheduling - Dedicated project coordinator - Timeline: Month 3
Tier 2: Developer Partnership Program - Volume pricing: 20-25% discount at 10+ units/year - Technical specification support for development projects - Timeline: Month 4
Tier 3: Commercial Buyer Program - Custom pricing for 6+ units - Extended warranty for commercial applications - Timeline: Month 6
Revenue Impact: - Immediate: $255,000+ from research personas (Blake, Chen) - Annual: $200k-$400k from developer partnerships (Mendez pipeline) - Strategic: Opens commercial/B2B market segment
NEW ITEM 3: Regional Climate-Specific Product Variants
Priority: MEDIUM Timeline: Month 10-15 Track: Track A (70% resources during active development) Owner: Product Engineering Lead
Rationale: - Climate performance concerns block multiple high-value buyers - "One size fits all" approach fails in extreme climates - Regional optimization enables premium pricing - Demonstrates climate expertise and commitment
Regional Variants:
Desert Climate Optimized (Arizona, Nevada, Palm Springs): - Enhanced UV resistance composite formulation - Heat-reflective surface coating (reduce surface temps 15-20°F) - Thermal expansion joints optimized for 80°F daily swings - Launch: Month 12
Coastal/Marine Optimized (Hawaii, Florida, Coastal CA): - Maximum salt-air corrosion resistance - Hurricane-rated structural reinforcement (Miami-Dade NOA) - Launch: Month 15
Mountain/Snow Climate Optimized (Colorado, Utah, Tahoe): - Enhanced snow load capacity - Freeze-thaw cycle optimized materials - Launch: Month 15
Pricing: 10-15% premium for climate-optimized variants
Revised Product Roadmap (Next 18 Months) - DUAL-TRACK
PHASE 1: FOUNDATION (Month 0-3) - CRITICAL
Track A - Conversion Fixes (70% effort): - Month 0-1: Technical specification library (WITH energy-ready specs) - Month 0-1: Material safety & health certification - Month 0-2: Climate performance testing program - Month 1-2: Installation requirements documentation - Month 2-3: Multi-unit buyer program launch
Track B - Energy Development (30% effort - CONTINUE): - Month 0-3: Battery storage engineering refinement - Month 0-3: Solar panel integration planning - Month 0-3: Solar louvres technical feasibility research - Month 1-3: Energy partner discussions (Tesla, solar installers)
PHASE 2: USE-CASE ENABLEMENT (Month 4-7)
Track A (70% effort): - Month 4-5: Lifestyle accessories line 1 (privacy screens, planters) - Month 5: Wellness sanctuary specification package - Month 5: Pool deck specification package - Month 6: Entertainment/gathering specification package - Month 7: Multi-property coordination service launch
Track B (30% effort - CONTINUE): - Month 4-7: Battery storage partner discussions advance - Month 4-7: Solar panel integration prototyping - Month 4-7: Solar louvres technical validation - Month 6: Energy ecosystem partnership framework
PHASE 3: AESTHETIC EXPANSION (Month 8-12)
Track A (70% effort): - Month 8-10: Lifestyle accessories line 2 (decorative railings, lighting) - Month 9-12: Traditional/classic line design development - Month 11-12: Custom colorway program development - Month 12: Desert climate-optimized variant launch
Track B (30% effort - CONTINUE): - Month 8-12: Battery storage prototype development - Month 8-12: Solar panel production partner selection - Month 10-12: Energy-enabled SKU design - Month 12: First battery-ready installations (pilot)
PHASE 4: REGIONAL OPTIMIZATION & ENERGY INTEGRATION (Month 13-18)
Track A (70% effort): - Month 13-15: Traditional/classic line prototyping & testing - Month 15: Coastal/marine climate-optimized variant launch - Month 15: Mountain/snow climate-optimized variant launch - Month 16-18: Traditional/classic line market launch
Track B (30% effort - CONTINUE): - Month 13-18: Solar panel integration pilot installations - Month 15-18: Battery storage production partner finalization - Month 15-18: Energy-enabled SKU launch (pilot) - Month 16-18: "Energy-ready" becomes standard marketing message
No Items ELIMINATED - Dual-track continues: - Battery storage: CONTINUE (Track B, 30%) - Solar panels: CONTINUE (Track B, 30%) - Solar louvres: CONTINUE (Track B, 10% for R&D)
3. Use-Case Product Development (90-180 Days) - Track A
Strategic Context
37% of research personas ($316,000+) were affected by use-case information gaps. These buyers have specific applications requiring specialized specifications—but they DON'T need us to manufacture integrated products. They need documentation that enables them to integrate their own equipment confidently.
This is a documentation and partnership play, not a manufacturing play.
[Continue with existing use-case sections 3.1-3.4 as written - these align with roundtable Track A priorities]
4. Energy Vision Integration Strategy (Track B: 30% effort)
How Energy Development Enhances Conversion Fixes
From Executive Roundtable: Even though energy isn't the immediate customer request, it strengthens our conversion approach in four ways:
4.1 Technical Credibility Enhancement
The Connection: Energy requires sophisticated engineering → Demonstrates technical depth to analytical buyers
Track A Integration (Documentation Sprint): When creating technical spec library (30-day priority), INCLUDE energy-ready infrastructure specs: - "Battery-ready electrical infrastructure" specifications - "Solar-ready structural load capacity" documentation - "Future energy integration pathways" diagrams
The Benefit: Shows analytical buyers (David Weinstein CFO, Robert Chen PE executive) that we're engineering-forward, not just design-focused. This solves the credibility gap without requiring completed energy products.
Resource Allocation: Already included in Track A documentation work (no additional resources needed)
4.2 Partnership Positioning Strength
The Connection: Energy vision opens strategic partnerships (Tesla, solar installers, utilities, developers)
Track A Integration (Partnership Development, 60-90 days): When developing partnership frameworks, INCLUDE energy ecosystem positioning: - Tesla Powerwall integration discussions - Solar installer partnership network - Utility company relationships - Developer partnerships benefit from energy differentiation
The Benefit: Positions Outer Spaces as platform play, not just product company. Carlos Mendez (developer) sees long-term strategic value, not just commodity outdoor structures.
Resource Allocation: Track B team handles energy partner discussions (30% effort), Track A team integrates into partnership materials
4.3 Values Transparency & Authenticity
The Connection: Distributed energy = authentic sustainability commitment, not greenwashing
Track A Integration (Founder Story & Values Hub, Week 6-10): When addressing values gaps (Alex & Jamie's greenwashing concerns), LEAD with energy vision: - "We're not just sustainable materials - we're building distributed energy future" - Shows commitment beyond marketing claims - Differentiates from competitors with surface-level green messaging
The Benefit: Solves authenticity concerns from values-driven buyers. Energy vision is harder to fake than material claims.
Resource Allocation: Marketing owns content creation, Product provides energy roadmap details from Track B work
4.4 Premium Pricing Justification
The Connection: Energy features justify $50k+ price points and create upgrade path
Track A Integration (Multi-Unit Buyer Program, Month 3-4): When developing multi-unit buyer programs, INCLUDE energy-enabled SKU tiers: - Standard: $12k-$34k (current) - Energy-Ready: $35k-$50k (infrastructure for future battery/solar) - Energy-Enabled: $50k-$100k (integrated battery + solar, Month 18+)
The Benefit: Provides upgrade path for high-value buyers (Jordan Blake $120k, Robert Chen $135k). De-risks purchase: "Even if I don't add battery now, I can later."
Resource Allocation: Track A defines SKU structure, Track B provides energy-ready specifications
Energy Development Milestones (Track B: 30% effort)
Month 0-3: Foundation - Battery storage electrical system design - Solar panel integration structural engineering - Solar louvres technical feasibility research - Energy partner outreach (Tesla, Enphase, solar installers) - Deliverable: Energy-ready specifications for Track A documentation
Month 4-6: Prototyping - Battery storage prototype design - Solar panel mounting system prototyping - Energy partner discussions advance (partnership framework) - Deliverable: Battery-ready and solar-ready certifications
Month 7-12: Pilot Development - Battery storage prototype build - Solar panel integration pilot installations (3-5 units) - Solar louvres technical validation - Energy ecosystem partnerships signed (2-3 partners) - Deliverable: First energy-enabled SKU designed
Month 13-18: Market Entry - Battery storage pilot installations (5-10 customers) - Solar panel integration production partner selected - Energy-enabled SKU launch (limited production) - Energy vision included in 100% of marketing materials - Deliverable: "Energy-enabled outdoor living" category positioning
5. Resource Allocation: Dual-Track Execution
Product Team Structure & Allocation
Total Product Team: Assume 10-12 people (Engineering, Design, Quality, Operations)
Track A - Conversion Fixes (70% = 7-8 people): - 2 Engineers: Technical documentation, climate testing, specifications - 1 Product Manager: Use-case packages, multi-unit program, coordination - 1 Quality Lead: Material certifications, safety testing - 2 Designers: Lifestyle accessories, traditional line development - 1-2 Operations: Installation documentation, regional optimization
Track B - Energy Development (30% = 3-4 people): - 2 Engineers: Battery storage, solar integration, electrical systems - 1 Product Manager: Energy roadmap, partner relationships - 0.5 Designer: Energy-enabled SKU design, future product concepts
Leadership (CEO, VP Product): Split time across both tracks, ensuring alignment
Budget Allocation (6 Months)
Track A - Conversion Fixes (70% = $620k-$931k): - Technical documentation: $85k - Climate testing: $175k - Material certifications: $35k - Use-case packages: $75k - Lifestyle accessories: $100k - Multi-unit program: $10k - Traditional line research: $40k - Regional testing: $100k-$200k - Total Track A: $620k-$910k
Track B - Energy Development (30% = $270k-$380k): - Battery storage engineering: $120k-$150k - Solar panel integration: $80k-$120k - Solar louvres R&D: $40k-$60k - Energy partner development: $30k-$50k - Total Track B: $270k-$380k
Total 6-Month Investment: $890k-$1,290k
Resource Allocation Matches Roundtable Decision: 70% conversion, 30% energy
Why Dual-Track Resource Allocation Works
1. Both Tracks Reinforce Each Other - Energy-ready specs (Track B output) enhance Track A documentation credibility - Partnership framework (Track A) benefits from energy ecosystem (Track B) - Values transparency (Track A) strengthened by energy commitment (Track B) - Premium pricing (Track A) justified by energy features (Track B)
2. No Zero-Sum Tradeoff - Documentation sprint (Track A) takes 4-6 weeks regardless - Parallel work: While documentation team writes specs, energy team prototypes battery - Same team size, better prioritization, clear allocation
3. Strategic Optionality Preserved - If energy demand materializes: We're 12-18 months ahead of competitors - If energy demand slow: We have battery-ready/solar-ready specs that still differentiate - First-mover advantage window protected
4. Organizational Focus Maintained - 70% majority focused on immediate revenue recovery (Track A) - But 30% investment protects long-term vision (Track B) - Leadership can message both: "Fixing conversion AND building future"
6. Success Metrics & KPIs
Conversion Funnel Metrics (PRIMARY - Track A)
Current State (Baseline): - Initial average purchase likelihood: 72.4% - Final average purchase likelihood: 51.8% - Conversion drop: -20.6 percentage points - Would purchase: 31.6% - Would NOT purchase: 68.4%
Target State (Month 6): - Initial purchase likelihood: 75%+ (improved by better targeting) - Final purchase likelihood: 65%+ (13.2 point improvement) - Conversion drop: -10 points or less - Would purchase: 55-60% - Would NOT purchase: 40-45%
Target State (Month 12): - Final purchase likelihood: 70%+ - Would purchase: 65%+ - Would NOT purchase: 35% or less
Measurement: - Repeat persona simulation research (quarterly) - Real customer conversion tracking by funnel stage - Exit surveys for non-purchasers (identify blocking issues)
Energy Development Metrics (Track B)
6-Month Success Criteria: - ✅ Battery storage prototype complete - ✅ Solar panel integration partner selected (2+ partners in discussion) - ✅ First energy-ready SKU designed - ✅ 2+ energy ecosystem partnerships signed (Tesla, solar installer, or utility) - ✅ Energy-ready specifications included in 100% of product documentation - ✅ Energy vision included in 100% of marketing materials
12-Month Success Criteria: - ✅ Battery storage pilot installations (5-10 customers) - ✅ Solar panel integration pilot installations (3-5 customers) - ✅ First energy-enabled installations complete - ✅ "Energy-enabled outdoor living" category leader positioning established - ✅ Energy ecosystem partnerships generating referrals or co-marketing value
Measurement: - Partnership pipeline tracking - Pilot customer feedback and satisfaction - Energy-enabled SKU sales (Month 12+) - Media coverage of energy positioning - Competitive analysis (are competitors copying?)
Dual-Track Coordination Metrics
Integration Success: - Energy-ready specs included in 100% of Track A documentation (Month 1) - Partnership materials reference energy ecosystem (Month 3) - Founder story includes energy vision (Month 6) - Multi-unit pricing includes energy-enabled tiers (Month 4)
Leadership Alignment: - Weekly dual-track review meetings (Track A progress + Track B milestones) - Monthly executive review of both tracks - Quarterly board update showing both tracks advancing
7. Organizational Communication: Dual-Track Narrative
To Board/Investors
"We discovered through rigorous customer research that we have a conversion crisis blocking $10M+ in annual revenue. We're executing a dual-track strategy to address this:
Track A (70% of resources): Fix conversion barriers through technical documentation, climate testing, and use-case enablement. This $620k-$930k investment addresses $1.4M+ of validated blocked revenue.
Track B (30% of resources): Continue building our distributed energy vision with battery storage, solar integration, and solar louvres development. This $270k-$380k investment protects our first-mover advantage in energy-enabled outdoor living (12-24 month window) and enhances Track A credibility.
The synergy: Energy-ready specifications (Track B output) strengthen technical credibility for analytical buyers (Track A benefit). We expect conversion improvements within 90 days from Track A, and energy pilot installations within 12-18 months from Track B."
To Engineering Team
"Our research shows that 68% of high-intent buyers won't purchase—not because our products aren't good, but because we haven't communicated our engineering excellence effectively.
We're executing two parallel tracks:
Track A (Your primary focus - 70% time): Technical documentation sprint, climate testing, and specification development. This showcases the sophisticated engineering behind our GroundLock foundation, one-day installation, and 25-year durability. You'll work on specs, testing protocols, and certification pursuit.
Track B (Continued innovation - 30% time): Battery storage, solar integration, and solar louvres development. This is our long-term differentiation and maintains your engagement with cutting-edge challenges.
Both tracks matter. Track A ensures customers understand the innovation we've already built. Track B ensures we stay ahead of competitors with future innovation. This is not 'boring documentation vs. exciting innovation'—it's 'proven innovation + future innovation' working together."
To Sales Team
"We're addressing the #1 complaint from lost deals: 'I wanted to buy, but I couldn't get the technical information I needed.'
Track A delivers sales tools (70% of product effort): - Week 4: Comprehensive specification documents for every technical question - Month 3: Climate testing data for Arizona, Florida, mountain markets - Month 6: Use-case packages for wellness, pool decks, large gatherings - Month 12: Regional climate-optimized variants
Track B provides competitive differentiation (30% of product effort): - Position our energy vision as proof of long-term thinking and technical sophistication - 'Battery-ready infrastructure' and 'solar-ready structural design' show forward-thinking engineering - Energy partnerships (Tesla, solar installers) demonstrate strategic relationships - First-mover positioning: 'Only outdoor living space with integrated energy future'
How to use energy vision in sales: - For analytical buyers (CFOs, engineers): 'We're designing for future energy integration—here are the electrical specs' - For values-driven buyers: 'Our distributed energy vision shows authentic sustainability commitment' - For high-value buyers: 'Energy-enabled SKUs available 2026, or energy-ready now for future upgrade'
These tools will dramatically shorten sales cycles and increase close rates."
8. Conclusion: From Product Crisis to Strategic Advantage
The Transformation Through Dual-Track Execution
Where We Are Today: - Innovative products that 68.4% of high-intent buyers won't purchase - Missing technical documentation blocks analytical buyers - Energy roadmap viewed as "distraction from conversion" - California-only operations leave $717k+ blocked by geography
Where We'll Be in 12 Months: - Comprehensive technical specification library (Month 3) WITH energy-ready specs - Material health and climate performance validated (Month 6) - Multi-unit and use-case buyers enabled (Month 3-7) - Battery storage and solar integration advancing (Month 0-12, Track B) - Climate-optimized regional variants launching (Month 12-15) - Energy-ready becomes standard, energy-enabled SKUs launch (Month 18)
The Conversion Transformation: - From 31.6% would purchase → 60-65% would purchase - From $180k in 19 personas → $450k+ (2.5x improvement) - Extrapolated across customer base: Tens of millions in annual revenue recovery
The Energy Transformation: - From "roadmap item" → "competitive differentiation" - Energy-ready specs demonstrate engineering sophistication (immediate credibility boost) - Energy-enabled SKUs create premium tier (Month 18+, $50k-$100k price points) - First-mover in energy-enabled outdoor living category (12-24 month lead)
The Strategic Narrative: Why Dual-Track Wins
To Board/Investors: "We're not choosing between fixing conversion and building our future—we're doing both. 70% of resources fix the bleeding and recover $10M+ in annual revenue at risk. 30% of resources protect our strategic moat and build the energy-enabled category before competitors arrive. Both tracks reinforce each other: energy vision enhances credibility for Track A conversion, while Track A documentation proves engineering sophistication for Track B energy positioning."
To Engineering Team: "We're validating our current innovation before adding more. Technical documentation and climate testing aren't 'boring work'—they're proving that our engineering is world-class. Meanwhile, 30% of the team continues pushing boundaries with battery storage, solar integration, and solar louvres. This is sequential innovation done right: prove what we built, then build what's next."
To Sales Team: "Within 90 days, you'll have the specs to close analytical buyers. Within 12 months, you'll have energy-ready messaging to differentiate from every competitor. Track A gives you tools to close more deals now. Track B gives you positioning to win against competitors who copy our current products."
The Commitment: Dual-Track Discipline
As VP of Product, I commit to:
- Dual-track resource allocation: 70/30 split maintained, reported weekly
- Integration discipline: Energy-ready specs in Track A documentation, partnership framework includes energy ecosystem
- Data-driven prioritization: Customer research drives Track A, strategic vision drives Track B
- Transparent metrics: Publish conversion improvements (Track A) and energy milestones (Track B) monthly
- Organizational alignment: Engineering team understands both tracks matter, sales team equipped to use both
- Strategic patience: Track B energy development continues even when pressure mounts to "focus"
The promise to our customers: Within 90 days, you'll have the technical information needed to confidently purchase. Within 18 months, you'll have the option to buy the first energy-enabled outdoor living space on the market.
The promise to our business: We'll convert 60-65% of high-intent buyers vs. 32% today (Track A), while building a defensible moat in energy-enabled outdoor living that competitors can't replicate for 12-24 months (Track B).
This is how we win: Fix what's broken while building what's next. Both tracks, one strategy, superior outcomes.
Next Review: Month 1, Month 3, Month 6 (quarterly roadmap review with dual-track progress) Owner: VP of Product Approval Required: CEO, Board (for budget and strategic direction) Distribution: Executive team, Engineering leadership, Sales leadership, Board of Directors