Early on, I was so focused on making EVERKI’s backpacks look sleek and professional that I didn’t fully consider the practical needs of users. One of our first travel backpack designs did not have a trolley handle pass through, which was a huge oversight. This taught me that no matter how good something looks, if it doesn’t work well, it won’t succeed.
As part of my series about “individuals and organizations making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Kevin L.
Kevin L. is the Founder of EVERKI, a leading brand that designs premium laptop bags and backpacks for professionals and travelers. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Kevin is passionate about creating high-quality, durable products while promoting sustainability by incorporating eco-friendly materials like recycled plastic bottles. His commitment to innovation and ethical business practices has made EVERKI a trusted name in the travel gear market.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?
My journey into this career path started with a passion for design and a desire to create something that truly mattered. I’ve always been fascinated by the intersection of form and function — how well-designed products can make life easier and more enjoyable. When I noticed the lack of high-quality, functional backpacks for business professionals and travelers, it sparked the idea to create EVERKI. I wanted to build a brand that combined durability, practicality, and style, while also focusing on sustainability. That’s what led me to where I am today, designing products that serve the needs of modern professionals and contribute positively to the environment.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company or organization?
There are so many that it’s difficult to pick the most interesting. The most inspiring to me is that our first employee that we hired in China over 15 years ago as our first local QC team member is now the General Manager of our China office. To be an organization that can take a young, hardworking, and adaptable person and develop them to lead an organization in one of the most difficult environments is something we can be proud of.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
When we started 20 years ago, we often had to go to China to see new factories and also check up on our existing suppliers. One time we had just finished a visit and about half an hour after we left, I realized that we forgot to see some samples. I asked our driver to go back and upon arriving, the factory name was completely different! Apparently they changed the signs just for us as it was not really our contact’s factory. From then on, I learned to be more skeptical and started to notice all the tricks. I’m not sure it’s funny, or a mistake, but we definitely learned from it and became better for it.
Can you describe how you or your organization is making a significant social impact?
At EVERKI, we are committed to making a significant social impact through sustainability and ethical business practices. One of our core initiatives is producing our backpacks using recycled materials, particularly plastic bottles, to reduce waste and promote environmental responsibility. Additionally, we partner with manufacturers who adhere to fair labor practices to ensure that every step of our production process is as ethical as possible. Our focus on creating long-lasting, durable products also contributes to mindful consumption, helping to reduce the cycle of disposable goods. By designing products that meet the needs of modern professionals while protecting the environment, we aim to foster a more sustainable future.
Can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted or helped by your cause?
One story that stands out is about a business traveler who shared how EVERKI impacted his life in a meaningful way. He had been traveling extensively for work, and his old backpack couldn’t keep up with the demands of constant flights, meetings, and commuting. After switching to one of our durable, travel-friendly backpacks, he found that not only did the product withstand the rigors of his schedule, but it also made his travel more organized and stress-free. He particularly appreciated the thoughtful design features, like the easy-access laptop compartment for security checks. What really resonated with us, though, was when he mentioned how having reliable gear helped him focus more on his work and less on the logistics of travel, ultimately improving his productivity and reducing stress. His story is a reminder that even small innovations can make a big difference in someone’s day-to-day life.
Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
Here are three key things that can help us amplify our mission of creating sustainable and ethical products:
- Promote and support sustainable practices: Communities and politicians can encourage more businesses to adopt eco-friendly practices by providing incentives such as tax breaks or grants for companies that use recycled materials or reduce their carbon footprint. This will make it easier for businesses like EVERKI to continue expanding sustainable production efforts.
- Raise awareness about mindful consumption: Society plays a significant role in educating consumers about the importance of buying durable, long-lasting products rather than disposable goods. Supporting campaigns or educational programs that focus on the environmental impact of fast fashion and promoting brands committed to quality can shift consumer habits toward more sustainable choices.
- Encourage fair labor practices: Politicians and policymakers can implement stronger regulations that ensure ethical labor standards globally. By doing so, they can help companies like EVERKI, which already prioritize fair labor, by leveling the playing field and encouraging other businesses to follow suit. This will push industries toward more responsible production practices.
These actions would greatly contribute to the broader mission of reducing waste and promoting ethical production across industries.
How do you define “Leadership”? Can you explain what you mean or give an example?
For me, leadership is about inspiring and empowering others to reach their full potential while working toward a shared vision. It’s not just about giving direction but about listening, supporting, and fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated. A strong leader leads by example, demonstrating the same dedication, work ethic, and passion they expect from their team.
An example from my experience at EVERKI is how I approach product development. Rather than making all the decisions myself, I encourage the team to contribute their ideas and insights, whether it’s about design, functionality, or sustainability. By trusting my team and giving them ownership over their work, we’ve created some of our best-selling products. Leadership, to me, is about guiding the team toward success while ensuring they feel supported and proud of their contributions.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why. Please share a story or example for each.
1 . Early on, I was so focused on making EVERKI’s backpacks look sleek and professional that I didn’t fully consider the practical needs of users. One of our first travel backpack designs did not have a trolley handle pass through, which was a huge oversight. This taught me that no matter how good something looks, if it doesn’t work well, it won’t succeed.
2 . When starting EVERKI, I underestimated how important a network of industry contacts would be. Building relationships with manufacturers, suppliers, and mentors earlier would have saved me a lot of trial and error. I’ve since learned that having the right connections can open doors and help avoid unnecessary setbacks.
3 . The market is constantly changing, and adaptability is key. Early on, we stuck to rigid ideas about what our products should be, but feedback from customers revealed other needs. Flexibility helped us pivot and improve our product offerings. For example, we introduced bags made from recycled materials as sustainability became more important to our audience.
4 . I tried to wear too many hats when I first started. While I wanted to control every aspect of the business, from design to marketing, I soon realized that bringing in experts was essential. Delegating and trusting my team allowed us to scale and improve in ways I couldn’t achieve alone.
5 . Starting a business means you’ll encounter failures — big and small. Early on, I took setbacks personally and felt like they were signs of incompetence. Now, I see them as valuable learning experiences. The missteps, like an underperforming product or a missed opportunity, have ultimately led to growth and better decisions down the road.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
If I could inspire a movement, it would be centered around mindful consumption and sustainable living. In today’s world, we often buy more than we need and opt for convenience over quality, which leads to environmental harm and waste. My movement would encourage people to invest in durable, high-quality products that are built to last and made using sustainable materials. By shifting our mindset to buying less but choosing better, we could significantly reduce our carbon footprint, decrease waste, and support businesses that prioritize ethical practices. This movement would not only benefit the environment but also promote a more thoughtful and conscious approach to how we live and consume — creating a positive ripple effect across industries and societies. You never know, this idea could spark a broader change in how we all relate to the planet and each other.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
One of my favorite life lesson quotes is, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are,” by Theodore Roosevelt. This quote has been a guiding principle for me, especially in the early days of EVERKI. When I first started the company, I didn’t have the resources or the perfect conditions I thought I needed to launch a successful brand. But instead of waiting for everything to align perfectly, I used what I had — my passion for design, my vision for durable, quality products, and a small but dedicated team — to start building. Over time, those small steps turned into significant progress. It taught me that you don’t need the ideal circumstances to begin; you just need to take action with the tools and opportunities you have in front of you.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
If I had the chance, I’d love to have a private breakfast or lunch with Elon Musk. His vision, innovation, and boldness in taking on some of the world’s most complex challenges — whether it’s space exploration, electric vehicles, or renewable energy — are incredibly inspiring. As someone who strives to push boundaries and create products that improve people’s lives, I would love to learn more about how he approaches leadership, risk-taking, and balancing innovation with sustainability. His mindset of thinking big and pursuing seemingly impossible goals would be an inspiring conversation, especially when it comes to blending business with creating positive global impact.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
Readers can follow my work and EVERKI’s latest updates through our official website at www.everki.com, where we share product launches, news, and insights about our approach to sustainability and design. We’re also active on social media, so you can stay connected with us on Instagram (@everki), Facebook (@everki), and Twitter (@everki). Feel free to join our community to see how we’re continuously innovating to create high-quality, durable products for modern professionals and travelers. Readers can also follow my personal work on LinkedIn.
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
Social Impact Heroes: Why & How Kevin L of Everki Is Helping To Change Our World was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.