Henry Hurowitz and Team Germ Genie
As Henry Hurowitz’s flight left Miami International Airport, he had no idea he was about to embark on a new business venture. But the high-school junior fell asleep with his cheek resting against the fold-down tray table, only to awake a few hours later with an itchy rash. The tray was most definitely not germ-free.
Through the JA Company Program offered at his school, Henry teamed up with Daniel Gutkin, Romy Peretz, Jonah Lubin, Benjy Sterne, and others to research exactly what sort of germs airline travelers were facing and find solutions. Their answer? Germ Genie.
Germ Genie is a travel pack used to sanitize your space on a plane, train, car, or subway. Inside the zippered pouch, you’ll find disposable covers that fit onto tray tables, disinfecting wipes for armrests and displays, a cover for the headrest, hand sanitizer, and latex-free gloves.
Launched in late 2019, Germ Genie couldn’t have been better positioned to move beyond travel needs when the global COVID-19 pandemic hit. The online shop (at germgenie.com) was already up and running, so the team added a deluxe version of Germ Genie that includes N95 masks, a large selection of cloth masks, and mask filters to its lineup, as well as a first-aid kit, a pair of disposable booties, and toilet-seat covers. The startup’s impeccable timing led both to national press coverage (with items selling out quickly) and to numerous awards at the Junior Achievement USA National Student Leadership Summit.
The team also positioned Germ Genie as a social enterprise, giving 20% of its profits to local charities, including Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, and helping supply first-responders with free products. The company is also negotiating with airlines and hotels to offer Germ Genie to customers, as they navigate travel during a pandemic.
““There’s no avoiding the myriad pollutants in our environment. Germs and allergens contaminate our air and the surfaces of our world, and we are vulnerable with every breath or touch, which can trigger the body’s immune system to flare up in response. A mindful and proactive approach is the best way to prevent needless exposure to harmful and potentially deadly germs and allergens. Our company provides a series of products that help germ-conscious and allergen-sensitive individuals protect themselves from those invisible threats and stay germ-free on the go.””
