Invent America Podcasts with America's Inventor Lady, Rita Crompton, and the Cajun Contractor, Michael King, Founder of HomeTalkUSA

In this episode of Invent America, we dive deep into the real-world process of bringing a product to life. From Windsley Richard’s life-saving "SkyBridge" emergency exit system—inspired by airplane safety—to Wendi Short’s "Float No More," which solved a decade-long problem with hot tub relaxation, we explore the grit required to move from concept to commercialization.We also sit down with industry expert Ian Osborne to discuss a critical turning point for every solo inventor: The Prototype. Do you go full-scale or start small? Ian breaks down the logic behind the proof-of-concept and why a 15x15 model can sometimes be more powerful than a multi-story demo.Whether you're struggling with USPTO patent hurdles or looking for a licensing partner, this segment is a masterclass in staying the course.Key Takeaways for Solo Inventors:How to identify a "Surprise Market."The transition from "Concept" to "Commercialization."Why the Inventor’s Roundtable is your secret weapon.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Stop trying to manufacture your own invention!!Inventors: Are you a "one-pony show" or a prolific creator?Master inventor James Creation has 5 products on the market and 10 more awaiting their turn in the wings.His secret? Licensing.• He avoids the "heavy lift" of manufacturing and marketing by partnering with industry leaders.• His #1 Advice: Don’t fall in love with a bad patent. He once abandoned a project after 3 rejections because the "risk vs. reward" didn't add up.• Success isn't just about the idea; it's about the discipline to move on to the next one.Inventors: Are you a "one-pony show" or a prolific creator? 💡Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

From Cradles to Cattle: How Two Inventors Scaled Unlikely Products.In this episode of Invent America TV, we sit down with Russell Kramer and Nick Norman to discuss the reality of the "Inventor’s Pivot."Russell shares how his TrueView blind spot mirror evolved from a 4-inch design for trucks to a high-demand 3-inch model for sedans like the Prius. Meanwhile, Nick Norman explains how his Polar Protector, originally a cold-plunge accessory for "crazy people sitting in ice," became a must-have tool for farmers and ranchers to prevent water evaporation and algae growth.Key Takeaways for Solo Inventors:Why the "3PL" (Third Party Logistics) model might be your best friend when scaling.How the R&D Tax Credit can save you thousands (it’s a credit, not just a deduction!).The importance of checking fear at the door and focusing on execution.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Summary: This episode, hosted by Rita Crompton (America’s Inventor Lady), features a deep dive into the iterative process of inventing. It showcases solo independent inventors Duane Genzlinger (The Snapper/Slider) and Eric Barnhart(Bumpin’ Belt), alongside industry expert Noah McNeely from Product QuickStart.Think your first prototype is the finished product? Think again. In this episode of Invent America TV, Rita Crompton (America’s Inventor Lady) sits down with inventors who learned the hard way that 'once is never enough.' We're breaking down the shift from 'proof of concept' to the 'second generation' prototype.Watch as Duane Genzlinger explains the evolution of The Snapper and The Slider—construction tools born from real-world grit. Then, Eric Barnhart reveals how his wearable golf speaker, the Bumpin’ Belt, went through a total redesign to meet consumer demands. Finally, industry veteran Noah McNeely shares his 'reductive innovation' strategy—showing you how to cut costs without killing your invention's soul. If you're a solo inventor stuck in the 'it’s not perfect yet' loop, this is your blueprint for the next level."Subscribe for weekly 'mind to market' blueprints.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

As a solo independent inventor, the journey from a brilliant idea to a shelf-ready product can feel like navigating a minefield—especially when you are doing it without a corporate safety net. The biggest trap? The "black pit" of predatory marketing and social media campaigns that drain your budget before you ever make a sale.In Episode 42 of Invent America, host Rita Crompton (America’s Inventor Lady) cuts through the noise to bring you the candid truth about launching your product. We sit down with industry experts and real-life solo inventors who have successfully navigated the trenches of prototyping, manufacturing, and getting their products into the hands of real consumers.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:The Social Media Trap: Mike Ryan from Pronto Launch breaks down why paying per-click for social media marketing is a dangerous game for solo inventors. Discover how to find true business partners who help with fulfillment, warehousing, and growth—without just taking your money for empty impressions.Solving the Hot Tub Float: Solo inventor Wendy Short shares the story behind Float No More, an ingenious weighted belt system designed to keep you seated and relaxed against the jets of a hot tub. Wendy discusses the struggles of "indefinitely floating" and her journey from identifying a simple, universal problem to manufacturing a solution.Water Conservation Innovation: Inventor Alex Shane introduces Faucet Pal, a brilliant retrofit device that turns a standard faucet into a water-saving sprayer. Alex shares his experience with QVC, the importance of redesigning for manufacturing, and his current search for the perfect licensing partnership.The Power of Face-to-Face: Why virtual marketing can never replace the value of getting your product in front of real buyers at trade shows and industry events.Resources & Links Mentioned:Float No More: floatnomore.comPronto Launch: Partnering with inventors for warehousing, shipping, and sustainable growth.Join the Conversation: Connect with fellow solo inventors for free at the virtual Inventors Roundtable: inventorsroundtable.orgTrue View: The only real-time 3D blind spot viewing system for vehicles. Get yours at cargocatch.comSponsors: A special thank you to our sponsors for making this show possible and supporting the independent inventor community: America's Inventor Lady, HomeTalk USA, RPB Law Offices, and Search Quest Patent Search.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

On this episode Rita and Michael King speak with 40+ Year finance expert, Ray Burrasca, about the difference between funding your invention when your a solo independent inventor versus when you're a startup. Listen and have your eyes be opened to the dangers and perils of chasing outside money while your invention / business withers on the vine.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Welcome to Invent America Podcasts! Join the Cajun Contractor Michael King and America's Inventor Lady, Rita Crompton, as they gear up for the massive ASD Market Week in Las Vegas.In this episode, we dive into the journey from "mind to market." We explore why trade shows like ASD are critical for getting consumer feedback and why your first prototype should be ugly.Featured in this episode:ASD Market Week Preview: Why this show is the "Super Bowl" for consumer products and how it helps inventors skip the Kickstarter struggle.Bob Mussey & Triple Threat Cornhole: A unique twist on the classic backyard game featuring three targets and new rules like Cornhole Baseball and Darts.Tony & The Nose T: A revolutionary device that stops 90% of nosebleeds in seconds by applying pressure to the "Little's Area".Noah McNeely (Product QuickStart): Our industry expert breaks down the "proof of concept" phase and why you can't just 3D print a render and call it a final product.Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro & ASD Market Week Strategy 9:20 - Bob Mussey: Reinventing Cornhole 15:45 - Tony: How to Stop a Nosebleed Instantly 22:10 - Noah McNeely: From "Ugly" Prototype to Manufacturing#InventAmerica #Invention #Cornhole #Prototypes #ASDMarketWeek #ProductDesign #EntrepreneursHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Is social media marketing a dead end for inventors? In this episode of Invent America, we argue that you can accomplish more in three days at a trade show than in six months online. Join host Michael King and "Americs's nventor Lady" Rita Crompton (broadcasting from the beach in Hawaii!) as they discuss the upcoming ASD Market Week. We are joined by product placement expert Kevin Cody and ASD’s VP of Buyer Relations, Stephanie Behring-Hale, to break down why "keyboard magic" can’t replace a handshake. In this episode, we cover: -- The ROI of Face-to-Face: Why buyers need to see, touch, and demo your invention to truly understand it. -- The "Watch" Rule: How to know instantly if your sales pitch is failing. -- The Hub: The new networking and education center at ASD Market Week covering everything from AI to purchasing. -- Real Success Stories: From a fire escape modeled after airplane chutes to a new device teaching infants how to suck. Don't rely on algorithms to sell your product. Get back to the basics of relationships and trust. #Inventing #ASDMarketWeek #ProductLaunch #RetailStrategy #InventorLadyHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Welcome to Invent America Podcasts! Hosts Mike King and Rita Crompton (America's Inventor Lady) dive deep into the "Golden Rule" of inventing: If you have one product, license it!. In this episode, we explore the critical difference between being a manufacturer and a licensor, and why "leverage" is the most important word in the industry. plus, we showcase two new innovations hitting the market: a hands-free audio belt for golfers and a travel hanger that eliminates wrinkles. Featured in this Episode: -- The Golden Rule: Why single-product inventors should focus on licensing rather than manufacturing. -- Product Spotlight - Bumpin' Belts: Eric Barnhart shows off his new wearable speaker belt designed for the golf course and outdoor lifestyle. -- Product Spotlight - Easy Pack Hangers: Ron Johansen demonstrates how to go from "hanging to packed" in under a minute with his specialized travel hanger. -- Industry Expert - Mike Ryan: The co-founder of Pronto Launch discusses why trade shows are the ultimate leverage for inventors. #InventAmerica #Invention #Licensing #ProductDesign #BusinessTips #RitaCromptonHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Are big corporations crushing the "little guy" in the garage? In this episode of Invent America Podcasts, host Rita interviews Randy Landreneau, President of US Inventor, to expose the shocking reality facing American innovators today. Since the America Invents Act of 2011, independent inventors have faced an uphill battle against the "Patent Trial and Appeal Board" (PTAB)—an administrative court where over 80% of challenged patents are invalidated. Randy breaks down the history of US patent rights (dating back to George Washington!), the "killing fields" for patents, and the current political fight in Washington DC to save American innovation. In this episode, we cover: -- The "Death Squad" for patents: Why 80% of patents are invalidated by the PTAB. -- The dark side of the America Invents Act. -- How Big Tech uses "efficient infringement" to steal ideas. -- The legislative solutions: The Balancing Incentives Act vs. The PREVAIL Act. -- Why the patent system matters for your safety (The Texas pipeline example). Join the fight for inventor rights! Learn more at USInventor.org #InventAmerica #PatentRights #USInventor #Innovation #SmallBusiness #IntellectualProperty #USPTOHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of Invent America Podcasts, hosts Michael King and America's Inventor Lady" Rita Crompton dive deep into the reality of taking a product from a sketch to the store shelf. We explore why hitting the road for professional trade shows like ASD Market Week can be more valuable than thousands of dollars in online market research. In this episode, you will learn: --The "Show Off" Strategy: Why you only have 5 seconds to grab a buyer's attention and how to master the "elevator pitch". -- Real Inventor Stories: Meet Terry LaFranchi, who turned a football viewing moment into a unique cap design, and Sam Spironi, a project engineer who invented "Slice Away" after a frustrating dorm room pizza experience. -- Branding Mastery: Industry expert Carol Sprunk explains why storytelling is the difference between a product that sits on a shelf and one that sells. Featured Guests: -- Terry LaFranchi (Inventor, Football Cap) -- Sam Spironi (Founder, Slice Away) -- Carol Sprunk (Branding & Industry Expert) Key Takeaway: "Don't spend a dime before it's time." Learn when to step up to the plate and invest in your big idea. #Inventing #ProductLaunch #ASDMarketWeek #Entrepreneurship #InventAmericaHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Are you an inventor struggling to get your product on store shelves at Home Depot, Lowes, or Walmart? The rules of the game change the moment you cross the border.In this episode of Invent America TV, we break down the critical differences between the U.S. and Canadian markets with industry expert Michael Miller. With over 20 years of experience launching products like the "Disposal Genie," Michael reveals why the scale of the American market often bankrupts unprepared inventors—and why licensing might be your safest bet.We also feature two inventors currently navigating these challenges:Tanya (Sure Grip Kitchen Towels): A manufacturer selling direct-to-consumer who is facing the realities of tariffs and logistics.Michael Parish: An inventor with a patented interchangeable hat logo system who is looking to license his technology to major apparel brands.In This Episode:The "Scale" Problem: Why Canadian inventors often fail to grasp the volume requirements of U.S. big-box retailers.Licensing vs. Manufacturing: Why handing off the heavy lifting to a licensee can save you from legal and packaging nightmares.The "Consignment" Trap: Understanding how Walmart actually buys (or doesn't buy) inventory.Real Inventor Stories: From kitchen gadgets to sports apparel, see how new products are finding their footing.Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro: Welcome to Invent America 1:57 - Meet Industry Expert Michael Miller 4:06 - "Crossing the Line": The challenges of US/Canada trade 6:59 - How Licensing Agreements Work (Who controls the price?) 11:00 - Inventor Spotlight: Tanya & The Sure Grip Kitchen Towel 19:53 - Inventor Spotlight: Michael Parish & The Interchangeable Hat Logo 28:03 - The Dangers of "Going it Alone" in International Markets 32:33 - Michael Miller’s Advice: Which market should you target first?About the Show: Invent America is your go-to resource for home-based product innovation. Hosted by Rita, we connect independent inventors with the experts, lawyers, and prototypers who can take you from mind to market.Featured in this Video:Sure Grip Kitchen Towels: https://suregripkitchentowels.com/RPB Law Offices: https://rpblawoffices.comSearchQuest Patent Search: https://searchquestpatents.comDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.#Inventing #ProductLicensing #SmallBusiness #RetailStrategy #InventAmerica #Manufacturing #EntrepreneurshipHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Is it time to stop climbing ladders and shoveling snow? On this episode of Invent America TV, the Cajun Contractor Michael King and America's Inventor Lady, Rita Crompton, explore innovations designed to keep you safe and off the roof! We sit down with Mike Wood ("Woody") to discuss the Gutter Guard Sweep—a tool designed to solve the problem of debris sitting on top of gutter guards, saving homeowners from dangerous falls. Later, we meet 83-year-old inventor Jean Scarberry, creator of the Snow Angel Shield. Discover how he turned a leaf blower experiment into an automated "windshield wiper for your driveway" that keeps asphalt pristine without lifting a shovel. Plus, industry expert Kevin Cody joins us to discuss how AI and 3D printing are drastically speeding up the "Mind to Market" process for modern inventors.#InventAmerica #HomeImprovement #Invention #SafetyHacks #SnowRemoval #GutterCleaning #MichaelKing #RitaCromptonHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.