Episode 21: From "Inventor Mode" to "Market Mode": Real Stories of American Innovation

"If you build it, they will come" is a myth. Discover the brutal truth about shifting from inventor to marketer in this episode of Invent America. Join hosts Michael King and Rita Crompton (The Inventor Lady) as they peel back the curtain on the independent inventor's journey. It’s not just about having a great idea; it’s about navigating the treacherous waters of patents, big-box retail compliance, and finding the right distribution partners.

In this episode, we feature two inventors who refused to let their prototypes gather dust: Russell Kramer, creator of the TruView blind spot mirror, and Dave Fiegel, the mind behind Seal-It paint can solutions.

Key Discussion Points:

-- The Marketing Pivot: Russell Kramer shares a hard lesson: you have to take off your "inventor shoes" and put on your "marketing shoes." Learn why established companies often reject superior technology simply because they are vested in selling their old inventory.

-- The Retail Gauntlet: Dave Fiegel exposes the reality of dealing with major retailers like Home Depot and Ace Hardware. He explains why these giants act more like "consignment shops" and how a single barcode error can cost you a paycheck.

-- The "Gross Sales" Conflict: A fascinating look at why some industries resist efficiency products (like paint savers) because they actually reduce the volume of product consumers need to buy.

Innovation in Action: We showcase TruView, a distortion-free mirror that eliminates the "knee-jerk" reaction in traffic, and Seal-It, a vacuum-seal ring that saves homeowners from wasted paint and rusted cans. Whether you have a sketch on a napkin or a prototype in the garage, this conversation proves that persistence—and finding the right partners—is the difference between a hobby and a business.

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