Where do you come up with the inspiration for your ideas?
My idea that was awarded a patent evolved over a 25 year career in industry as a valve engineer, working for companies that did not promote radical solutions to historical problems. Later, in private practice, I was able to spend time creating a solution.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given as an entrepreneur?
Best advice: go to i2e. I believe no other resource could have helped me launch an industrial product development project.
What is the biggest mistake that you have ever made as an entrepreneur?
As an engineer and inventor, my biggest mistake was not engaging a collaborator early in the product engineering phase. I tried, but not hard enough, thus I had to be my harshest critic to find and fix problems.
Do you have a routine before your investor pitch?
Not a routine, just a focus on how to explain a technical problem to a lay audience. I tried many analogies on my friends first. Two terms that have worked came from this vetting effort; “least disruptive” and “like a jet engine”.
How many times do you hit snooze in the morning?
Once. Usually I don’t set an alarm since I work for myself and can’t afford to stay in bed after I wake up.
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