Inventor's Edge Podcast
Whether you’re sketching your first idea or refining a finished product, you’re in the right place! Our mission is to equip you with the tools, expertise, and clarity you need to succeed as an inventor, while helping you conquer fears and limiting beliefs that may be holding you back. Join us as we bring in industry pros, share expert advice, and dive deep into the world of innovation.
Episode #28: The Power of Execution in Entrepreneurship with Nick Norman
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Summary:
In this conversation, Nick shares his entrepreneurial journey from a rural upbringing to creating innovative stock tank accessories through his company, Polar Protector. He discusses the importance of execution, understanding customer needs, and the challenges of scaling a business. Nick emphasizes the value of customer feedback in driving innovation and offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting the significance of persistence and mentorship.
Key Takeaways:
Nick's journey reflects a blend of nature and nurture in developing an entrepreneurial spirit. His experiences with animals shaped his understanding o...Episode #27: Lessons from ‘Honey Can Do’ Founder Steve Greenspon
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Summary:
In this conversation, Steve Greenspon shares his entrepreneurial journey, detailing the inception and growth of his company, Honey Can Do. He discusses the importance of understanding market needs, the challenges of product development, and the strategies that led to the company's success. Steve emphasizes the significance of innovation, sustainability, and the role of e-commerce in modern business. He also reflects on his experiences and offers valuable insights for aspiring inventors and entrepreneurs.
Key Takeaways:
- Steve's entrepreneurial journey began with his father's influence
Episode #26: From Collector to Creator: Aaron Tompkin's Toy Journey
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Summary:
In this conversation, Aaron Tompkins shares his journey from a toy collector to a successful toy inventor, discussing the challenges and triumphs of navigating the toy industry. He emphasizes the importance of creativity, persistence, and thorough research in the invention process. Aaron also highlights the role of AI in design, the significance of building relationships within the industry, and offers valuable advice for aspiring toy inventors.
Key Takeaways:
Aaron's journey began with toy collecting and evolved into a career in toy invention. The Swear Bears c...Episode #25: How Inventors Can Get in Front of Retail Buyers at The Inspired Home Show with Edward Ayres
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Summary:
In this episode, Scott Putnam interviews Edward Ayres, Co-founder of Inventor Process, about the Inspired Home Show and its significance for independent inventors. They discuss the unique opportunities available in the Inventor's Corner, the importance of preparation, and the potential for networking and securing deals with retail buyers. Edward shares success stories from past exhibitors and emphasizes the value of attending the show for inventors looking to launch their products in the home and housewares industry.
Key Takeaways:
The Inspired Home Show is North America's...Episode #24: Shawn Moye on Mentorship, Mistakes, and Momentum
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Summary:
In this conversation, Scott Putnam interviews Shawn Moye, an inspiring inventor and entrepreneur, who shares his journey from a young inventor to the creator of the Smart Sports Trainer. Shawn discusses the importance of mentorship, the challenges of product development, and the impact of his invention on young athletes. He emphasizes the need for continuous improvement, community support, and the value of customer feedback in refining his product. The conversation highlights the balance between family life and entrepreneurship, as well as the personal growth that comes from overcoming...
Episode #23: From Corporate Life to 7-Figure Entrepreneur: Liz Garcia on Decluttering, Authenticity, and Scaling Your Business
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Summary:
In this episode of the Inventor's Edge show, Liz Garcia shares her journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship, detailing her experiences in founding multiple businesses, including GW Spice Co. and Storage Theory. Liz discusses the personal catalyst that drove her to pursue her passions, the innovative products her company offers, and the strategies she employs to scale her business. She emphasizes the importance of feedback, authenticity, and the need to declutter both physically and mentally to enhance productivity. Liz also offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and highlights...
Episode #22: From Mistakes to Millions: Jon Corbett’s Amazon Journey
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Summary:
In this conversation, Scott Putnam and Jon Corbett discuss Jon's journey into entrepreneurship, particularly focusing on his experiences with Amazon. They explore the importance of making mistakes, learning from failures, and the significance of understanding keywords and product research. Jon shares insights on optimizing listings, the importance of product quality, and the challenges of managing multiple products. The discussion emphasizes the need for resilience, continuous learning, and the value of seeking guidance from knowledgeable individuals in the field.
Key Takeaways:
Making mistakes is a crucial...Episode #21: From Hollywood to Tech: Steven Puri on Creativity, Focus & Execution
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Summary:
In this episode of the Inventor's Edge podcast, Scott Putnam interviews Steven Puri, who shares his journey from film to tech and his insights on creativity, focus, and productivity. They discuss the importance of flow states, overcoming distractions, and the value of community in fostering innovation. Steven emphasizes the need for execution over ideas and offers practical tips for managing time and maintaining focus. The conversation highlights the significance of taking the first step towards one's goals and the power of connection in the creative process.
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Episode #20 with Special Guest, Paige Putnam
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Summary:
In this heartfelt episode, Scott interviews his daughter, Paige Putnam, a third-year business student and young entrepreneur. Paige shares her journey from childhood inventions to founding Paige Putnam Enterprises. The conversation covers her experiences in entrepreneurship, her plant-based cookbook and her role as the Chief Creative Officer at Inventor’s Edge. The episode highlights the importance of family support, perseverance, and the balance between personal and professional life.
Key Takeaways:
Paige’s journey began with a childhood invention, leading to a licensing deal, showcasing the powe...Episode #19 with Special Guest, Brittany Lammon
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Summary:
In this engaging conversation, Brittany Lammon shares her entrepreneurial journey, detailing the creation of her innovative product, the Chub Rub Patch. From her early experiences as a makeup artist to her transition from a licensing model to manufacturing, Brittany discusses the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way. She emphasizes the importance of consistency, asking questions, and surrounding oneself with supportive individuals. Brittany also highlights the power of social media in promoting her product and offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Key Takeaways:
Brittany...Episode #18 with Special Guests, Kirk Hyust & Brian Halasinski
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Summary:
In this conversation, Scott Putnam interviews inventors Brian Halasinski and Kirk Hyust about their journey in creating the Turbo Trusser, a cooking gadget designed to simplify the process of trussing poultry. They discuss the challenges they faced, including their experience on Shark Tank, the importance of retail expansion, and the ongoing battle against counterfeiting. The duo shares valuable insights for aspiring inventors, emphasizing the need for persistence, collaboration, and a strong intellectual property strategy as they look to the future of their brand.
Key Takeaways:
...Episode #17 with Special Guest, Kevin Prince
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Summary:
In this conversation, Kevin Prince, a seasoned patent agent, shares his journey as an inventor and the challenges faced by inventors in the patenting process. He discusses the importance of understanding patent claims, the misconceptions surrounding patents, and the different types of patents available. Kevin emphasizes the significance of strong patents and the role of AI in patent research, while also providing valuable advice for inventors navigating the patent landscape.
Key Takeaways:
Inventors often struggle with getting honest feedback on their ideas. A patent is...Episode #16 with Special Guest, Steve Greenberg
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Summary:
In this engaging conversation, Scott Putnam interviews Steve Greenberg, known as 'The Gadget Guy,' who shares insights from his extensive experience in the gadget and innovation space. They discuss the unpredictable nature of product success, the importance of problem-solving in gadget design, and the common pitfalls inventors face when launching their products. Steve emphasizes the significance of storytelling in product presentation and offers practical advice for creating buzz and credibility. The episode also features a fun segment where they play 'What the Heck is That...
Episode #15 with Special Guest, David Spears
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Summary:
In this conversation, David Spears, an IP attorney with a background in mechanical engineering, discusses the importance of intellectual property (IP) for inventors. He explains the different types of IP, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, and emphasizes the significance of protecting these assets. David shares insights on navigating the patent process, common mistakes inventors make, and the value of design patents. He also highlights current trends in patent law, particularly the impact of AI, and provides resources for inventors looking to protect their ideas. The discussion...
Episode #14 with Special Guest, Chuck Mullins
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Summary:
In this conversation, Chuck shares his extensive experience in the online business world, detailing his journey from starting his first online business to becoming a broker at Quietlight. He discusses the importance of understanding the entrepreneurial journey, the process of selling a business, and the key factors that influence business valuation. Chuck emphasizes the four pillars of business value: risk, opportunity, transferability, and documentation, and provides actionable steps for entrepreneurs to maximize their business's value before a sale. He also explains the implications of SBA financing and the...
Episode #13 with Special Guest, Carolyn Keane
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Summary:
In this episode of the Inventor's Edge podcast, host Scott Putnam interviews Carolyn Kean, a seasoned expert in product development and design. They discuss the journey of inventors, the importance of research and prototyping, and the challenges faced in navigating the complex world of patents and intellectual property. Carolyn shares her insights on the value of mentorship, community support, and the necessity of persistence in the face of failure. The conversation emphasizes the need for inventors to conduct thorough research, seek feedback, and understand the business side of...
Episode #12 with Special Guest, Ben Aldridge
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Summary:
In this conversation, Scott Putnam interviews Ben Aldridge, who shares his insights on the challenges faced by inventors and entrepreneurs. Ben discusses the importance of community support, recognizing blind spots, and avoiding common pitfalls when launching a product. He emphasizes the significance of financial management, data-driven decision-making, and the need for a solid intellectual property strategy. Ben also provides practical advice on finding manufacturing partners and streamlining the product development process. In this conversation, Scott Putnam and Ben Aldridge explore the intricacies of manufacturing partnerships, fulfillment strategies, personal...
Episode #11 with Special Guest, Dr. Dan Formosa
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Summary:
Dr. Dan Formosa, a design and innovation consultant, discusses the relationship between design, behavior, and branding. He emphasizes the importance of understanding user interaction and usability in product design. Dan also highlights the significance of asking questions and the need for companies to stand for something in order to build a strong brand. He explores the impact of design on behavior in various contexts, such as pharmaceuticals and healthcare. Additionally, Dan discusses emerging trends in design and innovation, including the importance of considering gender differences in product design...
Episode #10 with Special Guest, Dan Melnick
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Summary:
In this episode of the Inventor's Edge podcast, host Scott Putnam interviews Dan Melnick, CEO and co-founder of Zing. They discuss Dan's entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of engaging audiences in a noisy market, and the importance of clear communication in a culturally diverse team. Dan shares insights on leveraging podcasts for networking and the common fears faced by aspiring entrepreneurs. He emphasizes the need for financial prudence and the importance of persistence in the entrepreneurial journey.
Key Takeaways:
Dan's entrepreneurial journey began with an eBay...Episode #9 with Special Guest, Andy Barkin
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Summary:
In this conversation, Scott interviews Andy Barkin, who shares insights from his diverse background in product design and invention. They discuss the importance of understanding the target audience for inventions, conducting market research, identifying pain points, and generating new ideas. Andy emphasizes the value of incremental improvements in innovation and the necessity of viewing problems through different perspectives to foster creativity. In this conversation, Andy and Scott explore the creative process of invention, emphasizing the importance of embracing ridiculous ideas and innovative juxtapositions. They discuss the role of...
Episode #8 with Special Guest, Tara Thelen
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Summary:
In this conversation, Tara Thelen shares her journey of developing a kitchen product inspired by her experiences living in the Netherlands. She discusses the challenges she faced, including doubts about her ability to market and manufacture the product, and how coaching played a crucial role in her success. Tara emphasizes the importance of relationships in business, the emotional aspects of licensing, and the joy of involving her family in the process. The conversation culminates in the excitement of launching her product and the validation she feels from its...
Episode #7 with Special Guest, Dr. Dan Brown
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Summary:
In this episode of the Inventor's Edge podcast, Scott Putnam interviews Dr. Dan Brown, a professor at Northwestern University, discussing the essential mindset shifts inventors must make to transition from idea generation to successful product commercialization. They explore the importance of identifying real problems, the significance of differentiation in design, and the critical role of packaging and distribution in bringing products to market. Dr. Brown emphasizes the need for a solid understanding of manufacturing processes and the emotional aspects of design, including the endowment effect that can influence c...
Episode #6 with Special Guest, Jake Ward
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Summary:
In this episode of the Inventor's Edge Podcast, Scott Putnam interviews Jake Ward, a registered patent attorney, about the intersection of patent law and artificial intelligence (AI). They discuss how AI is transforming patent searching, the ethical considerations of using AI in legal practice, and the potential future of patent examination with AI tools. Jake emphasizes the importance of human oversight in the patent process and the skills modern attorneys need to adapt to these technological advancements. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of patent law and the...
Episode #6 with Special Guest, Jake Ward
Watch the episode on YouTube here.
Summary:
In this episode of the Inventor's Edge Podcast, Scott Putnam interviews Jake Ward, a registered patent attorney, about the intersection of patent law and artificial intelligence (AI). They discuss how AI is transforming patent searching, the ethical considerations of using AI in legal practice, and the potential future of patent examination with AI tools. Jake emphasizes the importance of human oversight in the patent process and the skills modern attorneys need to adapt to these technological advancements. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of patent law and the...
Episode #5 with Special Guest, Tom Fekete
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Summary:
In this episode of the Inventor's Edge podcast, host Scott Putnam interviews Tom Fekete, a lead industrial designer at Open End Studio. They discuss the intricacies of industrial design, the collaborative process between designers and engineers, and the importance of user-centric design. Tom shares insights into the product development journey, emphasizing the need for research, inspiration, and iterative feedback. He also highlights the challenges of manufacturing and the significance of keeping designs simple yet functional. Tom concludes with a special offer for listeners, inviting th...
Episode #4 with Special Guest, Matt Nuccio
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Summary:
In this episode of the Inventor's Edge podcast, host Scott Putnam interviews toy industry expert Matt Nuccio. They discuss the journey of bringing toy ideas to market, the importance of understanding the toy market, and the challenges inventor’s face in product development. Matt shares insights on working with major toy companies, the significance of focusing on primary ideas before extensions, and the evolving landscape of toy design and innovation. In this conversation, Matt shares insights into the toy industry, discussing the excitement of toy awards, the...
Episode #3 with Special Guest, Kari Warberg Block
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Summary:
In this episode of the Inventor's Edge podcast, host Scott Putnam interviews Kari Warberg Block, founder of Earthkind and known as the Kindness Rebel. Kari shares her inspiring journey from a farmwife with limited resources to building a $360 million eco-friendly pest control empire. The conversation explores themes of entrepreneurship, innovation, compassion in business, and the importance of finding one's voice. Kari emphasizes the need for supportive company culture, the power of collaboration, and the significance of taking action despite fear and perfectionism. Listeners are encouraged to em...
Episode #2 with Special Guest, Shawn Davis
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Episode #2 Summary:
In this episode of the Inventor's Edge podcast, Scott Putnam interviews mechanical engineer and inventor Sean Davis. They discuss Sean's journey in engineering, the challenges of product development, the importance of licensing, and the pressures of perfection in engineering. Sean shares his experiences with marketing, building relationships with companies, and the lessons learned from his successes and failures in licensing. He also offers valuable advice for aspiring inventors and discusses the impact of AI on innovation.
Key Takeaways:
Sean Davis is a mechanical engineer...Episode #1 with Special Guest, Jonah White
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Episode #1 Summary:
In this episode of the Inventor's Edge podcast, Scott Putnam interviews Jonah White, founder and CEO of Billy Bob Products. Jonah shares his inspiring journey from humble beginnings to building a successful business empire. He discusses the importance of adaptability, understanding one's strengths and weaknesses, and the challenges of entrepreneurship. Jonah emphasizes the significance of learning from failures, the value of patents, and the emotional journey inventors face. He also highlights the importance of helping others and the positive impact it can have on one's own journey.