Editor’s note: This is the first in an occasional series of stories from inventors, written by inventors. Ron Komorowski’s success story began with a bad back, a few bucks and a dream about 10 years ago. He invented Handi-Straps, a simple, comfortable and convenient device worn on the body that allows you to lift heavy loads. Picture a man holding another balanced on the blade of a shovel and you get an idea of the power of Komorowski’s product.
Here in his own words is his tale.
I was a construction worker and suffered back pain for years. Picking up heavy objects was a problem, so I hit the books to find a solution. I learned the human musculoskeletal system is just a series of levers and fulcrums, and the upper back was the strongest part of the body for carrying loads.
In the mid ’90s, I used beach-chair webbing and staples to make a harness that went over my shoulders and straps that extended the length of my arms.
The straps didn’t allow my arms to fully extend and distributed weight to my upper back. The prototype was ugly, but I was stunned by how well it worked. I felt like Superman.
I researched the product I called Handi-Straps to make sure it wouldn’t damage the body. I also made heavy-duty versions from free nylon straps and other materials I requested from manufacturers. And I sought endorsements and manufacturing deals. I made hundreds of phone calls to mostly small manufacturers and business acquaintances. Most rejected me. They didn’t understand the physics or were scared by potential liabilities.
Many inventors get discouraged after a few rejections. But if you have a product you’re willing to research and invest in, you have to persevere.
I really wanted my product to be made in the United States. Manufacturing fuels the economic cycle. I tell inventors they should return the favor this country granted them and try to work with U.S. manufacturers first. But you need more than patriotism to convince a manufacturer to make your product.
You need proof your invention can make money. Do your market research.
People in the United States move an average of once every seven years. Homeowners and apartment dwellers are prime customers of Handi-Straps. I showed data on the number of potential construction-worker customers. I also showed the potential sales for emergency medical service, military and other markets. Manufacturers will not gamble and “wing it” with your invention.
When I cold-called manufacturers, I had my main market-research points highlighted on a piece of paper. When I got someone on the phone, I talked as fast as I could. I never gave them a second to interrupt with “not interested.” After my pitch, I asked them a question so they’d have to talk to me.
I also went after endorsements.
The Texas governor’s office let the Texas Air National Guard test my product. Staff Sgt. Jim Levine Jr. of the Texas Air National Guard called Handi-Straps, “the next generation in lifting and back safety – I would recommend them to anyone.”
I also have testimonials and studies from medical institutions, divisions of the federal government, colleges and insurance companies.
One lucky day, I called Mike Parker, then-owner of Web Devices in Houston. The company makes rescue and safety equipment. As I rattled off my market research about Handi-Straps, Parker actually said, “I’ve gotta get my hands on this.”
The company flew me to Houston for meetings and later helped me fine-tune my product. It now manufactures Handi-Straps.
I didn’t have a lot of marketing dollars. So I printed postcards and mailed them to media outlets and others. That was a little more than a year ago. I now have customers in Japan, South Africa, New Zealand, Israel, Europe and North America. I’ve also sold Handi-Straps to companies such as Boeing, Winnebago Industries and Kohler.
I’m just a regular guy who followed my dream.
Some say all that needs to be invented already exists. Not true.
As the world becomes more complex, different areas of innovation will sprout. If you have an invention you believe can change the world, just remember: It’s up to you to prove it.
