Topic: American Inventions Made in America

Topic: American Inventions Made in America

Author: Rita Crompton August 2, 2025 Duration: 32:34

In this episode of Made in America Podcasts, Rita Discusses the Secrets of Being Able to Make Products in America with Leo York and Rick Kellow. Leo York is a commercial copywriter and advisor to inventors in Kentucky, and Rick Kellow, is the co-inventor along with his wife, Beth Kuehl, of the Original Great Plate.


Leo is a copywriter from Corbin KY. He writes commercial screenplays, and also writes all manner of narrative fiction, including the wonderful "Quilting Kentucky's Stories: The Fairy Tree by Leo York". Leo also helps advise inventors and entrepreneurs at Inventors Network KY. He is also cohost of the popular paranormal podcast, The 13th Floor.

 

The husband and wife team of Rick Kellow and Beth Kuehl invented The Original Great Plate, a combination plate and drink holder that allows someone to contain both beverage and food in a single container. As Rick and Beth tell their story:

 

“Necessity is the mother of invention. And when you have six kids and a rec room, a solution to clutter and messes was necessary. We didn’t set out to invent The GreatPlate™, but unable to find a plate that kept our drinks from tipping, we simply had to! Our commitment to manufacturing here in the USA has helped create jobs and grow our local economy. Services such as design, engineering, manufacturing, graphic/web design, marketing, packaging, and logistics are all sourced from local Wisconsin companies. In total, we touch over 50 companies, all located in the U.S., from start to finish. GreatPlate™ has touched our families’ lives in many ways; we are excited to share our line of innovative products that help make social situations more enjoyable."

 

The GreatPlate™ is about food, family, friends, and fun, not about spills and lost drinks. The GreatPlate™ has quickly taken off to become an American staple in homes as a plate for everyday and everywhere. We have been featured on the QVC, the Food Network, The Today Show and in many more places because people just know it truly is The GreatPlate™.


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Ever wonder why some brilliant ideas become household names while others never make it off the shelf? That’s the central puzzle explored in Invent America Podcasts with America's Inventor Lady, Rita Crompton, and the Cajun Contractor, Michael King, Founder of HomeTalkUSA. Each week, Rita and Michael pull back the curtain on the entire journey from concept to consumer, moving beyond simple inspiration to tackle the real, often messy work of bringing an invention to life. Their conversations are grounded in practical reality, featuring candid talks with inventors who have been in the trenches and specialists who understand manufacturing, marketing, and legal hurdles. You’ll hear firsthand accounts of both setbacks and breakthroughs, getting a honest look at what “mind to market” truly requires. This isn’t just theory; it’s a roadmap built from shared experiences. The dynamic between Rita’s inventive expertise and Michael’s contractor’s perspective on building things that last creates a uniquely balanced discussion. Tuning into this podcast feels like getting actionable advice from two seasoned guides who are genuinely invested in demystifying the path to success. Whether you’re tinkering in your garage or are ready to pitch to investors, the insights gathered here offer valuable lessons on resilience, adaptation, and the specific ingredients that can turn a clever idea into a viable product.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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