Topic: How to Launch a Product: Trade Shows, Prototypes & The 10-Second Pitch

Topic: How to Launch a Product: Trade Shows, Prototypes & The 10-Second Pitch

Author: Rita Crompton January 11, 2026 Duration: 36:42

In this episode of Invent America Podcasts, hosts Michael King and America's Inventor Lady" Rita Crompton dive deep into the reality of taking a product from a sketch to the store shelf. We explore why hitting the road for professional trade shows like ASD Market Week can be more valuable than thousands of dollars in online market research.


In this episode, you will learn:

--The "Show Off" Strategy: Why you only have 5 seconds to grab a buyer's attention and how to master the "elevator pitch".

-- Real Inventor Stories: Meet Terry LaFranchi, who turned a football viewing moment into a unique cap design, and Sam Spironi, a project engineer who invented "Slice Away" after a frustrating dorm room pizza experience.

-- Branding Mastery: Industry expert Carol Sprunk explains why storytelling is the difference between a product that sits on a shelf and one that sells.


Featured Guests:

-- Terry LaFranchi (Inventor, Football Cap)

-- Sam Spironi (Founder, Slice Away)

-- Carol Sprunk (Branding & Industry Expert)


Key Takeaway: "Don't spend a dime before it's time." Learn when to step up to the plate and invest in your big idea.


#Inventing #ProductLaunch #ASDMarketWeek #Entrepreneurship #InventAmerica


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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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