Topic: Making Improvements After a Trade Show

Topic: Making Improvements After a Trade Show

Author: Rita Crompton April 5, 2025 Duration: 38:05

On this episode of Invent America Radio, Rita and her co-host Michael King discuss "Why & How to Make Improvements After a Tradeshow" with Barb Wangler, inventor of The Rookie Seat, & Rick Bunger, inventor of Ivy's Counting blocks, joined by industry expert Noah McNeely, founder of Product QuickStart.


Barb Wangler, inventor of The Rookie Seat, discusses her invention and the improvements she feels she needs to make in order to make it the best possible product with the greatest potential for commercialization. The Rookie Seat is a 3-in-1 portable travel chair designed for infants as young as 3 months to toddlers up to 4 years old! As an outdoor enthusiast who is both a mother and a grandmother, Barb Wangler knows traveling or dining out with little ones can be a challenge. She invented The Rookie Seat to make that challenging situation a little easier. Designed with safety, convenience, and versatility in mind, The Rookie Seat has the capability to be 3 things: (1) a camping chair for your child to sit on the grass or beach (2) a bleacher seat for your baby (3) a booster seat in restaurants so you can stop using theirs, that never get washed or sanitized.


Rick Bunger, inventor of Ivy's Counting Blocks, also joins in the conversation by sharing what he learned at the trade show and what ways he might improve the logistics of getting his product to market and lowering his costs in order to make the product more affordable to a greater share of the consuming public.


Lastly, Rita and Michael welcome founder of Product QuickStart Noah McNeely to discuss "Why & How to Make Improvements After a Tradeshow". Product QuickStart is a company that provides streamlined design, engineering, prototyping, and manufacturing services for inventor-entrepreneurs. Degreed in both Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Design, Noah has brought products to the market in a variety of industries, including: consumer products, tools, medical devices, consumer electronics, professional equipment, toys, and housewares. Mr. McNeely has helped more than 200 inventors develop their innovative ideas, many into thriving businesses, and, in a few cases, multi-million dollar exit events. Aside from Product QuickStart, Noah hosts the Product Genius Podcast, and he serves on the advisory board of the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering at Georgia Tech.


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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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