Necessity is the Mother of Invention — in This Case it’s the Father

Michael McGuire was a finalist in this year’s Stateline FastPitch Competition with his invention, the On-the-Go inflatable potty seat.  Being a wonderful, attentive father, Michael was paying close attention when his then three year old daughter was not her happy, bubbly self during their family trip to Disneyworld. She had no choice but to use an unfamiliar potty seat, thus Michael became the father of invention.

Michael was astounded to learn that the only portable potty seat product on the market was grossly inadequate, as it is uncomfortable and unstable. He experienced his “Ah ha” moment and went to work. After several reiterations using such unconventional tools as a flat hair iron, his daughter was elated with his invention.

Fast-forward three years to 2011. Michael just signed a license agreement with Ginsey, a progressive leader and worldwide multi-channel supplier of bathroom and home products for the entire family, which will assist him with not only effectively launching his product, but also with building a brand.

This wasn’t Michael’s first rodeo. The serial entrepreneur invented an unrelated product, which had the misfortune to be launched in the midst of the start of a recession (2001). That product met an untimely demise, but along the way, he learned many valuable lessons that assisted him with his next invention including connecting with a smaller manufacturer that would agree to significantly lower minimum orders resulting in less capital outlay.

He did his homework. In order to infiltrate the world of moms and kids, Michael disguised his name and posed as a mom on the Mommy Blogs sites to confirm he and his wife were not the only parents facing this issue.

His advice to inventors is, “Don’t be dissuaded; don’t lose focus because of the negative feedback.” Toys “R” Us is one of the first companies he approached and was abruptly turned down.

The EIGERlab staff is confident that you’ll see this serial entrepreneur Fast-pitching again! He strongly believes in the theory that people invest in you, not necessarily just your product.