This proverb has been the driving force for Restoration Tools, a company that is developing industry-changing tools for disaster restoration. While the team was doing their work as members of a disaster restoration franchise, they realized the need in their industry for more innovative tools which allowed workers to complete tasks faster and more safely.

Product Development
With more than 40 years of combined experience in the disaster restoration industry, Restoration Tools partners are familiar with what it takes to run a franchise.  Designing and producing a new product was a totally new ballgame.

Inventing and manufacturing a product always presents unforeseen challenges. Identifying challenges, creating new solutions and overcoming roadblocks is part of the process of product development.     Restoration Tools has lots of ideas and their initial impulse was to try to develop them all at once.  With the guidance of Mike Cobert, NIU EIGERlab’s Center for Product Development director, they decided to tackle one invention at a time.

After settling on their first product, The Aerator, they soon realized they had a multitude of decisions to make. In order to achieve the best results, and not damage their new product, they realized it must be paired with a custom mallet for the best results.

With more than one product element to be managed, the team decided to offer a custom carrying bag so the equipment would not be lost or left behind on the job site.  Another caveat to their current innovation underway is offering custom coloring for larger-sized clients such as franchise owners, to provide brand consistency for the company.  

The Restoration Tools team discovered that product development is a complex challenge and that when starting a new entity, you may need more time and capital than you initially forecasted.

“We’ve now participated in our first trade show, and advertised in our first trade magazine. People see the need and we’re elated to share that partnerships are forming,” shared Jocelyn Hare, Chief Operations Officer. “In addition, we have reconsidered our sales model, and plan to work alongside distributors who will not only assist with sales but will enhance our sales and marketing efforts.”

Accelerated Growth
The Aerator is a powerful tool because it allows a project that would have taken two technicians eight hours to complete to be handled by one person in a quarter of the time. Because this product is such a game changer for the disaster restoration business, it’s already in high-demand.

“From our test marketing, we knew the product had legs, but surprisingly, not to this level. Currently, we’re handling the assembly internally, but we anticipate the need to expand more quickly than we originally forecasted,” shared Jocelyn. “Being an owner of a restoration company for the last 14 years, the process of drilling holes has always been a headache. When you hire new technicians it is inevitable that at some point, they drill a hole above the baseboard which creates extra work and lost revenue. Not only does The Aerator totally eliminate that issue but it also saves so much time and effort with the process and cleanup itself.”

A local business owner recently bought two Aerators and are planning to purchase another three this month, due to increased productivity and rave reviews from employees.    

The Aerator product is just the beginning for Restoration Tools. “Now that we have experienced creating our first product, we plan to move on with additional inventions quickly. We anticipate starting the R & D phase of our next product in late 2019,” shared Jocelyn.

To learn more about The Aerator and Restoration Tools, visit https://restorationtools.com/.

To connect with NIU EIGERlab’s Center for Product Development to learn how they can assist you with moving your invention to market, phone 815.965.3522.

Innovation is all about new solutions. For the creators of Avior Analytics, their personal experience with physical therapy led them to create an app to increase patient engagement resulting in improved patient outcomes. Their idea won the student award in the 2019 NIU EIGERlab FastPitch competition. 

Ryan Wosick and Joe Scheidt were both wrestlers in high school and college. After they medically retired because of shoulder injuries, their path moving forward was uncertain. While their wrestling careers were over, their physical therapy continued. 

“After four shoulder surgeries and over three years of physical therapy, I was unable to return to college wrestling, a sport I loved and into which I had put years of effort,” Ryan shared. “Looking back I realized my lack of motivation and engagement with my rehab process lead to inefficient and incomplete recoveries. I started Avior Analytics so that all patients can stay motivated throughout their rehab, receive the full recovery they deserve, and regain the ability to return to whatever activities they find most important in their lives.”

The team soon realized, from communicating with their physical therapists, that the engagement between patients and therapists impedes recovery; patients’ motivation typically fades before the injury is healed. They delved into the stats and were surprised to learn that a staggering 70% of patients neither adhere to nor complete their outlined care program. In addition to limiting the benefits of physical therapy for patients, missed appointments and unfinished therapies result in hundreds of thousands in lost revenues per clinic annually.

Entrepreneurial Spirit
Based on their personal experiences, Ryan and Joe set out to create something that more realistically connected patients to their recovery programs. Their goal was to create an app that improves the results of physical therapy through increased patient engagement—empowering patients to take ownership of their care along their road to recovery.

 “Ryan has been my closest friend since we wrestled on the same high school team together,” Joe shared. “After his injuries forced him out of sports I was excited to join his mission to improve the patient experience. I’ve had my own extensive physical therapy and I’ve found that patients need a strong relationship with their therapists in order to experience a full recovery. My goal for Avior is to build the foundation for better patient-therapist relationships.”

 As they developed their app, they spoke to over 40 clinicians and their patients who confirmed their beliefs about the disconnect which often occurs between patients and physical therapists. They were then determined to create content-based software tools to assist with solidifying the physical therapist/patient connection and increase both patient adherence and outcomes.

The next steps were to align with app creators to bring their app to market. “The hiring vetting process was huge,” shared Joe. “By doing our homework, and electing to engage with a solopreneur vs. a larger tech firm, we saved a lot of money” Early on, Ryan and Joe had elected to bootstrap the creation of Avior Analytics utilizing their own personal funding and competition prize winnings. Believing that there was a need and that the duo would accomplish their goals, family and friends also assisted with funding the project. Moving forward, Ryan and Joe’s plans are to reinvest their revenues versus diluting the value of their business with outside funding.

Early Adopters
“We are grateful for the input of physical therapists who realized the potential value of our app and volunteered to assist with its development by using it with their patients,” stated Joe. The team was fortunate that a large percentage of the clinics involved with the beta test did not want downtime without the app. These early adopters became Avior’s first clients.

Their soft launch was in March, just five months after FastPitch. “FastPitch was my first pitch in front of a live audience, and the experience has been incredibly valuable, Joe shared. “All entrepreneurs must learn to communicate their ideas with others. The skills I developed while preparing for FastPitch have been crucial to the successes I’ve had in the last few months participating in the CNVC accelerator program at the Booth School of Business and speaking to potential customers.”

To learn more about Avior Analytics, visit avioranalytics.net/.

To learn more about how NIU EIGERlab can assist with business development, visit eigerlab.org or phone 815.753.2192.

AnnDee Nimmer, CEO of RoomTagz™, draws inspiration from her surroundings. As an entrepreneur, she has committed to future growth of her company and her community with the purchase of a 1700-square foot building just outside downtown Rockton.

“In this beautiful setting, just a stone’s throw from the Rock River, I can envision most of my phone calls and employee strategizing sessions being held outside,” AnnDee shared.

In her previous career as a teacher, AnnDee observed that a lack of clear and consistent signage was leading to confusion and wasted time in school hallways. Her company’s signature invention, RoomTagz™, is an innovative solution to wayfinding in schools. Early in her entrepreneurial journey, AnnDee took advantage of local small business development resources. Thus far, she’s competed in two of NIU EIGERlab’s FastPitch Competitions and was one of the top winners in 2018. She has worked with representatives from both NIU EIGERlab’s Center for Product Development and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) who assist entrepreneurs and small businesses with both the startup and expansion essentials.

The culmination of these meetings has resulted in AnnDee being able to share her ideas in a cohesive manner and put together an action plan for the development of her business.

“The SBDC really emphasizes the importance of customer feedback,” she said. “With the ability to connect with hundreds of my current customers, that was an easy task, and the results were enlightening. I was also referred to a Bridgeway, a company that assists businesses with a variety of tasks including fulfillment, which allowed me more time to manage the business.”

Sustainability during business development is key to future success. With the support of NIU EIGERlab, SBDC and others, AnnDee was able to refine her profit margins to improve the sustainability of the company. She was also introduced to local lenders whose goals are to assist new or expanding small businesses.

AnnDee first competed in the FastPitch Competition in 2013 and wasn’t satisfied with her performance. She challenged herself to improve by attending the training classes and put in additional practice on the side.

“I feel that the biggest difference between competing in 2013, and winning third place five years later, was having some experience under my belt which gave me more confidence. I’ve been quite fortunate that the demand for my product has doubled year after year, with an unprecedented 60-65% growth curve. These results prove that I’m on the right track, and felt sure I had a chance at one of the prizes. I’ve already recommended FastPitch to others. I’m thankful for all of the entrepreneurial support and opportunities that are available in our community,” shared AnnDee.

The possibilities
The purchase of her new building will make an impact on AnnDee’s ability to hire key individuals to assist with expansion and move forward with new product lines that she’s envisioned.

“When you’re a solopreneur wearing all of the hats, there is little time for executing next steps or creative thinking. I will finally be able to work on my business versus always working in my business,” shared AnnDee. Once the building is fully renovated, her plans include earning additional revenues by renting the space out for meetings, and other entrepreneurial-based activities, which will further enhance Rockton’s entrepreneurial culture.

“I have an endless flow of ideas and love bouncing them off of customers and partners. My business is all about creating a more welcoming, positive and safer school environment,” said AnnDee. As she adds staff, she will be able to grow the business strategically and improve marketing efforts.

After years of trying to assist her patients with preventive dental care, Rachael Lolling, a dental hygienist by day and entrepreneur by night, set out to revolutionize the toothbrush. This age-old dental hygiene tool was due for an update and Rachael took on the challenge to provide consumers with a better tool to fight dental decay and periodontal disease. FitsBrush is the only toothbrush with a bendable and flexible neck and has double the average number of bristles. Her patent-pending product launched in October 2017.

Rachael’s first steps were studying and measuring more than 500 models of people’s teeth she had collected over the years. In designing her new toothbrush, she had several important goals in mind. First the angle of the bristles. To brush most effectively, the bristles have to be at a 45-degree angle. Secondly, the size of the brush head needed to be increased to clean more than one-to-two teeth with each stroke and covers more surface area. Next, she made the bristles multiple heights in a concave pattern that will conform to convex teeth shape to efficiently clean the tooth’s biting surface, the exterior surface, and below the gum line all in one position. Her final innovation is what makes FitsBrush so unique: its side-to-side bend and ideal flex. This allows the toothbrush to clean behind the molars and around the canine teeth and also assists people who are hard, aggressive brushers—warning them to not push so hard.

After perfecting the design, Rachael set out to find a manufacturer but didn’t have to look farther than Eau Claire, Wisconsin. After the Tess Oral Health president listened to her compassionate presentation, he was eager to support her efforts. FitsBrush’s unique movement component makes it a manufacturing challenge.  Rachael declined hundreds of samples until the product was perfect.

“I wish I would have known about NIU EIGERlab’s Center for Product Development (C4PD) before starting the invention process,” said Rachael. ”Now, when I share my entrepreneurial journey, I inform the audience that there’s a local entity that will make their lives easier, especially in the early stages.

Fast forward to FastPitch
For Rachael, public speaking doesn’t come naturally. “I watched many TEDx Talks on a variety of topics, before even contemplating signing up to compete in FastPitch. I was incredibly nervous at the competition, but I think when you’re passionate about something, somehow that overrides your nervousness. Everyone was so supportive and encouraging that it resulted in a great experience,” shared Rachael.

Next Steps
Rachael plans to invent two similar products—one for the younger generation and a second for the older generation. Now that she’s aware of the C4PD and programming NIU EIGERlab has to offer, she plans to take full advantage. “My future inventions will be much easier! I now have a team in place, and I’m fully aware of all of the resources our community offers,” shared Rachael. “I’m also thankful for events such as NIU EIGERlab’s monthly Innovation Tuesday Meetups. I’m able to connect with like-minded people, and I feel as if I’m going to entrepreneurial college–learning or enhancing my knowledge of a new topic at each Meetup.”

Philanthropic Efforts
The “Fits” in FitsBrush has two meanings. It “fits” in your mouth and also stands for “Funding In The Schools.” Rachael helps schools raise money through the FITS Dental Fund.

“I’m passionate about working in the schools to educate children on not only the importance of dental hygiene and good nutrition but also how easy it is to prevent the world’s most chronic disease, tooth decay, with the proper tools and instructions,” Rachael said. “In a perfect world, we’d have dental clinics in the schools. I would love to see schools include dental hygiene education in the curriculum. The FITS Dental Fund proceeds assist school children with dental treatment they could otherwise not afford.”

To check out the FitsBrush and the FITS Dental Fund, visit www.fitsbrush.com.

To learn more about the C4PD and programming NIU EIGERlab offers, visit www.EIGERlab.org or phone 815.753.2192.

Photo credit: Pritz Photography

After years in the airline industry, Tim and Addie Ford are ready to keep their feet on the ground. Inspired by a business trip to Kentucky, they decided to return to Addie’s hometown to establish Grant View Distillery, the first legal distillery in Rockford since Prohibition.

Addie won the 2018 FastPitch “Spirit of Entrepreneurship” pitching the distillery’s first release, 40 Winks Whiskey. She felt the award was quite fitting for someone in the spirits industry. The Fords’ focus is to create something distinct with local flavors and a land-to-lips experience.

The Fords purchased a 22-acre specialty crop farm, Grant View Heights, to create a unique agri-business and tourist destination for Rockford. They plan to open a Tasting Room in late 2019. To assist with the production and flavorings of their craft spirits, they’ll grow 50+ agricultural products on their property to flavor their offerings including Brandy, Rum, Bourbon, Whiskey and Vodka. The highest point of their property overlooks the grounds once known as Camp Grant, hence their name was born, Grant View Distillery. 

Tim, an avid researcher, found an article linking the Graham-Ginestra House to Graham Bros. Distillery (1876-1919). After touring the home, they were delighted to discover distillery items still on display including whiskey barrels filled with the Graham Bros. product. Armed with this historical information, their mission was not only to create unique, quality craft spirits from crops grown on their land but also to recreate the Graham Bros.’ sour mash Bourbon, Whiskey and Rye recipes that have not been produced or distilled in over 100 years.

Finding the essential base products would be no small feat because the grain of yesteryear is not the grain grown on the majority of farms today. They began the hunt for the perfect grain farmer and social media helped guide them to John Gustafson, a third-generation farmer who lives just a stone’s throw from their property.

“Farming plays a vital role in distilling” Addie explained, “Since John was already growing heritage grains and grains found in this area 100 years ago, it was a perfect fit.” The outcome of connecting the dots will result in a new experience for Rockford residents and a great attraction for others to visit the region.

John is an innovator integrating old-school farming with modern equipment. He and his family’s goals are to leave the land in better shape than when they started. This goal has paid off. Gustafson Farms, the producer of Bear Grains, is the only supplier of this unique product in the Midwest. With the current trends–desiring to purchase local and support sellers within your region, which results in the freshest product available–his crops have been in high demand. His niche product fills the needs of quality bakers, distillers, etc., who are interested in producing high-quality, GMO-free, uniquely tasting products.

John and the Fords regularly attend NIU EIGERlab’s Innovation Tuesday Meetups and have participated in the FastPitch Competition. “It’s ideal that NIU EIGERlab offers entrepreneurs the chance to compete annually to test market their products at FastPitch, in addition to recruiting talented speakers 10 times a year to assist with business development. The ability to network at these events, in addition to the educational aspect is phenomenal,” shared John.  Addie added, “Being part of the 2018 FastPitch Competition was an amazing experience. We were encouraged and given valuable feedback from experts which allowed us to hone our speaking skills and create a personalized voice for our company & product.  We are proud to have won the Spirit of Entrepreneurship award for our very own ‘Spirit of Rockford’.”

Collaboration is key. “We assist each other with the positive outcome of being better businesses, in addition to offering something special for our hometown,” Addie shared. Both agree that partnering adds value to their businesses versus competing.

Visit Grant View’s Distillery’s website their upcoming events. Visit Gustafson Farm’s Facebook page to learn more of their operations.

An innovative new toothbrush. Customized, locally-manufactured footwear. Colorful signage to help students and visitors find their way around schools. These were the top winners in NIU EIGERlab’s 12^th annual FastPitch.

Entrepreneurs from around the region gathered at NIU-Rockford on October 3 to showcase their products and share their projections before a panel of judges similar to ABC’s “Shark Tank.” From the 38 eager presenters who so passionately shared their pitches, cash prizes totaling $7,500 dollars along with additional services were awarded to an outstanding group of five entrepreneurs. FastPitch has experienced an impressive run with over 500 presenters sharing their “ideas on a napkin,” products, services, apps, etc. This year’s winners, with their variety of products and services, were truly exceptional!

Rachel Lolling was recruited at a local Facebook event for this year’s event. She overcame her initial hesitation and competed, taking home the $5,000 first prize for her FitsBrush toothbrush. With 20 years of experience in the dental field, she is on a mission to ensure that people are brushing correctly and practicing proper oral hygiene. When she’s not working at her fulltime position in the Rockford Public Schools system, she’s in one of the nine local stores which carry her toothbrush, educating people on different products, proper brushing & flossing techniques, disease awareness, and answering any questions people may have on dental treatment and procedures. FitsBrush is currently sold to dental offices, online, in local stores, and can also be used as a fundraiser for schools, clubs, and organizations to promote good oral hygiene.

Annie Mohaupt took second place with Mohop, an on-demand, custom footwear designer and maker. Mohop combines cutting-edge digital fabrication with traditional artisanal techniques to make beautiful, comfortable shoes that reflect your style. Good news for the region: the Mohaputs have just purchased a 10,000 square foot building in Rockford to manufacture Mohop products! We welcome these artistic entrepreneurs, along with their distinctive line of products.

AnnDee Nimmer took third place with her product, RoomTagz. RoomTagz visually enhances schools throughout the nation and Canada, helping visitors, parents and first responders easily navigate school hallways. As a former teacher, she understands the importance of signage that is easily changed to assist with employee updates and creates a welcoming and safe environment.

Entrepreneur Addie Ford took home the Dale Falconer Spirit of Entrepreneurship award for her pitch on the Grant View Distillery. She won a six-month complimentary coworking membership at NIU EIGERlab’s coworking space at NIU-Rockford with her distillery, where she will have access to counseling and other services. Grant View Distillery is set on 22 acres complete with a craft size vineyard and orchard, and it’s the first distillery in the Rockford area since Prohibition. Grant View, which includes a tasting room, is slated to open in 2019. It was fitting that Addie won this Spirit award as her business is spirits!

Joseph Scheidt, a senior at the University of Chicago, was named best student innovator for Avior Analytics. His online tool assists with keeping both patients and physical therapists actively engaged long-term in the physical rehabilitation process. He was injured during his stint in college sports, so he spoke from experience when he shared that many people do not follow through with their therapy, which is often to the detriment of the patient.

FastPitch’s 2017 winner, Dr. Trevor Gibbs of Naperville, gave the event’s keynote address. His product, Anestand, which provides a space for anesthesiologists’ tools in the operating room, was created with the assistance of NIU EIGERlab’s Center for Product Development. Anestand is set to hit the marketplace this year. He delivered a thought-provoking keynote speech injected with humor and shared his enthusiasm from being energized by all of the talented, passion-filled FastPitch presenters.  

For the complete list of 2018 presenters’ information including links to their websites, visit www.eigerlab.org/fastpitch.

For more information on what NIU EIGERlab offers entrepreneurs and existing businesses in the region, visit our website or contact Sherry Pritz Enderle at (815) 753-2192.

Photo credit: Baker Studios

When Evon and Bob Whalen’s dog Casey injured her leg, it became difficult for her to jump into the Whalens’ car. As Bob started looking for tools to help the 115-pound dog into the car, he found nothing suitable or transportable. With nothing on the market to solve their problem, the Whalens invented their own transportation solution — the Pet Loader

Bob’s idea was to assist his four-legged friend–with a horizontal body–into vehicles designed for our vertical bodies safely versus jumping down, risking a painful ACL tear. His passion for helping his dog and recognizing that other pet owners were probably facing the same problem motivated him to begin working with NIU EIGERlab 14 years ago to make his idea a reality. NIU’s Center for Product Development has assisted with the commercialization of Pet Loader’s entire product line—a solid partner supporting the Whalen’s as they’ve discovered new markets and applications.

Unexpected Clients
Today, the Whalens run a highly successful business that is well-known around the world, and to a host of professions, they initially didn’t consider as clients. For instance, today’s list includes your average dog owner, the Great Dane Society of Baltimore, both the United States’ DEA and Homeland Security entities and the NY Bomb Squad.

When a dog completes his training to assist in a variety of services such as working with a bomb squad, K-9 patrol, etc. it entails a hefty financial investment. By paying less than 1% of the total training costs to procure a Pet Loader, entities such as the NY Bomb Squad can lengthen a dog’s years of service by two-to-four years by eliminating the need to jump in and out of vehicles. For service dogs, jumping injuries are cumulative and crippling.

Veterinarians, dog groomers, dog trainers, and their customers comprise a significant portion of Pet Loader’s sales. The majority of those who purchase a Pet Loader realize the ease of use and compact nature, and how it meets the needs of both the pet and the pet owner. As for veterinarians, and dog groomers, it makes the job of handling larger dogs much easier. With its lower angle of ascent/decent and greater traction, it allows dogs to feel more confident transitioning from one surface to another.

Pet Loaders are shipped to customers in the USA and Canada, places where the Pet Loader is used by owners of large dogs in extreme temperatures. Internationally, the company is experiencing an 8-10% growth in sales, year over year to clients in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.

Proud to Share
The Pet Loader is made completely in the USA, and Evon and Bob are proud to share that except for two small parts, their entire product supply chain is located within 60 miles of Rockford. Pet Loader has an impressive track record. A dog will not wear out their Pet Loader–shipping damage or improper use of the product are the only problems they’ve experienced to date. Quality-driven manufacturing, coupled with precise quality control, has resulted in a long-standing product with only a small percentage of returns.

“The stories shared by our customers are individual and heartwarming. They all point to the joy of having their best four-legged, and occasionally three-legged, pets on the road with them again. Going to places unknown and ice cream cones yet to be consumed,” shared Bob.

“Of all of the Pet Loader related stories, those that are the most poignant, are from women who are recently widowed,” shared Bob. “When their husbands pass, a percentage of women assume they’ll no longer be able to assist their large dogs with entering and exiting vehicles safely, thus eliminating trips to the dog park, groomers, and vet’s office. It’s been rewarding assisting female dog owners with keeping their four-legged friends—especially after they’ve already experienced such a loss.”

From the Nation’s National Parks to Scenic Waterways
Three of the Whalen’s newest markets are allowing semi-drivers and RV owners to bring their dogs along on the road, and boat owners to easily assist the dogs from transitioning to swimming in their favorite lake, to being onboard and cruising the waterways. To lift a medium-to-large dog into the cab of a semi-truck is quite dangerous to both the person and their pet. The six-step Pet Loader product allows the dog to enter and exit the truck with ease.

Bob’s advice to small business owners just starting out includes reading, The E Myth: Why Most Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It. “Understanding who you are in relation to what your business will be is essential. Be prepared for things you can’t prepare for; have faith, strength, and courage. Lastly, take advantage of connecting with all of the small business development entities, and glean from their experiences and advice,” Bob said.

To learn more about NIU EIGERlab’s programs and services, visit www.EIGERlab.org or phone 815.753.2192.

It’s similar to ABC’s “Shark Tank,” only our judges are friendlier! Local innovators and entrepreneurs are encouraged to share their products, services, apps or “ideas on a napkin” for a chance to win. Whether you win one of the six generous prizes, all participants “win” by gaining exposure, a valuable business pitching experience and the opportunity to conduct market research at the expo!

Answer the six key questions with passion…share your story.
Don’t attempt to impress FastPitch’s judges with sky-high projections. Be yourself, convey why you feel this product, service, app, etc. will make a difference. That’s part of the “secret sauce” that FastPitch’s trainers will share during the essential and strongly suggested training sessions. “In the past 11 years, we’ve experienced entrepreneurs win with just an ‘idea on a napkin,’ wowing the judges by sharing both impressive marketing materials, and a convincing vision as to why and how they plan to introduce a cool service or utilitarian product to the world,” shared Sherry Pritz Enderle, FastPitch’s event manager.

Without the sponsors, there wouldn’t be a competition!
A large percentage of our sponsors have supported us since the beginning, and we greatly appreciate them all! This year, we’re excited to share First Northern Credit Union is our presenting sponsor! Our signature sponsors include Colorlab Private Label, Growth Dimensions, Midland Bank, Rockford Bank & Trust, Rockford Chamber of Commerce, Savant Capital Management, StateLine Angels, Thinker Ventures, Universal Die Cast, Wipfli and Wood CPAs! For a complete list of our phenomenal sponsors, please visit our FastPitch website page.

Now in its 12^th year
FastPitch offers entrepreneurs, inventors, startups, pre-startups, existing business owners and students (high school and college) the opportunity to “pitch” their business idea or innovative business to a panel of esteemed judges from the business and investment community. Winners take home not only cash prizes ($5,000 for the first place finisher!), but exposure to investors, business leaders, media, and potential mentors as well. NIU EIGERlab’s FastPitch will be held Wednesday, October 3 at NIU-Rockford.

2017 FastPitch Competition standouts: Where are they now?
First place winner, Dr. Trevor Gibbs’ Anestand. “We have finished our design and we’re obtaining quotes for the injection molding. We have an FDA consultant working on FDA registration and creating our quality program. We formed a C Corp and have partnered with investors. Anestand should be launched at the start of the new FDA year which is October.”

Third place winner, Elisabeth Stecki’s Travel Sufficient Alcohol Kits. (TSA-Kit). “We continue to promote TSA-Kits at locale events. In April, we participated as a vendor at Chicago’s Chocolate, Wine & Spirits Tasting Expo. We have submitted three utility and design patents for our TSA-Kits and we are in the process of distributing TSA-Kits nationwide.”

Finalist, Levi Johnston’s Acutrack. “Since I competed in the 2017 Fast Pitch Competition, we have started to test our product in Ace Hardware. We are also working with distributors from across the world seeking innovative new products such as Acutrack. We have hired our first employee, and under the ‘Hardware’ Sector, Acutrack was recognized by Red Herring as one of the 2018 Red Herring Top 100 N. America Awards Finalists!”

Finalist, Dapo Kolawole’s Citispoon. “We launched our beta app in December 2017 and launched our app at Techday NY in May 2018-now available in Apple’s App Store.

In addition to the 2017 FastPitch Competition, we pitched at University of Iowa Alumni Venture School winning 2nd place ($2000). We came in first in the Southeast Chamber of Commerce’s Competition, which also included a Media Marketing package. We also pitched at Founders Live Chicago where we received $5000 in Amazon Web Services credits–much needed for our app! Lastly, we pitched at Startup Grind Chicago!”

Mary Ley’s Styr O Tone musical instruments. “Our goal to make musical instruments from recycled plastics won us a $2000 grant from the Ogle County Solid Waste Management Department with the goal of recycling plastics into usable items.

Since last year’s FastPitch, we are in the process of building our own machines to shred, melt, extrude and compress the plastic to create a variety of musical instruments. We will then begin designing and forging molds from recycled aluminum & steel to produce our musical instruments. It’s a brand new concept to the world & with all of us working together on this, we are confident we’ll be doing great things! Our four-member mastermind team is highly experienced, knowledgeable & passionate about this project.

The FastPitch registration deadline is Thursday, Sept. 20. Presentation training sessions will be held September 25^th and 27^th (5:30 to 7:30 PM). For full FastPitch Competition details, visit the NIU EIGERlab’s website.

Photo credit: Pritz Photography

As a 45-year beauty industry veteran, Adrian Vasquez, co-owner of Totally You Hair Salon, has seen countless fads, styles, and related products come and go. But innovation is always in style. When Adrian joined the ranks of NIU EIGERlab’s FastPitch Competition winners in 2013, he was assured of the viability of his invention, the revolutionary NZ3 hair dryer Smart Nozzle. Since then, he has stayed the course to entrepreneurial success.

Proving the Market

Part of Adrian’s daily routine consists of communicating with his clients, and stakeholders in his business. He has the unique opportunity to use his salon as a test market, and request that both his colleagues and clients do the same.

To complete his market research, he shared his invention with a select group of colleagues and clients, and was elated at the positive feedback. Its unique design assists with drying hair more quickly and smoothly. The hair dryer’s ergonomic design results in less fatigue, which is especially important for those working in the beauty industry.

As an official tester for Loreal, the world’s largest beauty company, esthetician and Salon Centric sales rep, Tammy Eurek shared that she’s totally sold on the NZ3 professional hair dryer with 3-way Smart Nozzle. “I don’t care how many hair dryers they send me to test, there’s nothing comparable to the NZ3 system to dry, style, and straighten my clients hair.”

Entrepreneurial Successes

Five years later, with his design patent in hand, he deems his invention a commercial success! Adrian shared, “It’s been a very long road. With hindsight being 20-20, I believe I would have made some alternate decisions, but for the most part, the vendors I chose to partner with including NIU EIGERlab’s Center for Product Development and the Small Business Development Center were ideal allies.” If down the road, he elects to sell his business, Adrian realizes that the drudgery of the patent process was well worth his time and effort since it will result in a more attractive business opportunity.

Sage Advice

Along the way, he’s always felt like a student on a life-long learning path. When he is not running one of his two businesses, Adrian immersed himself in the entrepreneurial world attending workshops, reading blogs, books—whatever he can glean from other successful entrepreneurs. “I’d highly recommend books on tape, etc. Do the groundwork by learning as much as possible about not only your product, but your competitors product,” shared Adrian.

In 2014 he was accepted to participate at the Invention and New Product Exposition (INPEX)-the world’s largest invention trade show. INPEX provides a forum for inventors to exhibit their inventions and pitch their ideas with companies interested in licensing, marketing and manufacturing their new products. He felt fortunate to be accepted less than one year after participating in the FastPitch Competition. Meeting George Foreman, a key person associated with INPEX, provided inspiration.

Where do millions of people turn to first to complete research or shop? The Internet. “My last bit of advice is to embrace the 800 pound shopping gorilla, Amazon,” exclaimed Adrian. It’s the largest shopping center in the world.

FastPitch countdown: three month out!

Join Adrian and other successful and aspiring entrepreneurs at the 12^th annual FastPitch Competition on October 3. NIU EIGERlab is pleased to welcome First Northern Credit Union as a presenting sponsor for 2018. Would you like to associate your company’s name with this exciting event? Call Sherry at 815.753.2192 to discuss sponsorship opportunities.

To learn more about NIU EIGERlab’s other programs and services, visit www.EIGERlab.org or phone 815.753.2192.