This week on the Bold Inventor Show, JD Houvener and co-host Matt Kulseth welcome a true grassroots innovator: Sean Miller, founder and creator of the Turfboard. What started as a snowboarding alternative in the off-season has evolved into an epic journey of design, setbacks, and resurgence. Sean shares his wild ride from snowy peaks to grassy hills, revealing what it really takes to create and relaunch a sports innovation.

🏂 What you'll hear in this episode:

🌱 Origin of Turfboard: Sean recounts how the seed for his all-terrain snowboard sprouted during a post-college road trip and snowless mountain runs. The itch to recreate the snowboarding experience on dry ground launched a decades-long pursuit.

🛠️ Prototype Evolution: Hear about Sean's mad-inventor roots—from early aluminum castings to vulcanized rubber tires—and why he had to invent everything from scratch. Learn how the board evolved from intimidating and heavy to modular, safer, and family-friendly.

🏗️ Engineering and Passion Collide: JD digs into the board's features—hand brakes, shocks, adjustable bindings, custom tires—and how Sean engineered for performance, safety, and accessibility. A true showcase of passion-driven innovation.

🏞️ Business Lessons from the First Go-Round: Sean opens up about early manufacturing mistakes, working with investors too soon, and why patience and product readiness are crucial in hardware startups.

🎯 Comeback Plans: With his kids off to college, Sean is ready to reboot the Turfboard. He's looking at ski resorts, influencers, and strategic partners for a grassroots rebirth of the concept—literally.

🤝 IP Protection & Next Steps: JD and Matt offer insight on what intellectual property protection could still apply, including new mechanical innovations, design improvements, and possible licensing models.

📦 Shipping, Scaling, & Vision: The discussion includes a reality check on shipping logistics, board sizing, and how modern materials and 3D printing could reduce costs and improve the board’s scalability.

💥 Bonus Segment: Shark Tank Critique The hosts and Sean analyze the success of 11-year-old entrepreneur Carson Kropfl, whose Locker Board invention wowed the Sharks and eventually sold to Wham-O. JD breaks down the design patent, Matt analyzes the trademark, and Sean offers a rider’s take

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DISCLAIMER
Everything discussed on this podcast is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice.

This week on the Bold Inventor Show, host J.D. Houvener dives into the human side of innovation with Natalie Turner, founder of The Six ‘I’s® of Innovation and author of Yes, You Can Innovate. Natalie joins live from the UK to unpack her game-changing framework that helps individuals and teams unlock their unique contributions to innovation—and create meaningful value from ideas.

👁️ What are the Six I’s?

• Identify – Spot emerging trends and opportunities
• Ignite – Spark new ideas and rally others
• Investigate – Analyze and assess feasibility
• Invest – Secure buy-in and resources
• Implement – Deliver real-world solutions
• Improve – Reflect, iterate, and grow

🔬 At the core of this method is purpose—the “why” behind innovation—and the belief that everyone can play a role in the innovation process, not just designers, engineers, or inventors.

💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:

🧠 Why self-awareness is critical to innovation
Natalie explains how her self-assessment profiling system helps you discover your innovation strengths—and your blind spots.

📊 How to read and use your Six I's profile
See examples of both individual and team-based profiles to understand how organizations can align innovation roles with actual strengths.

📕 The power of codified IP
Natalie shares her own entrepreneurial journey, how she built a global innovation training company from scratch, and how her Six I’s model is now taught worldwide.

🤝 Why collaboration beats solo genius
Innovation doesn’t live in isolation. Whether you're an igniter or an implementer, knowing where to partner is the key to progress.

📈 Real-world use cases
From global companies to solo inventors, Six I’s has helped thousands align purpose with action—driving innovation culture, leadership, and sustainable growth.

🎁 Special Offer
Listeners get 10% off the Six I’s innovation profile assessment using code BP10 at 6-i-innovation.com

Whether you're a solo inventor with a big idea or a team leader trying to inspire change, this episode offers fresh tools to help you innovate with confidence, clarity, and purpose.

📖 Get the book: Yes, You Can Innovate
🔎 Take the profile assessment
🎤 Learn more about Natalie’s keynote speaking and training at 6-i-innovation.com

Hashtags:
#InnovationStrategy, #SixIs, #NatalieTurner, #InnovationLeadership, #CreativeMindset, #BoldInventorShow, #InventorsJourney, #PurposeDrivenInnovation, #DesignThinking, #InnovationCulture

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Have an invention or brand to protect? Or just curious about learning more? Download our FREE Inventor Kit here: https://keap.page/gw292/inventor-kit.html

DISCLAIMER
Everything discussed on this podcast is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice.

In this powerful episode of the Bold Inventor Show, host J.D. Houvener and trademark co-host Matt Kulseth welcome Aaron Walker, the tenacious inventor and founder of Twist Resist—a revolutionary strength training device developed specifically for physical therapy and rehabilitation.

Aaron’s journey is anything but ordinary. From repeated dirt bike injuries to building prototypes in a mobile gym inside a box truck, Aaron shares how twists of fate—both literal and physical—led him to develop a machine that mimics circular, joint-specific strength movements rarely addressed in traditional PT or gym equipment.

💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:

🌀 What makes Twist Resist unique
Rotational strength and circular resistance aren’t just buzzwords. Aaron walks us through why linear bands and cables don’t cut it—and how his device better replicates real human motion.

🛠️ The decade-long invention journey
From garage prototypes to university-supported research and PhD feedback, hear how Aaron evolved his device from a sketch to a functional machine now being beta tested across PT clinics.

⚙️ Bootstrapping a hardware startup
With no outside funding and 10 machines now completed, Aaron explains the real cost of building a medtech hardware company from the ground up.

📈 Business model crossroads
Should Twist Resist license to a big brand, go D2C, or pursue fitness studio integration? Aaron shares his current strategy—and how he’s developing protocols for therapists to use his machines effectively.

🧪 Validated by science
A University of Southern California study found Twist Resist to be up to 40% more effective at muscle activation than traditional resistance methods like cables and bands.

🔐 Protecting the IP
Twist Resist is protected under a comprehensive U.S. utility patent. JD breaks down what it covers, and how Aaron used early filing to build confidence during development.

💬 Real talk on pain, perseverance, and patenting
Aaron’s honest advice to other inventors? It’s not fun, it’s expensive, and the sacrifices are real—but the impact is worth it.

If you're in physical therapy, sports rehab, personal training, or product design for medical and fitness tech, this is a can't-miss interview. Aaron’s story proves that even solo inventors can develop life-changing tools when passion meets persistence.

📬 Reach Aaron at: aaron@twistresist.com
🔗 Learn more at: twistresist.com

Hashtags:
#TwistResist, #PhysicalTherapyTech, #RehabInnovation, #RotationalStrength, #FitnessInventor, #BoldInventorShow, #StrengthTraining, #PatentSuccess, #HardwareStartup, #SportsRehab

Support the show

Have an invention or brand to protect? Or just curious about learning more? Download our FREE Inventor Kit here: https://keap.page/gw292/inventor-kit.html

DISCLAIMER
Everything discussed on this podcast is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice.

This week on the Bold Inventor Show, co-hosts J.D. Houvener and Matt Kulseth welcome engineering innovator Justin Knowles, founder of boutique product design firm Facture Design. From his early days in mechanical engineering to co-founding a startup acquired by Leatherman, Justin brings a rare blend of hands-on design experience, startup savvy, and deep empathy for inventors.

Based in Seattle but serving clients nationwide, Facture Design helps inventors turn napkin sketches into real, manufacturable products—with IP protection built in from day one. Whether you’re building the next big hardware product, scaling a pre-seed startup, or navigating manufacturing challenges, this episode is your roadmap to smart product development.

🎧 In this episode, you’ll learn:

🛠️ How Facture helps inventors at all stages
From first prototypes to manufacturing runs, learn how Justin and his team bring engineering, firmware, and industrial design under one roof.

💡 When design becomes invention
Justin shares when and how his firm is named as co-inventors—and how they navigate confidentiality and ownership with clients.

📦 Designing with the end in mind
Why you must define packaging, distribution, and sales channels before you finalize a design.

🔍 The real risks of skipping trademark checks
Matt breaks down a common mistake: investing in logos before securing brand protection—and Justin shares how his team flags those red flags early.

🧪 Prototype Sooner: The core philosophy of Facture
Get inspired by their team mantra: “Prototype Sooner.” Justin explains how rapid prototyping drives innovation and de-risks hardware development.

💼 From napkin sketch to retail shelf
Real-world examples of products Facture helped bring to life—from consumer coffee roasters to vertical wind turbines to IoT devices.

🚀 Startup strategy meets engineering design
Learn how Facture tailors their approach for Kickstarter brands, D2C companies, and those aiming for big-box retail partnerships.

👣 What founders should do before hiring a designer
Justin offers golden insights on product-market fit, IP strategy, packaging, and pricing before starting the design process.

This is more than just an interview—it’s a masterclass in how to launch physical products the right way. If you're an inventor, startup founder, or product manager looking to bring a new idea into the world, this episode is for you.

📬 Reach out to Justin at justin@facture.design
🔗 Learn more at facture.design

Support the show

Have an invention or brand to protect? Or just curious about learning more? Download our FREE Inventor Kit here: https://keap.page/gw292/inventor-kit.html

DISCLAIMER
Everything discussed on this podcast is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice.

This week’s episode of the Bold Inventor Show delivers an unmissable double feature spotlighting the intersection of IP strategy, product innovation, and medical validation. Join your hosts J.D. Houvener and Matt Kulseth as they welcome two dynamic innovators reshaping comfort and care across continents: Facel Casta-Baez, the inventive mind behind Emu Comfort, and Julio Martinez-Clark, the entrepreneurial engine driving Bioaccess—Latin America’s premier CRO for U.S. med-tech startups.

What happens when a debilitating injury leads to a world-class pillow design? Or when global clinical trials become the bridge between startup dreams and acquisition by healthcare giants? You’ll hear these bold stories and more—backed by real strategy, hard data, and a whole lot of entrepreneurial heart. ❤️💡

💫 Key Highlights From This Power-Packed Episode:

🛏️ Necessity Breeds Innovation:
Facel shares how neck pain at age 22 sparked a journey from napkin sketches to two issued design patents and a medically-backed product sold under the Emu Comfort brand. Her journey began with real pain—and ended in real traction.

📏 From X-Rays to Pillows:
With meticulous research into cranium shapes and memory foam densities, Facel designed therapeutic pillows that reduce cervical strain, improve breathing, and even relieve TMJ and post-surgery pain.

🧠 Patents, Trademarks, and Pivoting Strategy:
Facel reveals how Emu Comfort’s initial market position as a novelty product evolved into a registered medical device. We dive into her IP strategy—how she filed her own USPTO trademarks and moved manufacturing to China while exploring opportunities in Puerto Rico.

💼 Latin America: The Hidden Gateway for FDA-Grade Data:
Julio Martinez-Clark breaks down how Bioaccess helps U.S. med-tech startups run first-in-human clinical trials in countries like Colombia, Panama, and Costa Rica—getting them to market faster, leaner, and smarter.

💸 Fast-Track Your FDA Game:
Startups often burn $100K–$300K per month. Julio’s clients skip U.S. red tape, getting real-world results in 30–45 days versus a 2–3 year slog with the FDA. It’s time-to-market acceleration, Latin-style.

🧑‍⚕️ Expert-Led Validation = Investor Confidence:
Hear why top-tier clinical data isn’t just for compliance—it’s a business strategy. Julio explains how startups win over investors (and acquirers like Medtronic) by leveraging KOLs and international trials to prove efficacy before scaling.

🧾 Why IP + Evidence = Lasting Brands:
Both guests agree—selling “comfort” is easy. Selling science-backed results is rare. If you want to build a brand that lasts, don’t just tell a story—show the data, file the patents, and partner with medical leaders.

🎤 Bonus: Shark Tank Breakdown
J.D. and Matt wrap up the episode with a breakdown of the Pluto Pillow Shark Tank pitch—highlighting their utility patent, margin structure, and why strong IP is only half the battle.

🛠️ Lessons Inventors & Founders Will Love:

• 🧩 How to identify a patent-worthy design in everyday discomfort
• 🛍️ What makes a trademark “function” in apparel and medical markets
• 🇵🇷 How Puerto Rican inventors can leverage U.S. IP systems
• 🌎 The “secret playbook” of doing clinical trials in Latin America
• 💬 The power of NDAs, non-solicits, and culture-aligned partners

Support the show

Have an invention or brand to protect? Or just curious about learning more? Download our FREE Inventor Kit here: https://keap.page/gw292/inventor-kit.html

DISCLAIMER
Everything discussed on this podcast is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice.

Ever left your favorite lipstick in the car on a hot day? 💄🔥 Say goodbye to cosmetic meltdowns and hello to Kool Lips—a sleek, cooling lipstick case designed by today’s bold guest, Kristin Larson!

On this energetic episode of the Bold Inventor Show, patent attorney JD Houvener and trademark attorney Matt Kulseth dive into a story that’s as heartwarming as it is innovative. From growing up in a traveling carnival 🎪 to launching a high-tech cosmetic product, Kristin’s journey is a real-world masterclass in invention, grit, and intellectual property.

Kristin is the founder of Kool Lips, a stylish, battery-powered lipstick case built to protect high-end cosmetics from heat exposure using coolant pods, thermal insulation, and a compact mirror. Powered by a lithium battery, this invention is tailored for women on the go, makeup artists, and professionals who demand flawless beauty on any stage—including weddings, outdoor shoots, or Hollywood red carpets. 💁‍♀️🎬

But the tech isn’t the only innovation here. Kristin has:

• 💼 Filed her own trademark (and nailed it!)
• 📝 Filed a provisional patent, and is preparing for the critical 12-month follow-up
• 📦 Partnered with Mars Rising Network to create CAD designs, videos, pitch decks, and outreach to cosmetic giants
• 🚀 Launched her product at major industry trade shows in New York
• 🔍 Navigated scam emails and false offers—only to trust her gut and get verified USPTO support
• 📚 Authored Rosalita Spreads Kindness and launched Simple Kindness, a mental health resource hub

Whether she’s creating books, caring for her family, managing a full-time job at Maurice’s, or pitching Kool Lips to cosmetics giants, Kristin is unstoppable. Her story is one of faith, focus, and fearless follow-through.

🎯 JD and Matt break down the legal framework behind her journey, offering real-time advice on:

• When to file a non-provisional patent to avoid losing IP rights
• The importance of filing a PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) application to protect international rights
• How to prepare a Statement of Use for trademarks—and what red flags the USPTO may still raise

This episode is a must-listen for inventors considering consumer product design, particularly in the beauty, cosmetic, or wearable tech spaces. It’s also a great example of how solo inventors—with hustle and heart—can protect and monetize their creations, all while staying rooted in their values.

If you're dreaming of launching your own product, securing a patent, or building a meaningful brand, Kristin’s story will inspire you to go from idea… to IP… to impact. 💡📈💥

🎧 Tune in now and don’t forget to Go Big, Go Bold!

Support the show

Have an invention or brand to protect? Or just curious about learning more? Download our FREE Inventor Kit here: https://keap.page/gw292/inventor-kit.html

DISCLAIMER
Everything discussed on this podcast is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice.

What happens when a restaurant mastermind and a rockstar inventor walk into a patent attorney’s studio? You get an electrifying episode of the Bold Inventor Show that’s part tech-talk, part Shark Tank, and 100% inspiring.

🎙️In this double-header edition, host JD Houvener and co-host Matt Kulseth sit down with two inventors who aren’t just dreaming big — they’re reshaping entire industries.

First up is Peter Petroulas, founder of WizButler, who’s spent over a decade revolutionizing restaurant booking systems. His patented technology tackles a 250-year-old problem restaurants didn’t know they had: inefficient table allocation based on outdated logic from 1765. Peter's software dynamically optimizes seating before service, transforming fragmented reservations into seamless space management. Think Southwest Airlines meets hospitality — and yes, he’s got the patents to prove it. 🧠💼

Then, we welcome Carlo “Cooper” Cooper, a drummer, inventor, and creative powerhouse behind Cooper Groove. Tired of slipping drumsticks and fatigued fingers, he carved grooves into handles — launching a tactile revolution for percussionists. What started in a basement with a hacksaw has expanded into grooved baseball bats, patented grip technology, and game-changing potential across sports. His motto? “Never lose connection with what’s in your hands.” 🥁⚾

This episode isn't just informative — it's fuel for any creator looking to bring bold ideas to life.

📌Key Takeaways:

• 🎯 WizButler uses AI-resistant space optimization, NOT fixed tables, solving a centuries-old restaurant problem.
• 🔬 Cooper Groove eliminates pain, shock, and fatigue with patented ergonomic grip technology — beta-tested across 12,000+ drumsticks.
• 💡 Patents were HARD. Hear how both inventors navigated rejections, casino-style risks, and the slow USPTO process.
• 🛡️ Trademarks matter — from 7 USPTO classes to preventing term copycats, branding is part of the bold journey.
• 🔥 “Gas in the tank” is what every inventor needs. Whether bootstrapping or pitching investors, both guests reveal the hustle.

👀 Teasers to Watch:

• Why your favorite restaurant might be rejecting bookings at 65% capacity (without knowing it) 😲
• What Southwest Airlines taught Peter about table optimization ✈️
• How a CNC machine and rubber resin changed the grip game forever 🤯
• Will Cooper's grooves make it to the MLB? Hear what he's cooking up for pro baseball ⚾
• What not to expect when a licensing deal goes south — and how to bounce back 📉💪

#InventorSpotlight, #PatentsMatter, #RestaurantTech, #GripInnovation, #StartupStories, #BoldInventorShow, #ErgonomicDesign, #MLBTech, #WizButler, #CooperGroove, #PatentPower, #SmallBizInnovation, #SharkTankEnergy, #EntrepreneurMindset, #FounderJourney

Support the show

Have an invention or brand to protect? Or just curious about learning more? Download our FREE Inventor Kit here: https://keap.page/gw292/inventor-kit.html

DISCLAIMER
Everything discussed on this podcast is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice.

What does it take to turn a simple car cupholder idea into a multi-million dollar invention—while fending off a tidal wave of copycats? In this high-energy episode of the Bold Inventor Show, JD Houvener and co-host Matt Kulseth sit down with the tenacious and innovative Scott McIntosh, founder of the Cell Phone Seat, to dive into his wild entrepreneurial journey.

Scott shares how a messy car moment sparked the idea for a sleek phone holder that fits snugly into a cupholder—without sacrificing beverage space. But the story only starts there. 🚗📱

🛑 He faced a failed Kickstarter
🎯 Turned a caffeine-fueled brainstorm into real traction
🧠 Bootstrapped 3D prototyping with a college student
💡 Discovered TikTok virality (50M+ views!)
🛍️ Sold over $2M in product
⚖️ Battled waves of counterfeits across Amazon, eBay & AliExpress
🧱 Built IP defenses with utility & design patents

From tooling in China to getting shut out of his own listings, Scott gives a masterclass in what real IP enforcement looks like on the modern battlefield. He also opens up about the emotional toll, the wins, and why he’s still pushing forward.

You’ll also learn key takeaways on:

✅ Design vs. Utility Patents (and which saved his business)
✅ How to use Amazon Brand Registry to fight knockoffs
✅ Tips for handling takedowns on TikTok, eBay, and Alibaba
✅ The truth about counterfeits and global IP law
✅ Why building a brand still matters—especially when tech is copied

Whether you’re an inventor, entrepreneur, Amazon seller, or just fascinated by how products are built and protected, this episode is a must-listen.

🎧 Tune in and get inspired by Scott’s resilience, bold thinking, and practical advice on how to fight back and win in the real world.

#GoBigGoBold

Support the show

Have an invention or brand to protect? Or just curious about learning more? Download our FREE Inventor Kit here: https://keap.page/gw292/inventor-kit.html

DISCLAIMER
Everything discussed on this podcast is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice.