Invent America Podcasts with America's Inventor Lady, Rita Crompton, and the Cajun Contractor, Michael King, Founder of HomeT

America's Inventor Lady

Why do some inventions that have become products fail, while others succeed? Tune in once a week and discover, over time, the answer to that question and the ingredients required to move your idea from your "mind to market". Tune in and share the discussion that the co-hosts have with their inventor guests and experienced industry specialists. Learn what it takes to turn any invention into a successful product. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  1. Topic: From Blue-Collar Contractor to Multi-Product Retail Expert: The Independent Inventor’s Blueprint 🛠️🚀

    May 23

    Topic: From Blue-Collar Contractor to Multi-Product Retail Expert: The Independent Inventor’s Blueprint 🛠️🚀

    Ever feel like there’s a better way to do your daily job? You’re not alone. In this full episode of Invent America Radio, hosts Michael King and Rita Crompton (“America’s Inventor Lady”) sit down with Mike Wood ("Woody"), a solo independent inventor who turned 30 years of gutter installation experience into a thriving multi-product retail empire. Many solo inventors make the mistake of trying to guess what the consumer market wants. Mike reveals why your deepest domain expertise—the job you live every single day—is your greatest asset. From a piece of folded paper in his office to a line of patented, problem-solving products on Amazon, Mike shares his raw journey, including the setbacks, the overthinking, and the moment his wife finally forced him to just launch! What You’ll Learn in This Episode: • The Power of Workplace Innovation: How to spot high-value problems right in front of your face (like the roof "Valley of Despair"). • Next-Level IP Protection: Why Mike didn't just patent his invention—he patented the custom machine that manufactures it to lock out competitors. • Eco-Friendly Scaling: The story behind his second breakthrough, Tiger Strike Gutter Wipes, which eliminates "tiger striping" stains while saving 40–60 gallons of water per job. • Solo Inventor Advice: Real wisdom on why passion, understanding your exact customer, and staying safe on the ladder will keep you profitable. Plus, Rita Crompton gives an exclusive warning on how independent innovators can protect themselves against industry "Scams, Scoundrels, and Saboteurs." Don't let your million-dollar idea sit on a shelf. Watch, learn from an inventor who has already taken the bruises, and build your own blueprint! Resources Mentioned: • Guest Website: weneedgutters.com • Products: nooverflow.ai & tigerstrike.ai • Legal Support: rpblawoffices.com • Sponsor: cargo-catch.com (True View Mirrors) #InventAmerica #IndependentInventor #ProductDesign #Patents #BlueCollarEntrepreneur #InventionJourney Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    37 min
  2. Topic: The Inventor’s Blueprint: Why Your Patent Rejection is Actually Good News

    May 16

    Topic: The Inventor’s Blueprint: Why Your Patent Rejection is Actually Good News

    Are you a solo inventor feeling stuck in the "valley of death" between a great idea and a retail shelf? In this episode of Invent America, we break down the reality of the invention process. We sit down with Frank Spampinato, creator of the Firebag, who shares how he navigated a three-year patent journey by building a powerhouse team. We also talk to Anthony Williams about his Tape Saver tool and the grit required to move from prototype to manufacturing. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    33 min
  3. Topic: Scalability & Strategy: Navigating the $7,000 Prototype Hurdle 📈

    May 9

    Topic: Scalability & Strategy: Navigating the $7,000 Prototype Hurdle 📈

    For the solo independent inventor, the bridge between a "great idea" and a "marketable product" is often built on strategic partnerships. In our latest episode, we explore the commercialization of "The NoseT". Tony shares the candid reality of being quoted $7,000 for a single mold and the vital importance of finding a partner like Pronto Launch to navigate international distribution and mass manufacturing. We discuss the shift from "selling a few" to implementing a global business plan that targets everything from professional sports teams to retail giants like Walmart.com. Connect with the ecosystem that turns prototypes into professional-grade medical solutions. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    37 min
  4. Topic: Are you selling your invention for $50 but it costs $30 to make? You’re already out of the game.

    May 2

    Topic: Are you selling your invention for $50 but it costs $30 to make? You’re already out of the game.

    Are you selling your invention for $50 but it costs $30 to make? You’re already out of the game. In this episode of Invent America TV, we sit down with seasoned inventors to discuss why the "second time is always easier" and the brutal reality of the "Multiply by 5" pricing rule. We also feature Eugenia Kelly and her "Unboxy" tool, plus the "Patio Poncho" story. If you’re a solo inventor struggling to bridge the gap between a great idea and a profitable product, this breakdown of common (and costly) mistakes is your new blueprint. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    38 min
  5. Topic: From Idea to Paycheck: The Brutal Truth About Patenting & Licensing Your Inventions

    Apr 25

    Topic: From Idea to Paycheck: The Brutal Truth About Patenting & Licensing Your Inventions

    Ever wonder why some great ideas never hit the store shelves while others become household names? In this episode of Invent America TV, Rita Crompton and Michael King pull back the curtain on the "messy middle" of inventing. We’re diving deep into the real-world challenges solo inventors face, including: The "Sandman" Solution: How one inventor turned 30 years of auto-mechanic aches into a revolutionary sleep system. The Gilly Grader: A masterclass in solving massive industrial problems with simple, cost-effective design. The IP Minefield: Why your patent expiration date is the most important number in your business. Licensing vs. Manufacturing: How to decide if you should build it yourself or let a giant corporation take the reins. If you’re a solo inventor working out of your garage or home office, this episode is your roadmap to avoiding common pitfalls and understanding the "Gatekeeper" reality. Subscribe for more inventor insights and hit the bell to never miss a breakthrough! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    37 min
  6. Topic: Inventor's Reality Check: From Neonatal Breakthroughs to Retail Reality

    Apr 19

    Topic: Inventor's Reality Check: From Neonatal Breakthroughs to Retail Reality

    In this episode of Invent America, host Mike King and "America's Inventor Lady" Rita Crompton, dive deep into the high-stakes journey of solo inventors. Special guest Wendy McDaniel shares her inspiring story of creating a neonatal pacifier to help premature babies learn to suck—a life-saving tool born from her experience as an RN. We also sit down with Mike Ryan of Pronto Launch ("The King of Leverage") to discuss the "leverage" every inventor needs to crack into big-box retail. Whether you're in the prototyping stage or hunting for a licensing deal, this episode breaks down the math, the manufacturing hurdles, and the mindset shift required to move from "idea" to "income." Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    36 min
  7. Topic: The Inventor's Dilemma - Royalty Checks or Retail Stress?

    Apr 11

    Topic: The Inventor's Dilemma - Royalty Checks or Retail Stress?

    Are you an inventor with a solution sitting on your workbench? In this episode of Invent America, we break down the most critical crossroads every solo independent inventor faces: Should you manufacture it yourself or license it for leverage? Join "America's Inventor Lady", Rita Crompton, and Michael King as they discuss the high-stakes reality of going to market. You'll hear from Keith Knight, who holds a 20-year-old patent for his 'Retract-a-Lock' ladder system, and Eric Sacks, the creator of the 'Pushmate' wheelchair accessory. Whether you're worried about 'gatekeepers' or trying to understand the '4X factor' in pricing, this deep dive provides the blueprints to move your product from the garage to the store shelf. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    36 min
  8. Topic: Most inventions never make it past a sketch on a napkin. Meet the people changing that.

    Apr 4

    Topic: Most inventions never make it past a sketch on a napkin. Meet the people changing that.

    In this episode of Invent America, we dive deep into the real-world process of bringing a product to life. From Windsley Richard’s life-saving "SkyBridge" emergency exit system—inspired by airplane safety—to Wendi Short’s "Float No More," which solved a decade-long problem with hot tub relaxation, we explore the grit required to move from concept to commercialization. We also sit down with industry expert Ian Osborne to discuss a critical turning point for every solo inventor: The Prototype. Do you go full-scale or start small? Ian breaks down the logic behind the proof-of-concept and why a 15x15 model can sometimes be more powerful than a multi-story demo. Whether you're struggling with USPTO patent hurdles or looking for a licensing partner, this segment is a masterclass in staying the course. Key Takeaways for Solo Inventors: How to identify a "Surprise Market." The transition from "Concept" to "Commercialization." Why the Inventor’s Roundtable is your secret weapon. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    36 min
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Why do some inventions that have become products fail, while others succeed? Tune in once a week and discover, over time, the answer to that question and the ingredients required to move your idea from your "mind to market". Tune in and share the discussion that the co-hosts have with their inventor guests and experienced industry specialists. Learn what it takes to turn any invention into a successful product. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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