Welcome to The Impulse Spotlight, a podcast for product development professionals. In each episode we interview a product development professional and allow them to spotlight a product or service they are proud to have been a part of developing. The interviews cover topics like: why they’re proud of the product, the steps involved in getting their product from concept to the shelf, their product development team, innovative technologies they discovered or employed, and some of the challenges they overcame during the product development process.
Our latest episode is below. Thank you for listening!
Latest Episode
EPISODE 6 - TODD COOK
In this episode we talk to a polymer engineer who's upbringing in Brandenburg, Kentucky infused him with a spirit for exploration and a love for music. He has a 5 octave singing range and grew up honing his skills playing trombone in various bands.
Todd Cook is an R&D Engineer for Cook Polymer Technologies. Todd works in partnership with Cook medical group to develop medical components used in minimally invasive surgical equipment.
A scholarship from the National Science Foundation to study math modeling set him on a path toward engineering, but it was during his co-op experiences that Todd first discovered his passion for polymers. Todd's expertise in polymer engineering has led him to develop products for industry giants like GE, Electrolux, and Remington Arms.
Additionally Todd, alongside his friend Paul Nash, co-founded polymer eClub, an online platform dedicated to advancing polymer skill development with a focus on real-world application.
In today's show we discuss the Remington Supercell Recoil Pad and learn how Todd was able to recognize a winning idea that meets all the requirements of a successful product from material advantages to market need.
Todd's advice on navigating the twists and turns of product development is a goldmine for aspiring designers. From idea inception to final product, he's been through it all and has plenty of stories to share.
Todd's enthusiasm for innovation is obvious especially when he talks about the potential of AI in creating complex and effective product models. He's all about pushing boundaries and exploring new possibilities. But it's not all smooth sailing. Todd knows firsthand the importance of persistence and grit in the face of challenges. He's here to remind us that every setback is just another opportunity to learn and grow.
EPISODE 5 - MARC BYERS
In this episode, we talk with Marc Byers about a number of products he's had a hand in developing focused on helping people breathe cleaner air.
As founder and president of Byers Scientific, Marc began his product design journey developing a system that vaporizes plant based essential oils and disperses a dry vapor over landfills and industrial compost centers in order to mitigate odor emissions at their source.
Using his knowledge of air quality control and environmental monitoring systems Marc partnered with VFA Solutions to develop the ASPRA high efficiency air purification system.
During our conversation, Marc shares his insights into the many approaches to air purification. We hear why his next generation clean air technology is disrupting the North American market, why it’s important to take purposeful steps to keep the consumer connected and informed so they have the confidence to use your product effectively, and we get a little honest about the costs of bringing a new product to market.
EPISODE 4 - ADAM MORRIS
In this episode, we talk with Adam Morris about the Sonablate HIFU device, a medical device used to remove diseased prostate tissue.
Adam is the director of hardware development at Sonablate Corp., a company that specializes in medical devices..
Through anecdotal evidence we gain a better understanding around the importance of taking a top down approach to product design in order to isolate the general concept before breaking an idea down into specific requirements and criteria.
Additionally Adam provides a deeper look into the many facets of designing a product starting with concept designs and researching effective manufacturing processes before even beginning an initial prototype.
Then we discuss working through the production process all the way to releasing a product to a general consumer group and then redesigning elements in order to be medically compliant on a global scale.
EPISODE 3 - BRADY SCHRODER
In this episode, we talk with Brady Schroeder, an avid outdoorsmen with an advanced background in product design.
Brady is currently Vice President of engineering at Veer Gear, a company that helps children get outside and into the wild by designing products with parents in mind.
Brady started Veer Gear in 2017 combining his experience designing mountain biking equipment and juvenile strollers.
The Veer Cruiser, was the first product released by Veer and it revolutionized the traditional children's wagon for a modern world. Giving parents a better vehicle to transport their children and outdoor gear in rugged environments.
In today's show we discuss the innovative design choices that made the Veer Cruiser a new product to the world of outdoor equipment and the hurdles of independently designing a product without the benefits of a large company at your back.
EPISODE 2 - ERIC KESSLER
In this episode we talk with Eric Kessler, a leading expert in motion control development for the filmmaking industry.
Eric built his reputation as founder and CEO of Kessler Crane by focusing on his personal interests. From starting his first company modifying paintball equipment as a teenager to developing the best cranes and jibs in the business.
We discuss the challenges that arise when going from making one product a weekend to hundreds of products a month. We talk about the pro's and con's surrounding competitors and protecting IP, and speak on the exciting potential within 3d printing to produce fast and affordable parts."
Eric delivers a unique story of his personal growth and shares advice to young product designers like = Talk with people actively in the community that are using your product, talk to teenagers who are your future consumers, and play lots of chess to build a habit of thinking proactively.
EPISODE 1 - CHAD ROBBINS
In this episode, we talk with Chad Robbins with Newell Brands. Chad spotlights 3 products in the Baby Jogger City Collection and how each product followed a different design path in order to become a finished idea.
We also discuss alternative tools and production methods used within infant care products when designers face unique challenges, as well as the importance of choosing the right suppliers for the task at hand.
Finally, we look into the emerging need within the consumer market for durable and sustainable products.