Hey, here's a product I heard about, thought you guys might be interested:
http://www.petgadgets.com/contentpage.cfm?Content_ID=91&Interview_ID=20
Interview with Tripp Manheimer , Miracle Corp., Inventor of the QuickFinder™
1. How did you come up with the idea?
I was developing a light source for retinal surgery about 10 years ago. It struck me that the high-intensity fiber optic light used in that product might illuminate my dog's black nails. It worked, but that technology was too expensive and cumbersome to fit on a standard clipper handle. So, as I waited for the availability of brighter, battery-powered lights, I started to explore other options with a few very clever engineers. We eventually arrived at the technology that's in the QuickFinder. It took some time, but I think it was well worth the wait.
2. What makes your product unique?
The QuickFinder is the only product available that will identify the location of the quick even on black nails.
3. Are you planning any enhancements/improvements to the product?
We are working on adapting the technology to a deluxe style clipper and a nail grinder.
4. What is your professional background? Did that line of work or education help you in developing this product?
I worked in medical product development for more than 15 years, which gave me experience in developing products from concept to market. I knew enough to partner with engineers who had years of experience developing innovative, high-quality products.
5. Throughout the entire inventive/manufacturing process what was the hardest obstacle you faced?
The hardest obstacle is always finding someone in the marketplace who believes in you and your product. I was fortunate to find Miracle Corp., a company that doesn't have a not-invented-here syndrome and is in a high growth mode, which is ideal for new products.
6. What type of pets do you own?
I have two cats, Jade and Chyna, and a new puppy Murfy. The dog that inspired the product, Pei Pei (a shar pei), died last October. I owe him a lot of credit for sitting patiently through the product testing sessions.
7. Is there anything else you'd like readers to know about you or your product?
Keep an eye on Miracle Corp. because we are working on some truly innovative, cutting-edge products.
Kozmo Note: PetGadgets has selected this product as one of the top 5 new products for 2006.