This page will help clue you in on who you are trusting with your future!
Brainstorm Patents was created out of a personal necessity. I am a tinkerer and inventor, and as such, have aspirations of patenting and making money from some of my ideas. As with most inventors, my list of ideas goes on for pages. I quickly realized that if I was to begin the patent process for multiple ideas, I could go through a lot of money in a short amount of time! So, I studied for and successfully passed the United States Patent and Trademark Office's Bar Exam, thus allowing me to file my own patent applications (please keep in mind that ANY inventor can file their own paperwork with the USPTO, but I, personally, didn't have a clue where to start).
I have a background that spans a wide variety of skills and experiences (think, "Jack of All Trades, and Master of None..."). I attended Auburn University and graduated with a degree in Aerospace Engineering. Upon graduation, I accepted a position with Lockheed Martin and eventually worked up the ladder t o the position of "Propulsion Engineer." After a while working in that arena, I realized that the cubicle world was not for me. I made the decision to branch out on my own and seek a more engaging and fulfilling future.
I partnered with a neighbor to open a cabinetry company that designed and installed residential cabinetry. Everything from new construction to remodels were tackled and completed successfully. Then came the Florida summer that saw three hurricanes make appearances in Central Florida. Recognizing the need for dock repair and reconstruction, we opened a dock company. The cabinet company and dock company shared a location, so we were able to run both simultaneously and successfully. In 2008, I sold my half of the company to my partner. Selling my portion of the company provided me with a bit of time to evaluate and see what endeavor I wanted to undertake next.
I worked with the founder of TechShop to see about the feasibility of bringing a TechShop franchise to Orlando. I got a long way down that path before deciding that the failing economy as well as the large amount of personal risk I would be assuming was ultimately too much. So, I stepped back from that concept for the time being. I may revisit in the future... For now, I am happily fulfilled by helping other inventors to create functional prototypes and secure protection for their concepts.
With a background in engineering and inventing, combined with the construction knowledge gained from my foray into the cabinetry and dock businesses (I am a licensed general contractor), I feel confident that I can provide a solid foundation from which to help you launch your patent dreams and endeavors.
I am the newest addition to the Brainstorm Patents group. Much like Robin, the path I took to get here was a bit long and winding (and unorthodox). I graduated the University of Florida (Go Gators!) with a degree in Micro-Biology. Upon graduation, I really wasn't sure what I wanted to do with my degree. So I did what all recent graduates do: I got the first job I could find - I took a position as a high school science teacher. While I didn't think I'd last, it turns out I'm a pretty good teacher. So, I actually stuck with the job for five years.
While I was teaching, I was also learning. I got my Master's Degree from University of Central Florida in Criminology. Being a huge political buff, running for office is always in the back of my mind, so I figured a degree in Criminology might prove useful. After successfully completing my Master's, I enrolled at Barry University's law school. I was fortunate enough to gain experience at the University of Central Florida's Patent Office as well as a 6 week internship at the USPTO in Alexandria, Virginia. Upon completing the law program, I studied for and took the Florida Bar Exam. After the Florida Bar, I shifted my attention to the USPTO Bar Exam (federal exam rather than state). Now I'm working as a part of the crew at Brainstorm Patents.
Where to start? I've always been a bit of a car buff, so much of my youth was spent covered in motor oil in friend's garages until the wee hours of the morning. That general interest in all things mechanical led to the completion of a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Central Florida. Upon graduation, I accepted a position at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control as a mechanical design engineer. Since then, I've worked on everything from missiles, to laser systems, to designing dynamic and static test setups. I'm familiar with a host of 3D design tools including Pro Engineer, CATIA, Solid Works, and AutoDesk Inventor. I have extensive experience in the detailed design of metal castings and machinings.
While the experiences in the defense industry are tremendous, I tend to find myself interested in too many different things. To help satisfy those needs, I obtained an M.B.A. from the University of Central Florida. One of my hobbies is economics and finance. Though Brainstorm Patents does not explicity provide business advice to clients, I'm often the voice of reason asking about the size of the market for a particular application or how many you need to sell to break even. Many businesses exist in this industry to prey upon the unwitting inventor. A patent firm makes just as much money off of a really good idea as they do a really bad one. Ultimately, we will follow the wishes of the client, but we find it good practice to ensure that an inventor has asked themselves some of these questions. Too many people invest their life savings in product ideas when they don't even understand the market in which it will operate.
Now that the M.B.A. is complete, the next task is to satisfy the USPTO exam requirements. Then, I'll be able to add the cool Registered Patent Agent # XX,XXX after my name, like Robin.