Entrepreneurs: Necessity and Compassion
by Miki Saxon
“Necessity is the mother of invention” is a well-worn truth, but compassion runs it a close second.
And, of course, a good dose of moxie.
Not only is necessity the mother of invention, but mothers are inventors by necessity.
As Laurie Cronenbold, who just received a patent for a snap-on protective cup that a player can easily remove the moment he leaves the field, said, “Moms solve problems.”
Pam Ryan designed and patented a softball helmet incorporating an enlarged panel for long hair or a ponytail; she licensed it in 1998 and has sold more than a million units.
Barb Chaisson designed a cushioned bandage for girls (and some boys) who wear earrings and play soccer and other sports.
Then there are the entrepreneurs whose compassion drives them to follow their hearts and solve problems.
Two of my favorites are the ball that never dies and a totally new take on the water wheel.
Tim Jahnigen developed a ball that would never wear out, go flat or need a pump out of PopFoam, a hard foam made of ethylene-vinyl acetate similar to the stuff used to make Crocs, that brings undiluted joy to children around the world.
Cynthia Koenig dreamed up the Wello WaterWheel that moves 25 gallons of water at one time eliminating the 25% of their time women in developing countries spend carrying five gallon jugs (42 lbs.) on their heads along with the resulting injuries.
So look around; there’s a lot that needs fixing and some of those fixes could be simmering in your brain.
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