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From Disgruntled Consumer to Disruptive Inventor

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They say “necessity is the mother of invention.” In Matthew Burwick’s case, the adage holds true. 

Buwick’s creative process for developing Bob the Pillow was not enjoyable. Chronic pain coursing through his entire body and exhausting nights spent in poor sleep were the needs that prompted his transformation from consumer to inventor.

Spurring invention from a half-solved problem

When Burwick was six years old, a close neighbor was first to notice his limp. After extensive x-rays and several misdiagnoses, his family learned he had a condition called Legg Perthes disease.

Burwick spent six months in a full-body cast and emerged with a functional hip. Unfortunately, his legs were mismatched by about an inch in height. That minor discrepancy led to years of pounding on the joint.

“First, I felt knee pain,” recalls Burwick. “Heel and foot pain came next. Eventually, the pain spread to my shoulders, neck, and back. I was a 20-something trapped in a 90-year-old’s body.”

Burwick embarked on an orthopedic health journey, including heel lifts, chiropractor visits, low-intensity exercises, and various surgeons. At one point, his chiropractor mentioned the benefits of sleeping with a pillow between his legs.

After research, Burwick bought his first leg pillow. “I was thrilled to see my pain decrease,” he remembers, “but I wasn’t completely satisfied with that pillow. I tried another, then another, but each one fell short in some way from being the solution I needed.”

Turning the quest for a solution into a concrete product

Roughly 20 leg pillows later, Burwick remained convinced a solution was out there, but was unable to find it. A particularly rough week of sleep combined with the global lockdown was the perfect storm that transformed a frustrated consumer into a full-fledged entrepreneur.

“My latest pillow would not stay in place during the night,” Burwick remembers. “I woke up on my stomach at all hours. Every morning, I got out of bed in worse pain than the day before.”

Burwick phoned his friend and future business partner and within hours, the pair was in a garage with furniture foam from a local fabric store and a hot glue gun. The first iterations of Bob the Pillow were laughable, but the goal was clear: make a pillow that would stay in place and keep people on their sides.

“We took pictures, sketched ideas, and found a CAD designer to bring our concept to life,” says Burwick. “Believe it or not, in under four months, we had a 3D-printed prototype for the inside of the pillow and sourced a seamstress in China capable of creating the complicated pillowcase. It wasn’t long before we had working samples.”

Understanding the process of invention

Aside from invention and product creation, innovation entails plowing through a mountain of mundane tasks. Burwick contacted a patent attorney, wrote a formal patent application, created a website, designed a logo, filed for trademarks, reviewed logistics companies, and established working relationships with importers who could ship Bob the Pillow from China to the warehouse. He coordinated all of these tiny tasks during a global pandemic and supply chain crisis.

“All of the jobs like design, legal, taxes, insurance, production, and shipping take an insane amount of time,” Burwick warns. “It’s easy to overlook details you find less exciting, but that is bound to bring trouble down the road.”

The final phase of invention involved spreading the word. Burwick chose to launch slowly and collect feedback as he went. “Strategic conversations with consumers early on gave us time to address customer input and make improvements as we grew,” he says. “Once you know there is a real need for the solution you are bringing to the market, all you have to do is educate yourself and push forward.”

Burwick’s motivation throughout the process of innovation and entrepreneurship sprang from a desire to get his pillow to people with chronic pain and sleepless nights. Today, he is thrilled every time he hears that a customer wakes up feeling better. 

“Remember that just because a solution is available doesn’t mean the problem is solved,” Burwick advises. “Your idea may be just the solution for a problem that is only halfway solved. Our greatest joy is speaking to people who benefit from Bob the Pillow. My mission is to put our product into the hands of anyone dealing with long-lasting pain and give them the healing gift of sleep.”

Michelle has been a part of the journey ever since Bigtime Daily started. As a strong learner and passionate writer, she contributes her editing skills for the news agency. She also jots down intellectual pieces from categories such as science and health.

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Lifestyle

Behind the Scenes: A Conversation with Derik Fay – Sharing Stages with Legends and becoming one

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In the bustling world of motivational speaking, where voices rise and inspire, one individual stands out: Derik Fay.  Not just for his powerful messages, but for the remarkable journey that has placed him alongside some of the world’s most influential figures. 

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Derik Fay to delve into his experiences sharing stages with icons like Tony Robbins, Tim Grover, and a constellation of A list celebrity names.

“It’s been a surreal experience,” Fay began, a hint of awe still present in his voice. “To stand next to icons who have inspired millions, to witness their command of an audience, it’s a masterclass in itself. 

Fay’s journey, as he describes it, is a blend of hard work, delusional confidence, genuine passion, and a relentless pursuit of connection. 

“It’s not just about the name on the marquee,” he emphasized. “It’s about the shared energy, and the exchange of ideas. Whether it’s Kevin Hart’s comedic genius or Alex Rodriguez’s athletic drive, there’s something to learn from everyone I share the stage with.”

What struck me most during our conversation was Fay’s emphasis on authenticity. “I try to bring the same realness to the stage that I do in my online content,” he explained, referencing his popular Instagram reels and YouTube shorts. 

“People connect with genuine emotion, with relatable stories. It’s about building a bridge, not just delivering a lecture.”

Fays direct, conversational style, which I’ve observed in his online content, and in our interview clearly translates to his live performances. “I’ve learned that vulnerability is a strength,” he shared. “Whether I’m talking about the challenges of fatherhood or the importance of emotional intelligence, I want people to walk away feeling seen and understood.”

Beyond the star-studded appearances, Fay sees his speaking engagements as a platform for positive change. “It’s about sharing insights that can make a real difference,” he told me. 

“Whether it’s inspiring entrepreneurs to chase their dreams or helping individuals navigate difficult relationships, I want to leave a lasting impact.”

The lessons learned from sharing stages with these giants has undoubtedly shaped Fay’s approach. “I’ve absorbed so much from watching these masters at work,” he reflected. “It’s not just about the techniques, it’s about the passion, the commitment, the unwavering belief in the power of communication.”

As Derik Fay continues to grace stages around the globe, one thing is clear: his journey is a testament to the power of authentic connection and the enduring influence of shared experiences. And with each event, the legacy of these moments continues to grow, leaving an indelible mark on both the speaker and the audience.

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