Never worry about your dishwasher swirling your wine glasses. Sku select emails just went out for Tether. People with presale commitments have 2 full weeks (until Nov 30) to complete their orders and lock down their influence.
We caught up with Gary Rose, ideator of Tether, to interview him as we begin shipping.
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m an Illinois native currently living in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. I’m married, have a daughter and although I’m a dog person, have three cats. I’m a graphic designer by trade with most of my experience in package design and illustration. Most of my angst when submitting an idea is laying out the sell sheets so that they make sense and can stand alone with little or no explanation.
2. When did you join Quirky?
I joined Quirky back in March of this year. The Stemware Saver or Tether as the Q-mmunity named it was the first idea I submitted. Beginners luck I guess.
3. How did you find out about us?
Quirky all-star MarcR told me about the site. We worked together for a couple years before discovering that we both share a passion for tweaking and inventing things. One day, I casually mentioned my admiration of some kitchen gadget in our cafeteria and how I wish I had invented it. Marc explained that he submitted ideas to Quirky and suggested that I check it out.
4. When and how did you think up the idea for this product?
I constantly think about ways to improve on products I use or reinvent how a process is performed. For years we washed our everyday stemware in our dishwasher with mixed results. The glasses always ended up on their side, dirty or broken. One day our old dishwasher gasped it’s last breath and soon was replaced by a shiny new energy efficient Bosch. I noticed that even in the new and improved dishwasher, that there still wasn’t much improvement in the stemware protection area. So, I drew up an idea for a collapsible stemware cage that would slip over the upright rods of dishwasher rack. After learning about Q, I rendered the idea out and submitted it.
5. Had you tried to make this thing on your own already?
No, I didn’t make a physical prototype, but because I work with a 3D program when creating my submissions and have some experience with manufacturing/engineering, I knew that my rendering would work and could be easily produced.
6. What do you think of the final product?
I love it. The Quirky engineering team just made the idea better and more user friendly by simplifying it down to what you see today.
7. In your opinion, what is the most innovative product ever invented?
I’m a graphic designer, so of course I’m an Apple guy. Anything Apple is innovative, but specifically, the iPhone amazes me. I remember reading about the iPhone before it came out and the way they described it was as if some alien technology was handed to Steve Jobs (rest in peace) and he was sharing it with the world.
8. What inspires you?
I find inspiration in almost everything I do. From playing with my daughter to watching low-budget sci-fi movies. There’s always some spark that sends me hunting for my sketch pad.
9. What are some of your quirks?
I’m a little bit of a neatnik. It drives my wife crazy when I organize things so well, that she can no longer find anything.
10. What’s your favorite cereal? Deli meat?
There are so many breakfast cereals that I like, but I have to say that my all time favorite is Cap’n Crunch. The Cap’n makes it hap’n. As far as deli meat, I like anything but pimento loaf.
11. Any parting words?
Buy more Tether. They make great Christmas gifts.
