Tue, Apr 3 2012
With Porter having just launched in the Quirky store and about to hit retail shelves nationwide, we thought we’d check in with inventor, Christine Torpey, to discuss her experience having her idea go from sketch to store.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I was a litigation paralegal for about 13 years in Los Angeles and Columbia, SC. It was an intense job, always preparing for trial, and I really enjoyed it for awhile. One of the last trials I attended involved a horrific child abuse case. It was the most fulfilling case I ever worked on because we were able to permanently get the children out of the situation but it was very emotional and eventually I became “burnt out”. I knew I needed to move on and try a new career path, one that was less adversarial and more fun. It was during this time I came up with my first invention. I took on various jobs, merchandising, serving, sales, so I could pursue my idea and I eventually obtained a patent on it about 11 years ago. I learned alot about the invention and patent process during this time. Currently, I am still involved with coming up with ideas and inventing. I am working on a few research projects and am also assisting my boyfriend with his music career. I enjoy tennis, going to baseball games and I am dabbling in gold panning.
When did you join Quirky?
It was about 2 years ago.
How did you find out about us?
I discovered Quirky a couple of months after I was laid off because the store I was working in closed down due to a corporate downsizing. I found their ad in my Inventors Digest magazine. I checked out the website and immediately became involved. It was a great outlet for me during my layoff.
When and how did you think up the idea for this product?
It was during the BBQ brief round. I asked my boyfriend who does most of the grilling what some of his problems he encountered while grilling. His biggest problem was that he had to use a big turkey platter to carry all of the essentials to the grill which was located on the first floor and we lived on the second floor. He had to make many trips back and forth to carry all of the essentials, utensils, drink, two paper plates to separate the raw food from the cooked food, paper towels, sauces, etc. He also had to make sure his drink and sauces wouldn’t teeter off the platter. In essence, he suggested to create a tray where he could carry all of his essentials in one trip, and keep the raw food separate from the cooked. I researched the internet on what was out there and there wasn’t much of a selection. I came up the the concept of “Two Tier” or stacked tray so there would be enough room to carry everything.
Had you tried to make this thing on your own already?
Just a crude prototype.
What do you think of the final product?
I think they did a great job incorporating all of the features that I listed in my presentation.
In your opinion, what is the most innovative product ever invented?
There are many great inventions, but for me personally, the computer and internet because I love to conduct research. Back in the day, you would have to spend hours in the library to get information that you can now access in minutes.
What inspires you?
Listening to music, people watching, walking and watching movies.
Any parting words?
I want to thank Ben and his partners for brilliantly creating a unique place where people can bring their ideas and inventions, and making it accessible to everyone worldwide at a nominal fee. The format allows us to contribute and collaborate and be involved not only at the idea phase but the evaluating, branding and design phases of creating a product. I have been through the process and know how extremely tough and very expensive (patent,engineering and lawyer fees, marketing analysis, patent broker, etc.) it is to get an idea to the market. I have been here for about 2 years and it is exciting to watch the growth of the company and how how rapidly it is evolving. I had the pleasure of meeting and observing Ben and some of the Quirky crew. They are a very bright, enthusiastic, friendly, creative, and dedicated bunch. I look forward to the future of Quirky and continuing to contribute to the process. I want to thank them for making my idea into a reality, and for working so hard not only on my idea but for the success of all of our ideas and the company. Thanks to Faris and Jess for their assistance in the design of this tray, and Courtney, my invention ambassador, for keeping me informed of its progress. Lastly, I want to thank Patti D. for Porter’s great name and tagline.
Here’s to a great future!
Porter is now shipping from the Quirky store.
