After the Quirky Summit earlier this month, we asked some of the community attendees to share their impressions, expectations, and hopes for the future of Quirky. They graciously obliged.
Note: We tried not to make this a “ra-ra-Quirky” vid, but the post-Summit sentiment was so positive, we couldn’t help it!
We’re just about ready to ship out the Click ‘n Cook, but before we do, we wanted to catch you all up on one of our favorite ideator families: Fred, Laurie, and Baby Girl Ende.
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m an eighth grade science teacher in Westchester County, New York. Along with my wife, daughter, and very child-like parrot, we live in Putnam County, which is about an hour north of New York City. We live in a beautiful townhome community which is the perfect size for a family of three (or three-and-a-half if you consider the parrot). We can’t wait to “trade up” to a house, but find we enjoy the perks of not having to shovel our walkways when the first snow arrives (which interestingly enough, was this morning 
). As for where I’m from, I grew up in a small town towards the center of New York’s Long Island.
2. When did you join Quirky?
I joined Quirky almost a year-and-a-half ago, in September of 2009.
3. How did you find out about us?
I first learned about Quirky after reading an article about the company in the New York Times magazine back in September of 2009. I checked out the site and was hooked right away. I loved getting involved in all the phases of product development and eventually pitched a luggage/travel idea of my own. While the idea wasn’t a hit with community members at the time, I found the feedback received enlightening, and had a feeling I would be submitting quite a few more ideas in the future. When my wife, Laurie, and I had a “kitchen mishap” a few months later (involving a spatula and a runaway omelet), we brainstormed the idea for a kitchen tool which had interchangeable heads, and friction pads to reduce slippage. The friction pads didn’t hold the interest of the community for long, but the interchangeable heads appeared to be a smash hit, and the basis for the Click ‘n Cook, the world’s coolest spatula, was born!
4. When and how did you think up the idea for this product?
It was during what would be considered a fairly normal breakfast. After the omelet cleanup, we started talking about ways to make a spatula better. We ended up focusing on three items: interchangeable heads, friction tabs, and a way to reduce drawer/counter clutter.
5. Had you tried to make this thing on your own already?
No. In fact, the concept had only occurred to me and Laurie a week before the idea was pitched. It was truly a thought that was “in development.”
6. What do you think of the final product?
I love it. I was truly excited to watch the evolution of the Click ‘n Cook from its starting design to its final version. It was great to see how testing influenced the final product and led to different base models. I also enjoyed seeing how community input on aspects such as the counter footprint played a role in the final design. To me, the Click ‘n Cook truly feels like a partnership between the Quirky staff and the community.
7. In your opinion, what is the most innovative product ever invented?
I can’t think of one, but I can think of three. I would say radio, television, and the personal computer. These items weren’t only inventions, they were game changers. They created new media that are not only still present today, but are constantly changing. Whereas many products are forced to fit the mold of society, these technologies forced society to change to fit their mold. Truly amazing.
8. What inspires you?
My biggest inspirations would be my wife and daughter. I do everything for them, and they provide me with all the motivation I’ll ever need.
9. What are some of your quirks?
Too many quirks to list, but here are my top four (I would have given top three, but four sounded “quirkier”): 1. I collect Spider-Man comics… yes, I’m going to see it on Broadway, 2. I only eat cereal if at least three varieties are mixed together… no exceptions 3. My wife and I name our pets after famous scientists (our misunderstood parrot is named “Einstein”), and 4. I’m one heck of a mean beatboxer.
10. What’s your favorite cereal? Deli meat?
Any and all (as long as they meet the qualifications set above). As for deli meat, I tend to be a spicy food type of guy, and since wings aren’t a deli meat, I’ll just go with Boar’s Head Buffalo Chicken.
11. Any parting words?
My sincerest gratitude to all the Quirky staff for helping to turn this idea (and many others) into a reality. I also have to give my thanks to all the community members for their constructive criticism, positive feedback, and desire to get the Click ‘n Cook to the shipping point (big thanks to Chad S., Jene H., and Eric R. for their awesome naming, tagline, and logo work). The Ende family couldn’t be happier!
When Bill Ward submitted his idea for the Broom Groomer, we knew we had a hit. Months later, we catch up with him as his product is ready to ship.
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I live on the outskirts of Charleston, S.C., with my wife and 1-1/2 year old son. We live in a totally peaceful setting on a tidal creek with wading birds, alligators, shrimp, crabs, fish, etc. My wife and I work out of our home, so we get to spend a lot of time together and with our son Daniel.
In 1993, I started a restaurant and hostel in Quito, Ecuador, named The Magic Bean (www.magicbeanquito.com) and met my wife there several years later. Currently, I oversee the business and I am an independent toy designer. I’m 42.
2. When did you join Quirky, and how did you find out about us?
I joined Quirky about a year ago after reading about it in an in-flight magazine article about crowdsourcing. It mentioned Quirky’s non-conventional business model and I could hardly wait to land so I could check them out.
After becoming familiar with Quirky, I searched through hundreds of my inventions for something suitable to submit. I chose the Broom Groomer, the dustpan with teeth, as my first submission. Because I had pitched my idea to several dustpan and home goods companies and been rejected repeatedly, my expectations were pretty low. When I immediately started getting all this great feedback, I was thinking, damn, this is looking pretty good. At one point, I remember thinking I could actually win, but at the end of the day, another let down. Then, I remembered seeing this message on the Quirky site that said, “Re-submit your idea for only $10”. That was when the submissions were $99. I waited a week, then re-submitted. When I won, it felt amazing. Being a prolific independent inventor requires an almost daily encounter with rejection. It’s just part of the deal. So I was floating on air when I saw that the Broom Groomer had won.
3. When and how did you think up the idea for this product?
In 2008, I was sweeping in my garage. At one point I was picking dust bunnies off the broom and I cut my hand on a piece of broken light bulb. I started thinking about sensible ways to clean the dust bunnies, and that’s how I came up with the idea.
4. Had you tried to make this thing on your own already?
I priced some molds in Ecuador, and talked to their biggest retailer about carrying the product, but never tried to make it.
5. What do you think of the final product?
I love the final product. When I had some CAD drawings done, I thought it was important to have an insert to receive a stick, and I can’t tell from the rendering whether or not the BG has one. It was fun to see the industrial design phase, and I think Quirky did a great job picking out the essential features and making a design that is practical from a manufacturing point of view.
6. In your opinion, what is the most innovative product ever invented?
From what I’ve read, the X Box 360 Kinect seems like an amazing product. I’ve played Wii and it’s absolute fun.
7. What inspires you?
Nature, imagery, children at play (especially my son Daniel), survivors.
8. What are some of your quirks?
Walking through 24hr stores at ungodly hours, obsessively searching for the perfect piece to build a toy prototype. As I type this, sitting next to me is a large white enema that will be used to test an air-powered rocket. Walking through pluff mud up to my mid-thighs just to get to a good fishing spot. Waking up in the middle of the night for peanut butter & CO cinnamon swirl peanut butter.
I guess they are more obsessions that quirks. Or maybe quirks are just obsessions in disguise.
9. What’s your favorite cereal? Deli meat?
Anything by Kashi; pastrami.
10. Any parting words?
Thanks for believing in me and my idea, Quirky!
Quirky’s first open staff evaluation begins…
Ben, CFO John, Nikki, Chad’s very bright ear, and Gaz discuss the pros and cons of each idea.
Conversation gets heated…
“Quirky Mayor” Clinton Fleenor!
Justin Giannone talks shop with Gaz after eval ends.
For more pictures and captions, check out our Facebook page.
This weekend, we’ll be welcoming community members from around the world into our NYC headquarters for two reasons:
1. To help us reflect back on what we did right and what we did wrong in 2010.
2. To help us prioritize goals and put together a plan for 2011.
The Summit kicked off today with an open staff product evaluation — the first time in Quirky history we’ve invited community members into this step of the Quirky process!
We have quite the agenda planned for the weekend. If you want to follow along, log onto Twitter and follow us @QuirkyInc. You can also use the #QuirkySummit hashtag to join the conversation.
Oh, and because of the Summit, Quirky Support hours may be a little sporadic this weekend. We promise we’ll catch up on Monday!
As Ben announced in the video, our first-ever Quirky Summit is coming up this weekend right here at Quirky HQ in downtown Manhattan.
We’re flying in a handful of active users to help us reflect on the past year and plan for the next. If you’re in the New York area and want to join the conversation, well, we’d love to have you!
Just reach out to the Community Team at questions@quirky.com by Wednesday at noon, and we’ll hook you up with all the details.
Looks like Michael Taylor is determined to win a popularity contest, but not for himself! He’s been pushing hard to get the Click ‘n Cook into the top spot of a Best Gifts of 2010 online contest. Quite fitting that the contest is on a site called It’s Thoughtful because we certainly think Michael is.
Show your support, sign up and vote today!
Service is important at Quirky. And we know from experience that good service only comes when the people providing it are genuine and believe wholeheartedly in what they do.
Our two newest Community Ambassadors — Rob and Marni — definitely fit that bill. You wouldn’t believe the passion they have for Quirky’s community… and they’ve only been here a few days! Plus, they’re funny, smart, and cool as hell. You’ll love ‘em, I know it.
You’ll start to see them popping up on e-mail, phones, and Get Satisfaction in the coming weeks. They’re eager to get to know you all, so say “howdy” when you get the chance!
Hey Quirksters,
My name’s Rob, what’s yours?
::pause::
Well, [Insert Name] it’s damn nice to meet ya!
I come to you from Agencyland, a magical place filled with buzzwords and high-functioning alcoholics, where nothing ever really gets done but everyone manages to keep their jobs.
Why leave Agencyland, you ask? Great question!
I was tired of nothing of consequence ever happening, so I set out on a quest to find a place where everything of consequence always happens, and that led me here, to Quirky, to you. I’m absolutely thrilled I am to be part of an awesome community that makes awesome shit all the time!
I’m ready to dig in, get my hands dirty, and help you help us all.
So make like Pat Benatar and Hit Me With Your Best Shot (or Treat Me Right, really it’s up to you.)
I’ll see you on the (Love Is A) battlefield!
x0x0, Rob (rob@quirky.com)
Why, hello there Quirks and Quirkettes!
My name is Marni and I’ll be joining Jess, Shirley and Rob as your new Community Ambassador. Hoodihoo! I’m so jazzed to be here and to get to know you, getting to know all about you (a la Julie Andrews.)
And because inquiring minds want to know, here are four very crucial facts about yours truly:
1. After being rejected from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry, I attended Cornell University where I discovered the true meaning of winter.
2. I have a degree in Apparel Design and a background in the fashion industry. Despite this, I enjoy wearing flannel onesie PJS.
3. I am a speed-reader. I wish I had a cooler talent to share with all of you, but I just read very fast.
4. I lied. I am also really, really good at Pictionary.
I’m truly delighted to join the absolutely amazing team here at Quirky. As Bogey says, I think this is the start of a beautiful friendship.
Love, Marni (marni@quirky.com)
Haaaappy Thursday!
We’re choosing to announce the fourth live Quirky Town Meeting on the fourth day of the week. See what we did there? Mark your calendars for Tues, Nov 2, 6pm to join us on uStream for business as not-usual with Ben and the team. As always, BYOQ (bring your own questions, bring your own quirks).
The details:
Tues, Nov 2
6PM EST
The Quirky Town Meeting Channel on uStream
Whoo!
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