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## Success Tips for Inventors: A Conversation with Corki

In a recent episode of InventRight TV, host Stephen Key welcomed Corki, an inventor and entrepreneur, to share insights on his journey and valuable tips for aspiring inventors. The discussion delved into Corki’s early experiences, his unique inventions, and the principles that have guided his success in the world of innovation.

### Early Beginnings and Entrepreneurial Spirit

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Corki hails from the Backwoods of New Hampshire, near Lake Winnipesaukee. His entrepreneurial journey began with a pivotal moment during his time working for a hotel chain when he pitched Civil War replica bullets to a buyer who subsequently included them in the Neiman Marcus Christmas catalog. This early success ignited his passion for invention, even in the face of skepticism from his boss, who deemed the decision to quit his job and sell bullets as "crazy."

### Identifying Opportunities and Innovating

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Corki’s inventive spirit was further exemplified through his foray into sports. Having grown up playing baseball and inspired by his father's pitching prowess, he experimented with creating a better baseball, resulting in a product that gained traction with major league teams and coaches across the United States. His notable success hints at a fundamental truth in the invention space: timing is everything.

### Pioneering the Lighted Football

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The journey continued when Corki found inspiration during a light-hearted moment with his brothers in Fort Lauderdale, wishing for a lighted football to play with at night. From a spontaneous idea, a prototype emerged; vibrant market traction followed. The lighted football ultimately found its way into theaters through clever marketing that involved running commercials before movie screenings, showcasing an innovative blend of creativity and practicality.

### The Art of Selling

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Corki emphasized the critical importance of selling for any entrepreneur or inventor. He noted that regardless of the quality of an idea, its success hinges on the ability to pitch it effectively. Drawing from his own experiences selling donuts as a child, he highlighted the value of direct engagement over electronic communication, stressing that personal connections and small talk are essential skills that many younger generations lack.

### Embracing Market Feedback

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A significant takeaway from Corki’s journey is the importance of listening to the market. He mentioned using feedback from students during invention workshops to gauge the viability of his products. By consistently reevaluating product concepts based on real-time feedback, he successfully navigated the gap between invention and market readiness.

### Diversification and New Innovatives

Corki's portfolio expanded with new inventions, including lighted golf balls and pickleballs, showcasing his ability to adapt and innovate based on current trends. For instance, the idea of creating quieter pickleballs arose from discovering community pushback against noise generated during play, highlighting how market demands can shape successful product lines.

### Manufacturing and Patents

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Transitioning into large-scale manufacturing brought Corki into the realm of international production in China. After the downsizing of a local factory, he successfully navigated challenges by forging partnerships with knowledgeable professionals in the industry. His strategic approach underscores the necessity of protecting ideas through patents, which reaffirms the need for strong legal support in the invention process.

### Lifelong Passion and Motivation

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Corki’s commitment to continual innovation stems from a profound love of creation. He drew parallels between his passion and the legacy of artists who never stop creating, emphasizing that innovation does not have an age limit. Encouragingly, he shared a poignant lesson imparted by his grandfather: perseverance in pursuing ideas is crucial, as the “best fish may come with your last cast.”

### The Path Forward for Aspiring Inventors

Corki’s journey is marked by resilience, creativity, and a willingness to embrace challenges. As he continues to develop new products, including his latest creation, the “Big League Blazing Kall” baseball, he underscores that even in a crowded market, listening to customer needs and finding unique solutions can lead to successful inventions.

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Overall, his insights offer invaluable guidance for aspiring inventors: **persevere in the face of challenges**, **listen to your market**, and **never underestimate the power of genuine communication**. For anyone looking to turn their ideas into reality, Corki’s experience serves as a reminder that with determination and a willingness to embrace new opportunities, success is achievable.

If you’re an aspiring inventor looking for assistance, Corki suggests reaching out for help in navigating complex processes like manufacturing and licensing agreements, underscoring the importance of teamwork in achieving innovation goals.