Schedule and Events
Email GRIN at info@grinventors.com
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Meeting Location:
Meeting Link for 12/8/20 meeting
Warren personally interacts with many thousands of inventors every year and has initiated well over 100 new consumer product licensing agreements that have collectively generated over a billion dollars in retail sales. Warren is also a well-known advocate for inventor rights. He serves as the President of the United Inventors Association Board of Directors, a national 501c3 non-profit with high ethical standards that helps inventors through education, advocacy and the sponsorship of inventor booth pavilions at several industry trade shows, most notably the National Hardware Show.
Warren is also a member of the National Pro Bono Patent Commission and the United States Patent and Trademark Office National Council for Expanding American Innovation. Warren’s new book, Inventor Confidential: The Honest Guide to Profitable Innovation, is published by Harper Collins an available for pre-order on Amazon for March 2021 release
Mikhail Murshak will be discussing intellectual property for inventors and entrepreneurs. He will be talking about the legal protections that are important for inventors to know about.
• A quick guide to the difference between Patent, Trademark, and Copyright
• Understanding the value of provisional patent applications and how they differ from regular utility patent applications.
• Important considerations with regard to Confidentiality Agreements, Trade Secrets, and Licensing. Mikhail Murshak is experienced in all aspects of intellectual property law specializing in patent and trademark acquisition.
His background includes preparation and prosecution of patents in the area of consumer products, computer
technology, automotive aerospace, chemical engineering, nanotechnology, sleep technology, and much more. Working with start-up technology-based businesses is Mr. Murshak’s primary area of interest. This includes assisting his clients with negotiating terms, reviewing agreements, and due diligence.
Marketing your invention is one of the biggest hurdles that inventors will face. This month’s meeting will feature Winston Hofer, the Founder of Madroit Marketing, who will take us through what it takes, why it is important, and how to get started selling online. Come to the meeting and get your marketing questions answered.
We are meeting online for the moment because GRCC meeting spaces have been converted into classrooms to help with social distancing
The GRIN is taking the summer off from its regular organized monthly meetings and instead hosting a GRIN online networking meeting. This is an informal gathering of local inventors that will come together to talk about the progress of their invention. This is perfect for the inventor that has an idea in their head and does not know where to start to inventors selling product and looking for marketing ideas or anyone in-between. To be safe, we will continue to hold meetings online until further notice.
The GRIN is taking the summer off from its regular organized monthly meetings and instead hosting a GRIN online networking meeting. This is an informal gathering of local inventors that will come together to talk about the progress of their invention. This is perfect for the inventor that has an idea in their head and does not know where to start to inventors selling product and looking for marketing ideas or anyone in-between. To be safe, we will continue to hold meetings on Zoom until further notice.
The GRIN is taking the summer off from its regular organized monthly meetings and instead hosting a GRIN online networking meeting. This is an informal gathering of local inventors that will come together to talk about the progress of their invention. This is perfect for the inventor that has an idea in their head and does not know where to start to inventors selling product and looking for marketing ideas or anyone in-between. To be safe, this month we will be holding it on Zoom but will try to make it an in-person meeting next month.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86725299791
Are you trying to decide if your invention has the potential to become a revenue-generating product? Whether you're in the prototyping or start-up phase, this month's guest speaker, Mike Suman, will be able to provide you with helpful considerations. He holds 55 U.S. patents, so he's been there, done that - he's no stranger to the process.
Come prepared to learn about research & development, business marketing, and the overall life cycle of a product.
Join us to gain valuable insights and takeaways from a fellow inventor!
Speaker Bio: Mike Suman previously held the title of Executive Vice President at a $20 billion company. As an inventor, he owns a product development company that has successfully brought several products to the market. Mike has been awarded 55 U.S. patents and is the author of a business book that is used in the curriculum for two colleges. Additionally, he hosted an NPR Radio talk show for three years, where he interviewed over 150 innovation experts live on air. Mike has promoted his product on QVC and serves as a consultant and board member for multiple corporations as well as two inventor networks.
With special guest Andrew Berton a toy inventor & game licensing agent for 30 years. He will be talking about what it takes to invent new games for the toy industry. https://www.exceld.com/
Because of the COVIED-19 pandemic, the next GRIN meeting will be held online. We are fortunate to have David Fedewa host the event Live on his YouTube page.
David Fedewa founder at InventTribe.com knows a thing or two about licensing products. If you’re considering licensing your invention to a company, this is the meeting for you. David will go over the benefits and disadvantages of licensing and what you need to know to pitch your idea like a Pro. David Fedewa, a negotiations coach, and licensing specialist has coached over 160 students to successfully license their own products. He has been featured in Inc. and Entrepreneur’s online publications on licensing and negotiation strategy. He has licensed five of his own products, with one being featured on Time magazine, CHIVE, and CNET Father’s Day Product of The Year list. David and his team built the world’s largest actively managed database of companies that license new innovative products. His strengths lie where business and psychology meet. While coaching students through multi-million dollar negotiations, he not only looks at the present deal at hand but teaches strategies that can be used in constructing deals with a win-win scenario throughout life.
March - Find local resources that can help with your Invention
To further help our members learn more about the business considerations when moving your invention forward, we will be inviting members of the entrepreneurial support organization (ESO) community to our meetings throughout the year. These speakers will also be able to share insights about local resources at your disposal and how to best utilize them.
Next month, we're pleased to welcome Allison Dile, with the Muskegon Innovation Hub!
The Muskegon Innovation Hub (the Hub) is a business innovation program that provides coaching, funding, networking, and a synergistic work environment to help businesses and entrepreneurs achieve their growth potential. We are a key partner in the region's innovation ecosystem, supporting startup businesses, entrepreneurs, and corporate innovation teams.
Come prepared to learn more about the Hub, how they can help inventors, and how you can take advantage of their offerings!
Speaker Bio: Allison Dile is the Business Incubator Manager at the Grand Valley State University Muskegon Innovation Hub, where she coordinates services for area entrepreneurs, including events, grant programs, and developing a coworking space.
Before starting at the Hub, Allison did global corporate communications at Shape Corp, Community Relations at the Muskegon Chamber of Commerce, marketing and communications for the Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore, and had her own freelance marketing company.
Allison was born in Muskegon, graduated from Fruitport High School, and attended college at Central Michigan University where she got her degree in Public Relations, Event Management, and Public Affairs.
Location: The meeting will be held at the Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center on Grand Rapids Community College's campus. There is limited parking UNDER the Wisner-Bottrall ATC (enter from Ransom St.) available on a first-come basis at no charge. Handicapped parking is located here. Additionally, there is ramp parking available for $6.00 after 5:00 PM, which can be paid by cash, credit/debit at the ramp exit machines. Free street parking is available after 6 pm.
How to get your invention made in China
This month’s meeting will get you up-to-date on the process to import and custom manufacture from China, including a brief history of container shipping, US customs classifications and the harmonized tariff schedule, free trade zone, along with examples of what can go right and what can go very wrong. If you are thinking about manufacturing
overseas, you will not want to miss this meeting.
Mary Ann Ferris-Young is a West Michigan native and lives in Comstock Park. She has 20 plus years of experience in corporate America in sales, marketing and product development. She used these attributes to start Michigan Global Trade, LLC, an import company specializing in sourcing high-quality products worldwide. Personally, she is a mom to an eight old, wife and all-in, women-owned business.
Location: The meeting will be held at the Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center on Grand Rapids Community College's campus. There is limited parking UNDER the Wisner-Bottrall ATC (enter from Ransom St.) available on a first-come basis at no charge. Handicapped parking is located here. Additionally, there is ramp parking available for $6.00 after 5:00 PM, which can be paid by cash, credit/debit at the ramp exit machines. Free street parking is available after 6 pm.
Thinking of selling on Amazon? Learn the basics of Amazon Seller Central
Amazon is the #1 e-commerce site in the world so it's no wonder that it sees over 2 billion site visitors per month. Hosting products from sellers large and small, Amazon has amassed 300 million customers worldwide.
This month's guest speaker, Timothy Zartman, works with clients to help them list their products on Amazon. Join us to learn some of his tips for doing it yourself! This session will help you determine how to leverage Amazon to market your product. You'll learn the basics of what it takes to build a store, register a brand, list your products, and advertise on Amazon.
Come prepared to learn and ask questions that will help you set up or enhance your Amazon Seller Central account!
Speaker Bio: GRIN member Timothy Zartman is the owner of Great Lakes Inventions, which has manufactured and sold the Finish Line Caulk Precision caulk system since 2017. Zartman was a 2019 finalist for the Start Garden 100 Ideas program. He is also an Amazon Listing specialist and consultant.
Location: The meeting will be held at the Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center on Grand Rapids Community College's campus. There is limited parking UNDER the Wisner-Bottrall ATC (enter from Ransom St.) available on a first-come basis at no charge. Handicapped parking is located here. Additionally, there is ramp parking available for $6.00 after 5:00 PM, which can be paid by cash, credit/debit at the ramp exit machines. Free street parking is available after 6 pm.
December- You Don't Need a Patent If...
Do you need a patent to be a successful inventor, entrepreneur, or business owner? Must you have a patent to protect your intellectual property? Patent Attorney Jacob M. Ward will introduce us to some scenarios of where an inventor just might not need a patent! Join us as Jake presents an informative program "You Don't Need a Patent If...".
This month's guest speakers is Jake Ward. Mr. Ward is a founding partner of Ward Law Office LLC. He is a registered U.S. Patent Attorney, and also a registered Canadian Patent Agent, non-resident. Jacob is the founding author of the legal blog "Anticipate This!," as well as an adjunct professor at the University of Toledo, College of Law where he teaches courses in both Patent Law and Patent Practice.
Come prepared to learn and ask questions that will help y
Location: The meeting will be held at the Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center on Grand Rapids Community College's campus. There is limited parking UNDER the Wisner-Bottrall ATC (enter from Ransom St.) available on a first-come basis at no charge. Handicapped parking is located here. Additionally, there is ramp parking available for $6.00 after 5:00 PM, which can be paid by cash, credit/debit at the ramp exit machines. Free street parking is available after 6 pm.
Learn From West Michigan Inventors
We all have great ideas but may not know how to get them to market. This month, hear from a local team about their invention and how they were able to make it retail-ready.
This month's guest speakers include Michael and Sherryl Despres, Vice President and President of GCK Products LLC. Joining them will be Matt Panken, GCK Products' VP of Sales and Marketing.
In this session, you'll learn:
* About their latest product, the GadgetKlip,
* How they differentiated themselves from existing solutions
* What they did to prepare for and secure retail opportunities
* Tips for marketing your product
Come prepared to learn and ask questions that you can benefit from!
There is limited parking UNDER the Wisner-Bottrall ATC (enter from Ransom St.) available on a first-come basis at no charge. Handicapped parking is located here. Additionally, there is ramp parking available for $6.00 after 5:00 PM, which can be paid by cash, credit/debit at the ramp exit machines.
October - Habits of Successful Inventors
Do you ever find yourself in a rut or struggling to be creative? Well, you're not alone. One solution may be more in your control than you realize.
Join us at our next meeting to learn how you can harness the power of your habits and become a more successful, engaged and present inventor. GRIN president, Steve Chappell, will be sharing habits of successful people that can positively and dramatically impact your life. From there, you will gain an understanding of how your current patterns may contradict with the habits of successful individuals.
Attendees can expect to take away
-
an increased awareness of their current patterns of behavior,
-
tips for establishing (and maintaining!) healthy habits and
-
a list of small daily habits that can increase your chances of inventing successfully
Steve Chappell is a habit coach that trains people on forming good habits that are scientifically proven to work. He uses an evidence-based approach to help people to not only form but to also maintain good habits. He draws from the world’s greatest minds in psychology, philosophy, anthropology and behavioral economics.
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." - Will Durant
Location: The meeting will be at the GVSU Eberhard Center (301 Fulton W, Grand Rapids, MI 49504). Free parking is available at the Fulton Lot, located underneath the 131 overpass. If there is a parking lot attendant, let them know you're with GRIN. Here is a campus map. From the Fulton Lot, cross Fulton Street and the meeting space is on the second floor of the Eberhard Center. The meeting room is 215-A. There will be directional signage to the meeting room inside the building.
September - The State of Small Business & How You Can Leverage Local Resources
To further help our members learn more about the business considerations when moving your invention forward, we will be inviting members of the entrepreneurial support organization (ESO) community to our meetings throughout the year. These speakers will also be able to share insights about local resources at your disposal and how to best utilize them.
This month's guest speaker, Dan Butler, has been a certified SCORE mentor since 2011. In this session, you'll learn:
the status of small business entities,
factors affecting small business success,
services offered by SCORE, and
how to engage with a SCORE mentor
Come prepared to learn and ask questions that will help you launch or further your business!
Speaker Bio: M. Daniel Butler helps companies find strategic growth through competitiveness assessment, value proposition, and mergers and acquisitions.
He co-founded and served as Chief Executive Officer of a high-tech start-up in Chicago and as a senior executive. He has over 34 years of experience leading organizations through changes in both their focus and operations. His experience is in the areas of business acquisition and redefined value proposition, sales and marketing, business development, and general management.
Dan has been a Certified SCORE mentor since 2011 and holds a BS in Mathematics from Pittsburg State University. He has also completed graduate work in both Mathematics and Business Administration. Dan lives with his wife of 53 years, Carol, and they have three grown children and seven grandchildren.
Location: The meeting will be at the GVSU Eberhard Center (301 Fulton W, Grand Rapids, MI 49504). Free parking is available at the Fulton Lot, located underneath the 131 overpass. If there is a parking lot attendant, let them know you're with GRIN. Here is a campus map. From the Fulton Lot, cross Fulton Street and the meeting space is on the second floor of the Eberhard Center. The meeting room is 215-A. There will be directional signage to the meeting room inside the building.
Auguest - GRIN Summer Networking Meeting
The GRIN is taking the summer off from holding regular meetings. Usually, during the summer months, we see a drop in attendance. Putting on a regular meeting takes a lot of work and the board members wanted to be able to spend more time with their families and have more time to work on their own inventions.
In lieu of our standard monthly meeting, we wanted to give everyone a chance to mix, mingle at our GRIN Networking meeting. Join other local inventors to talk about the challenges of inventing. There will be plenty of napkins to sketch your invention on or bring it in and get some feedback. Mark your calendar for Tuesday, August 13th and meet us from 6:30pm - 8:00 PM at BrickYard Tavern
940 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
July GRIN Summer Networking Meeting
The GRIN is taking the summer off from holding regular meetings. Usually, during the summer months, we see a drop in attendance. Putting on a regular meeting takes a lot of work and the board members wanted to be able to spend more time with their families and have more time to work on their own inventions.
In lieu of our standard monthly meeting, we wanted to give everyone a chance to mix, mingle at our GRIN Networking meeting. Join other local inventors to talk about the challenges of inventing. There will be plenty of napkins to sketch your invention on or bring it in and get some feedback. Mark your calendar for Tuesday, July 9th and meet us from 6:30pm - 8:00 PM at Rezervoir Lounge
1418 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
GRIN Summer Networking Meeting
Just in case you missed the announcement at the last GRIN meeting, the GRIN is taking the summer off from holding regular meetings. Usually, during the summer months, we see a drop in attendance. Putting on a regular meeting takes a lot of work and the board members wanted to be able to spend more time with their families and have more time to work on their own inventions.
In lieu of our standard monthly meeting, we wanted to give everyone a chance to mix, mingle at our GRIN Networking meeting. Join other local inventors to talk about the challenges of inventing. There will be plenty of napkins to sketch your invention on or bring it in and get some feedback. Mark your calendar for Tuesday, June 11th and meet us from 6:30pm - 8:00 PM at The Knickerbocker - New Holland Brewing
Best Strategies for Licensing Your Invention
David Fedewa president at Think Tank Innovation knows a thing or two about both commercializing and licensing products, having pursued them both on many occasions over the years. If you’re considering licensing your invention to a company, this is the meeting for you. David will go over the benefits and disadvantages of licensing and what you need to know to pitch your idea like a Pro.
David Fedewa, negotiations coach and licensing specialist has coached over 100 students to successfully license their own products. He has been featured in Inc. and Entrepreneur’s online publications on licensing and negotiation strategy. He has licensed five of his own products, with one being featured on Time magazine, CHIVE, and CNET Father’s Day Product of The Year list. David and his team built the world’s largest actively managed database of companies that license new innovative products. His strengths lie where business and psychology meet. While coaching students through multi-million dollar negotiations, he not only looks at the present deal at hand but teaches strategies that can be used in constructing deals with a win-win scenario throughout life.
Location: The meeting will be at the GVSU Eberhard Center (301 Fulton W, Grand Rapids, MI 49504). Free parking is available at the Fulton Lot, located underneath the 131 overpass. If there is a parking lot attendant, let them know you're with GRIN. Here is a campus map. From the Fulton Lot, cross Fulton Street and the meeting space is on the second floor of the Eberhard Center. The meeting room is 215-A. There will be directional signage to the meeting room inside the building.
Best Strategies for Taking Your Product to Retail Market
Do you have a retail product but you're struggling to get it noticed on store shelves? Come to April's GRIN meeting prepared to learn packaging tips that will help your product stand out!
Fresh from the 2019 International Home + Housewares Show in Chicago (the largest in the world!), founding GRIN member, Joe Finkler will be sharing his takeaways from the event and samples highlighting the latest in packaging! As marketing trends change, the packaging is one of the most important aspects of the product. You have less than a second to catch the eye of the buyer. Your packaging is what sells your product.
Speaker Bio: Joe got his start as the co-owner of the "As Seen on TV" stores in Muskegon and Grand Rapids. He has bought and sold over 4,500 products for both retail and internet sales. Joe has been working with inventors and entrepreneurs for over 19 years. During this time, he helped found the Grand Rapids Inventors Network. He has also served as the president of GRIN, Muskegon Inventors Network and, most recently, the Michigan Inventors Coalition. Joe is currently serving on the advisory board for the Inventors Groups of America (IGA)
Location: The meeting will be at the GVSU Eberhard Center (301 Fulton W, Grand Rapids, MI 49504). Free parking is available at the Fulton Lot, located underneath the 131 overpass. If there is a parking lot attendant, let them know you're with GRIN. Here is a campus map. From the Fulton Lot, cross Fulton Street and the meeting space is on the second floor of the Eberhard Center. The meeting room is 215-A. There will be directional signage to the meeting room inside the building.
March - GRIN Product Review Meeting
Do you have an idea that you'd like to get feedback on? Have you hit a roadblock with your invention? This month, GRIN is hosting a Product Review meeting and opportunity for you to get YOUR questions answered! Bring your idea, prototype, invention or anything in between. Fellow members and GRIN board members will be on hand to give you feedback and answer your pressing questions 1-on-1. This is your opportunity to get connected and walk away with valuable feedback.
Location: The meeting will be at the GVSU Eberhard Center (301 Fulton W, Grand Rapids, MI 49504). Free parking is available at the Fulton Lot, located underneath the 131 overpass. If there is a parking lot attendant, let them know you're with GRIN. Here is a campus map. From the Fulton Lot, cross Fulton Street and the meeting space is on the second floor of the Eberhard Center. The meeting room is 215-A. There will be directional signage to the meeting room inside the building
How can the GRPL help you with your invention?
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the amount of information you need to gather to get your idea to the next level? Sometimes, do you feel like you have too many options at your disposal and you end up getting confused and burnt out? Join GRIN at our next meeting to learn about the resources and 1-on-1 assistance available through the Grand Rapids Public Library.
Our speaker, Steven Assarian, is the GRPL's Business Librarian. In this session, you'll learn:
* how research can build your business brain
* tactics to make your research more effective
* library research tools that can save you time and money
* how the library can help you build new skills
Speaker Bio: Steven has worked with the Grand Rapids Public Library as their business librarian for seven years. In this role, he's helped entrepreneurs, job-seekers, and nonprofit grant-seekers fulfill their goals and reach their potential. Previously, he served as a Public Services Librarian at Kettering University in Flint, Michigan. He has published a variety of different writing, including short stories and humor articles, and is in the process of being certified as a Certified Career Services Provider through the National Career Development Association.
Location: The meeting will be at the GVSU Eberhard Center (301 Fulton W, Grand Rapids, MI 49504). Free parking is available at the Fulton Lot, located underneath the 131 overpass. If there is a parking lot attendant, let them know you're with GRIN. Here is a campus map. From the Fulton Lot, cross Fulton Street and the meeting space is on the second floor of the Eberhard Center. The meeting room is 215-A. There will be directional signage to the meeting room inside the building.
December GRIN End of the Year Mixer.
This is the perfect time of year to refocus and regroup. Do you have an idea that you'd like to get feedback on? Have you hit a roadblock with your invention? This month, GRIN is hosting a year-end mixer and opportunity for you to get YOUR questions answered! Bring your idea, prototype, invention or anything in between. Fellow members and GRIN board members will be on hand to give you feedback and answer your pressing questions 1-on-1. This is your opportunity to get connected and walk away with valuable feedback to help you kick off the new year right!
Location: The meeting will be at the GVSU Eberhard Center (301 Fulton W, Grand Rapids, MI 49504). Free parking is available at the Fulton Lot, located underneath the 131 overpass. If there is a parking lot attendant, let them know you're with GRIN. Here is a campus map. From the Fulton Lot, cross Fulton Street and the meeting space is on the second floor of the Eberhard Center. The meeting room is 215-A. There will be directional signage to the meeting room inside the building
November - Habits of Successful Inventors
Do you ever find yourself in a rut or struggling to be creative? Well, you're not alone. One solution may be more in your control than you realize.
Join us at our next meeting to learn how you can harness the power of your habits and become a more successful, engaged and present inventor. GRIN president, Steve Chappell, will be sharing habits of successful people that can positively and dramatically impact your life. From there, you will gain an understanding of how your current patterns may contradict with the habits of successful individuals.
Attendees can expect to take away -an increased awareness of their current patterns of behaviour,
tips for establishing (and maintaining!) healthy habits and a list of small daily habits that can increase your chances of inventing successfully Steve Chappell is a habit coach that trains people on forming good habits that are scientifically proven to work. He uses an evidence-based approach to help people to not only form but to also maintain good habits. He draws from the world’s greatest minds in psychology, philosophy, anthropology and behavioural economics.
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." - Will Durant
An Overview of Global Sourcing — How to get your invention made in China
The presentation will cover the process to import and custom manufacture from China, including a brief history of container shipping, US customs classifications and the harmonized tariff schedule, free trade zone, along with examples of what can go right and what can go wrong. You should have a good sense of how the import process works after the presentation.
Mary Ann Ferris-Young is a West Michigan native and lives in Comstock Park. She has 20 plus years of experience in corporate America in sales, marketing and product development. She used these attributes to start Michigan Global Trade, LLC, an import company specializing in sourcing high-quality products worldwide. Personally, she is a mom to a seven old, wife and all-in, women-owned business
September Part 2: Let’s talk Amazon.com, the worlds biggest online store
GR Inventors is pleased to have member, Andy Ong, as this month's presenter! Andy is an inventor and business owner who has been able to leverage the power of the Internet to increase sales. He will be sharing tips for listing and selling products online. If you want to know how to use online tools and platforms, such as Amazon, to help you market your product, sell profitable existing products and gain a better understanding of your competitive landscape, you won't want to miss this meeting!
August - Inventor Networking Event
Join GRIN this month for a networking event! In lieu of our standard monthly meeting, we wanted to give everyone a chance to mix, mingle and enjoy the end of summer. Mark your calendar for Tuesday, August 14th and meet us from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at Rezervoir Lounge. Take advantage of this opportunity to engage with and learn from one another!
Click here for directions. Ample parking is available.
1418 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
July Start Garden 100 Ideas Demo Day
Attention GRIN members! We will not be having a meeting this month. Instead, in the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation, GRIN highly encourages everyone to attend Start Garden's 100 Ideas Demo Day on Tuesday evening. In case you haven't heard, Start Garden launched their 100 Ideas competition earlier this year, in hopes of providing more people with the opportunity to become an entrepreneur and access funding, while avoiding some of the traditional hurdles and risk. Learn more about 100 Ideas and the community organizations that are helping support it.
Are you curious to see how many inventors will be a part of this event? Then you have to attend! At least 10 ideas will walk away from Demo Day with an additional $20,000 to continue pursuing their business. The event is tomorrow, Tuesday, July 10th from 4:00 - 8:00 PM at 20 Monroe Live. It's free to attend but registration is requested. Sign up here and support your fellow GRIN members and inventors!
June - Sumer Product Reivew
Over the next three months, GRIN is mixing up its normal meeting format and trying something different! Over the summer months, instead of holding Product Reviews before the normal meeting, GRIN is going to turn the whole meeting into a Product Review.
For those that aren't familiar, a Product Review is where members, typically in a confidential setting, give a 5-minute 'elevator talk' about their invention and then get 10 minutes of feedback from board members and other professionals. These professionals have experience and expertise in product development, marketing, manufacturing, legal options, and as entrepreneurs themselves. And now, we're turning it over to you!
The next meeting will have three Product Reviews by local inventors. This will give you the opportunity to sit in on a Product Review and learn from their struggles. Because this will be open to the public we will not be signing an NDA at this meeting. Come prepared to ask questions and engage with your fellow members. Your ideas and advice will be welcomed and necessary. The goal of these meetings is to provide presenters with brutally honest feedback and advice on how to launch their invention.
Please note: This meeting will be held at The BOB’s Brewery. Seating will be limited, so please register for this event by using this link. This meeting will be free for current GRIN members and free for people that have not attended a GRIN meeting before. For all others, the cost of this meeting is only $5. If you have any questions about this meeting or would like to sign up for a future Summer Product Review, please email me at info@grinventors.com.
May - Adventures in Crowdfunding
Rick Smith has over 20 years growing high-technology companies from startup to thriving enterprises. With various executive positions in advanced optics, photonic sensors, and semiconductors, Rick has strategically sold sophisticated technology into medical imaging, homeland security, defense, and aerospace markets throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. In 2016, Rick co-founded HyVIDA Brands, a hydrogen infused beverage company where he invented a method for infusing hydrogen in sparkling beverages. Early in 2018, HyVIDA exceeded a Series A Equity Capital goal of $500K using Crowdfunding. This has enabled HyVIDA’s launch of its flagship products in Spring 2018. Rick has successfully raised millions in capital from government grants to equity capital including taking a company public on the London Stock Exchange. Rick holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering and MBA from Michigan State University, and he resides in Muskegon, MI with his wife and twin boys.
Rick Smith
HyVIDA Brands Inc
Co-Founder, President & CEO
rick.smith@hyvida.com
April - Intellectual Property for Inventors
Mikhail Murshak will be discussing intellectual property for inventors and entrepreneurs. He will be talking about the legal protections that are important for inventors to know about.
• A quick guide to the difference between Patent, Trademark, and Copyright
• Understanding the value of provisional patent applications and how they differ from regular utility patent applications.
• Important considerations with regard to Confidentiality Agreements, Trade Secrets, and Licensing.
Mikhail Murshak is experienced in all aspects of intellectual property law specializing in patent and trademark acquisition. His background includes preparation and prosecution of patents in the area of consumer products, computer technology, automotive aerospace, chemical engineering, nanotechnology, sleep technology, and much more. Working with start-up technology-based businesses is Mr. Murshak’s primary area of interest. This includes assisting his clients with negotiating terms, reviewing agreements, and due diligence.
March - Thinking Outside The Box
This event will challenge you to think about design and creativity in a whole new way. Thinking outside the box means to take a unique approach to an old or new problem that has never been thought of. In order to continue to be cutting edge companies more and more are becoming open innovation companies because they understand that in order to continue to compete domestically and globally they need to reach outside their box of talent. We will challenge your way of thinking with new and exciting concepts.
Please join GRIN in welcoming Dan Fisher. Dan is an engineer, composer, business consultant and product developer who holds 12 patents and who has also composed compositions played by the London Symphony Orchestra, the London Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and others. His compositions include Stealing the Night, Elyse's Lullaby and Silk Stone Heart.
February - Fastest Metal 3D Printing System in the World
For the First Time, Affordable, Safe and Precise Metal 3D Printing for Both
Prototyping and Mass Production Will Be a Reality Across Industries - at Speeds 100x Faster
Desktop Metal, the company committed to making metal 3D printing accessible to global manufacturers and engineers, launched two systems covering the full product lifecycle -- from prototyping to mass production -- which mark a fundamental shift in how products will be developed and brought to market. The DM Studio and DM Production systems change the rules of traditional metal manufacturing solutions with the advent of first-of-its-kind innovative approaches that reduce costs and significantly increase speed, safety, and print quality.
The first office-friendly metal 3D printing system for rapid prototyping, the Desktop Metal Studio System is 10 times less expensive than existing technology today. The system is a complete platform, including both a printer, starting at $49,900, and microwave-enhanced sintering furnace that, together, deliver complex and even impossible geometries of metal 3D printed parts right in an engineer’s office or on the shop floor.
Company details
Website: http://www.desktopmetal.com/
Headquarters: Burlington, MA
Year founded: 2015
Tim Ruffner is the Commercial Sales Channel Manager for Desktop Metal and will share his 10+ years experience in prototyping & manufacturing.
Mid-West Region | 847.313.0808
tim@desktopmetal.com | desktopmetal.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/timruffner/
Tim's experience includes the following specialties:
Specialties:
♦ Rapid Prototype and Additive Manufacturing
♦ CNC Machining and Injection Molding
♦ Die Casting and Urethane Castings
♦ Speaking and Workshops
Special Meeting location
Start Garden
40 Pearl St NW #200, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
June - You're Talking. Is Anyone Listening?
6/9/2015 6:00 p.m.
Aren’t sure where to focus your marketing efforts? Or maybe you’re looking to branch out into social media marketing but aren’t sure how. Marketing is a key component for business development. Join us to learn about the importance of developing a proper marketing strategy, and how to implement it, including social media marketing tips, as well as available resources at the Library.