The Launch Network

Send us a text Frank is a paint contractor for over 30 years. On his knees constantly every day. Tired of what the "STRAPS" were doing to the back of his legs and slowing down work production. "I was on my knees one day without my knee pads on and my knee popped out, i put on a knee brace for 4 days for the comfort and the last day something inside me questioned what knee pads would look/be like if i some how put these two together to create the ultimate Strapless Knee Pad" He went to the dollar store, bought 10 knee braces. Went to Joann fabrics and bought some needles, thread, and zippers. Went to Home Depot and bought 5 pairs of knee pads, went home to his basement and ended up with the final design after weeks of trial-and-error. Knowing he had something then, "because im in the industry and i knew what i was bringing to the table". Traveled around for 5 to 6 years, 3 states getting it into stores and trade shows to show its a needed and wanted commodity in multiple industries, and, IT IS !!

Send us a text The right product packaging is highly important , as it serves essential functions beyond mere containment, acting as a critical tool for product protection, brand identity, marketing, and influencing consumer purchasing decisions. Research indicates that over two-thirds of consumers' purchase decisions are influenced solely by packaging design and materials. Key Reasons Why the Right Packaging is Crucial Product Protection : The primary function of packaging is to protect the product during handling, storage, and transportation from the manufacturer to the consumer. It must safeguard against physical damage (drops, vibration), contamination, and environmental factors like moisture and temperature changes. Brand Recognition and Identity : Packaging is a physical extension of your brand and often the first physical touchpoint a customer has with your product. Distinctive colors (like the Tiffany Blue box or Coca-Cola red), unique shapes, logos, and typography help consumers instantly recognize your brand and differentiate it from competitors on a crowded shelf. Marketing and Persuasion : Packaging acts as a "silent salesperson," communicating what the product is, its benefits, and the brand's values in just a few seconds of a shopper's attention. It can evoke emotions, tell a brand's story, and attract target audiences, which significantly sways buying habits. Consumer Experience and Satisfaction : Well-designed packaging enhances the overall customer experience. Easy-to-open, functional, and aesthetically pleasing packaging creates a positive unboxing experience, which can lead to social media shares, positive reviews, and repeat purchases. Information and Compliance : Packaging is essential for communicating important information, including ingredients, nutritional facts, usage instructions, safety

Send us a text What does it take to innovate in deep tech before you’re even out of your 20s? In this episode, Mason Mincey of Soarce gets real about the multiple pivots his team has made, how they learned to adapt to customer needs, and what it truly means to embrace the entrepreneurial mindset. We dive into how age has shaped — and sometimes challenged — their journey in the world of sustainable materials, and why staying flexible is one of the most underrated superpowers in innovation. If you’re inspired by resilience, curiosity, and the determination to build something that matters, this episode is a must-listen

Send us a text Are you ready to make that crucial first sale? This week, we explore the incredibly positive and empowering experience of launching your products on online platforms. We’re tearing down the intimidation factor and highlighting how easy and rewarding it can be to transition from "maker" to "marketplace owner." In this inspiring episode, you’ll discover: The Power of the First Listing: We celebrate the simplicity of platforms like Etsy, eBay, and Amazon, designed to guide you through the process step-by-step. Success Stories That Start Small: Meet Sarah, who started selling handmade coasters on Etsy from her living room and is now fulfilling international orders using the platform's integrated shipping tools. The Joy of Connection: Learn how online platforms bridge the gap between you and customers worldwide, turning anonymous browsers into a supportive community of buyers. Simple Steps, Big Results: We provide a cheerful, actionable guide to overcoming common hesitations, from setting up secure payment systems to utilizing basic inventory trackers.

Send us a text Before it became the world’s most recognizable brand, Coca-Cola began as a pain remedy in a small Atlanta pharmacy — created by a Civil War veteran desperate to overcome addiction. What started as a “nerve tonic” laced with coca leaves and kola nuts would go on to become a global symbol of happiness. In this episode of Generations of Genius , we uncover the fascinating — and scandalous — story behind Coca-Cola: how John Stith Pemberton’s search for relief sparked an empire, how marketing genius turned medicine into a movement, and how the world’s favorite drink was born out of struggle, reinvention, and a little bit of luck. ------- Powered by Innovation Station Kits , on The Launch Network

Send us a text Known as "TV's Billion Dollar Man," Bob is the original HSN host and an undisputed pioneer of direct response marketing. He's logged over 25,000 hours of live selling, made more than 75,000 unique product presentations, and personally generated over $6 billion in sales . Bob literally wrote the rulebook for how to sell on camera, a formula that is still the industry standard today. In this episode, we dive into: The accidental origin story of HSN and the famous avocado-green can opener that started it all. The crucial difference between "selling" a product and "helping" a person solve a problem. Bob's proven strategies for crafting an impactful and profitable message in an age of short attention spans. Why video marketing is the new frontier of distribution and how anyone can leverage it for their business. Essential advice for entrepreneurs and inventors on how to launch a product, get distribution, and stay motivated in the face of challenges. Whether you're an aspiring inventor, a small business owner, or just looking to supercharge your sales skills, Bob's insights from over four decades at the forefront of sales and marketing are not to be missed.

Send us a text What started with a single friend who couldn’t afford a book became a nationwide movement that’s touched lives in all 50 states. In this episode, host Kelly Shea sits down with Chase Hartman , co-founder of Eco Brothers, Inc. , to explore how one act of kindness grew into a mission of literacy, sustainability, and community change. Learn more today at: https://www.ecobrothersinc.org/ From distributing over 300,000 books and raising nearly $200,000 for causes that matter, to leading youth volunteers around the world, Chase shares how small ideas can make a massive impact when fueled by purpose and heart. Together, we dive into the mindset behind social entrepreneurship, the power of youth leadership, and what it really means to give back . Whether you’re a dreamer, a doer, or someone looking to make a difference, this conversation will remind you that genius isn’t just about innovation — it’s about compassion in action. ------- Powered by Innovation Station Kits , on The Launch Network

Send us a text Set Clear Goals: Define your objectives in advance (e.g., lead generation, product launch, brand awareness) to guide all your decisions and measure success. Plan and Budget Wisely: Research and select the right trade show that targets your audience. Book your booth location early to secure a high-traffic area, and create a detailed budget to control costs like electricity, internet, and travel expenses. Design an Engaging Booth: Use bold graphics, high-quality displays, and good lighting to make your booth visually appealing. Incorporate interactive elements like live product demonstrations, contests, or VR experiences to attract and retain attention. Train Your Staff: Ensure your team is knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and approachable. They should be ready to actively engage attendees, ask qualifying questions, and capture leads effectively, rather than sitting down or using their phones. Promote Your Presence: Use social media, email marketing, and your website to inform existing and potential clients of your booth number and offerings ahead of time. Use event-specific hashtags to join the conversation online. Offer Value: Provide appealing promotional items or exclusive discounts that are relevant to your brand to encourage visitors to stop by and provide their contact information. Capture Leads Efficiently: Have a system in place (e.g., badge scanners, digital forms, or an app) to collect contact information and relevant notes about each interaction. Follow Up Promptly: Send personalized follow-up emails or make phone calls to new contacts within 24-48 hours of the event, while the interaction is still fresh in their minds.

Send us a text 🎃 Genius of Iconic Halloween Candy What if a simple farm-themed candy turned into the ultimate Halloween icon? In this episode of Generations of Genius , host Kelly Shea unwraps the surprising story behind Candy Corn — how a humble sweet called “Chicken Feed” went from a rural novelty to a billion-piece tradition that defines spooky season. Discover how smart marketing, timing, and a little creative rebranding turned this century-old treat into a holiday staple — and what it teaches us about entrepreneurship, adaptation, and staying power in changing times. New Episodes Every Thursday! Generations of Genius is a podcast powered by Innovation Station LLC , on The Launch Network .

Send us a text In business, selling is the set of activities a company undertakes to persuade a customer to buy a product or service. Rather than just being a transaction, modern business approaches see selling as a process of building relationships and providing solutions. Effective selling often requires: Understanding customer needs by listening to and identifying their specific pain points. Building trust and relationships to foster long-term customer loyalty and repeat purchases. Presenting the product as a timely and effective solution to the customer's problems. Negotiation to reach a mutually agreeable price and terms. Closing the sale, or reaching the final agreement to exchange money for the product or service.

Send us a text What if your biggest failure turned out to be your greatest invention? In this episode of Generations of Genius , we dive into the surprising story behind the Post-it Note — a product that began as a mistake and ended up changing offices, classrooms, and creativity forever. Host Kelly Shea unpacks what this iconic invention teaches us about resilience, the art of the pivot, and why great ideas don’t always start the way you expect. New Episodes Every Thursday! Generations of Genius is a podcast powered by Innovation Station LLC, on The Launch Network

Send us a text Ever wonder how products like Sonicare, OxiClean, and the George Foreman Grill went from unknown to unstoppable? Meet the man behind the marketing Rick pulls back the curtain on the world of direct response, storytelling, and video persuasion to help you grow your brand the smart way.

Send us a text Welcome to Generations of Genius, the podcast from Innovation Station where we explore the spirit of invention across time. Each episode, we dive into the journeys of entrepreneurs and innovators from different generations — uncovering the ideas, challenges, and breakthroughs that shape how we invent, build, and inspire. From the sparks of creativity to the realities of bringing an idea to life, we’ll share stories that connect the past, present, and future of innovation. Whether you’re a dreamer, a doer, or an inventor at heart, this is the place to fuel your imagination and celebrate the genius within every generation. On The Launch Network --- Today, we dive into the background of your host -- Kelly Shea! Serial entrepreneur, inventor, author, and so much more! Learn how her journey started & why she decided to create Generations of Genius.

Send us a text Sam Kornblum With over 25 years of experience in the fast-paced and ever-evolving retail industry, we specialize in helping unique brands secure prime placement in top sporting goods stores. Our deep industry knowledge, extensive global network, and commitment to excellence enable us to drive sales and foster growth for our clients in a dynamic market. https://www.consultwithk.com

Send us a text We dive into real-world sales strategies, tools, and insights to help you build better products, connect with your audience, and sell more products. Whether you're launching a startup or scaling an enterprise, this is your playbook for smarter marketing, social media strategy, Influencer integration to build stronger product sales. Let’s get started.

Send us a text Michael and Frank Silva, are brothers and created QB54. We know how to have fun. Ever since we can remember, we created our own games to entertain ourselves. These were the days when kids actually went outside to play, remember that? QB54 actually started out when we were 9 and 12 years old using 2 garbage cans. We called it "The QB Thanksgiving Classic". During Thanksgiving all of our friends left to go visit family and we were left just the 2 of us watching football on TV. We got bored easily but were itching to play football, so we thought how can you play football with 2 people? Ah garbage cans!!! Our parents thought we were crazy but we thought we were geniuses. So we set up the cans and started throwing, and throwing and throwing trying to get it in the can. We're now in our mid 40's and we're still throwing. Last year our families met up in Georgia where Frank lives and we had Thanksgiving.

Send us a text A tradeshow (also spelled trade show or trade fair ) is an event where companies from a specific industry gather to showcase and demonstrate their latest products and services. Tradeshows are usually business-to-business (B2B) events, meaning they are primarily intended for companies to connect with other businesses, rather than with the general public. Key Features of a Tradeshow: Exhibitors : Businesses set up booths or displays to promote their products/services. Attendees : Typically industry professionals, buyers, suppliers, distributors, media, and potential partners. Networking : A major focus is making business connections, forming partnerships, or finding clients. Product Launches : Companies often reveal new products or services at tradeshows. Industry Insights : Many tradeshows include seminars, panels, or workshops on trends and innovations.

Send us a text Colonel (retired) Russ Barnes is the CEO and Senior Strategist to Entrepreneurs and Executives at Systro® Solutions, which specializes in strategy development and organization design for small business. His 30+ years of experience in Organization Development is drawn from military service, franchise ownership, research, and strategy work with hundreds of small businesses. After retirement from the military, Russ pursued his entrepreneurial objectives full time. His success was based on a clear vision, building an effective network, consistently delivering a quality product and maintaining a relentless focus on customer service. Dr Barnes received his Bachelor’s Degree from Manhattan College (NY), his MBA from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, his Master of Science degree in Strategic Studies from Air University and his PhD in Organization Development from Benedictine University.

Send us a text The terms "prototype" and "sample" are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings , especially in design, engineering, manufacturing, and product development contexts. 🔧 Prototype A prototype is an early version of a product used to test and validate ideas, functionality, or design. It’s usually created before mass production . Often used to explore concepts , test usability, or evaluate the technical feasibility. May be rough or incomplete . Iterated multiple times during development. 📦 Sample A sample is a finished or near-finished version of a product that is typically used to show what the final product will look like . It’s often made for quality checks , marketing, or sales purposes. Usually used after prototyping , just before or during mass production. Should be identical or very close to the final version.

Send us a text The 8th Season of the Launchpad Podcast is in Full Swing, we have had some great guests and many many more planned for the future months. Stay tuned and thank you so very much for sticking with us through the many segments. If you have a guest suggestion or would like some info on a specific topic make sure to send this in and we will do what we can to get that covered.

Send us a text Veteran serial entrepreneur having started 3 companies with successful exits Co-founder Charge Card Systems Inc., a national credit card processing company. Grew to over 500 sales agents with 3 regional offices. In 2012, sold to Card Connect, their largest acquisition at that time; in 2017, the company was acquired by First Data for $750 million Board member of three organizations and amazon #1 best selling author of “Size Doesn’t Matter – Why Small Business is BIG Business” as well as six additional books. Also, contributing writer for Entrepreneur Magazine and The Business Journals

Send us a text "Today, we’re joined by Marc Portney — a powerhouse entrepreneur, angel investor, and President of Globalsource Infrastructure Partners. You may recognize him from the Science Channel’s All-American Makers or from guiding countless products onto store shelves. With decades of experience in product development, sourcing, and venture capital, Marc is here to share real-world insights on business, innovation, and making deals that work."

Send us a text Bonnie Barber strips back the noise to uncover a quiet revolution happening inside your cells. Drawing from two decades in performance nutrition, neuro-linguistic programming, and real-world experience as a mother, entrepreneur, and former athlete, Bonnie introduces a different kind of fuel: BHB—beta-hydroxybutyrate. Not as a diet trend, but as a strategic molecule that your body already makes, and your brain already knows how to use.

Send us a text Sam Baker is the CEO and founder of WriggleBrew, a startup in Central Florida dedicated to sustainable agricultural solutions. With a background in economics and chemistry and research experience across multiple scientific disciplines, Sam launched WriggleBrew, after inspiration struck on a fishing trip. Since launching they have won NUMEROUS grants from the government, pitch competitions, and more! Listen now to find out!

Send us a text Birdie Bombs are Golf's New Favorite Shot made for 19th Hole MVPs. Whether you're tossing one in your bag or handing it off to your buddy on the green, Birdie Bombs are built for golfers who swing hard and party harder. Birdie Bombs started where all great ideas do—the golf course. We wanted a better way to celebrate the wins, laugh off the losses, and keep the party going, no matter the shot. That’s when we created the ultimate 19th Hole companion. Delicious, ready-to-drink shots packaged with a nod to the game we love.