Real Clients, Real Results

See How Everyday Inventors Turned Ideas into Retail Success Stories

From kitchen gadgets to industrial tools, these inventors started right where you are — with an idea.

InventSmartUSA helped them build the plan, pitch with confidence, and get to market faster.

FEATURED case study

From Garage Idea → Home Depot Aisles

When Frank invented the ProHandle in 1996, he faced nearly every obstacle an inventor could imagine: manufacturing setbacks, enormous financial strain, unreliable partners, and the constant pressure of trying to turn an idea into a real product.

But instead of quitting, Frank pushed forward. What he learned through that journey became the foundation of InventSmartUSA and the system he now teaches to help other inventors succeed without experiencing the costly mistakes he endured.

When Frank invented the ProHandle in 1996,

he faced the same challenges every inventor experiences—and then far more than anyone should. He dealt with overwhelming costs, growing credit card debt, manufacturing setbacks, investor skepticism, and a series of expensive false starts.

He even discovered that the engineer he trusted had been fraudulently billing him, ultimately stealing more than $100,000. Pursuing justice required hiring attorneys in both New York and North Carolina—four at once—at a time when Frank could barely keep the project alive.

During the lawsuit, one of the key witnesses couldn’t appear in court due to a devastating personal tragedy. At the same time, Frank’s son was born, he bought a home, and upon returning from court, he was suddenly laid off from his job for taking the time off to defend his case.

Still, he kept going.

Frank eventually found a reputable manufacturer—at a higher cost, but with integrity—and continued refining and promoting the ProHandle. Soon, government, state, and city agencies began expressing interest. One of the first major opportunities came from the Port Authority of NY & NJ, which published a large feature on the product. The article ran on September 9, 2001. Two days later, the world changed, and so did Frank’s momentum.

But he pushed forward again.

These experiences hardened Frank’s resolve and shaped his no-nonsense approach. When inventors come to him with challenges, he doesn’t dismiss them—he understands them on a level few people ever will. His setbacks, sacrifices, and the relentless pursuit of his vision forged a level of commitment that became the backbone of his success and his mission.

He often leaned on one guiding question:

“How can you achieve something you’ve never achieved before without becoming someone you’ve never been before?”

By developing a complete business plan, learning to identify and avoid unethical companies, targeting the right buyers, and building real credibility, Frank not only brought his idea to market…

…he built a national retail success used by government agencies, major stadiums, and professionals across the United States.

His journey—and the lessons he learned the hard way—are why InventSmartUSA exists today: to provide inventors a safe, ethical, proven roadmap to retail success without suffering the hardships he faced.

"I’ve got to say, getting a contact like you has taken me nearly two years… and then you come in and do more in 24 hours than I managed in 24 months.

I’m starting to think you might actually have superpowers."

- German Anchique

Trusted Across the Entire Product-to-Retail Ecosystem

InventSmartUSA doesn’t just teach theory — we work inside the real product pipeline. From manufacturers and retailers to inventors and workshop participants, the people who matter most have experienced our process firsthand.

Explore what our partners, clients, and community have to say.

Manufacturering Clients

Hear from manufacturers who have worked directly with InventSmartUSA-developed products — from prototype refinement to scalable production.

Retail Buyers & Distributors

Feedback from retail-facing partners and channels who understand what it takes for a product to succeed beyond the pitch.

Workshop & Seminar Participants

Inventors who completed the InventSmartUSA Masterclass, workshops, or live seminars — and gained clarity, structure, and confidence in their next steps.

Inventors & Consulting Clients

Stories from inventors who worked directly with InventSmartUSA to avoid costly mistakes, build real plans, and move forward strategically.

" Within a month’s time, Frank was able to coordinate meetings behind closed doors with not one, but four Home Depot buyers in Atlanta."

- Alfred Heyer

CASE STUDY: Slice & Save

Inventor: Vincent Bondi

Vincent Bondi set out to solve a common kitchen frustration: the clutter that comes from juggling multiple cutting boards and bowls while preparing meals. Traditional setups often consume too much counter space, cause boards to collide or slide, and make it difficult to stay organized during food prep.

While the concept addressed a real, everyday problem, progress stalled at the prototype stage. Vincent was unsure whether there would be meaningful market interest and lacked clarity on how to move the product from concept to commercial validation.

Read the Case Study

" We have partnered with Trentco since 1999 because they not only have extensive knowledge for new product development but also have a deep understanding for world-class retail. "

- Frank Rivera

CASE STUDY: Rapid Drill & Drive

Rapid Drill & Drive was designed to eliminate a common pain point for DIYers and professionals alike: the need to switch bits or tools when drilling a hole and then driving a screw. While some users rely on two separate tools—a drill and a driver—this product aimed to combine both functions into a single, efficient solution.

Despite having a viable concept, progress had stalled. The primary barrier was not product functionality, but access: the founder lacked the contacts and retail readiness required to break into Big Box retailers and move the product forward commercially.

Read the Case Study

Led by Industry Veteran,

Frank Saladino, Jr.

Frank Saladino has spent over 30 years helping inventors bring ideas to market — including the Home Depot–featured ProHandle and dozens of other successful products.

As the last inventor to work with the late, great Billy Mays, Frank brings unmatched experience and mentorship to every client InventSmartUSA serves.