Inventor Promoting Towbar Safety

Dave Swanepoel immigrated from South Africa to Tauranga in 2001. Since then he has been living his dream. That is why he’s not about to give up on his business idea.

Dave has developed a type of towbar deflector which, he believes, will help eliminate many leg injuries reports Bay of Plenty Times. His problem? Finding enough money to market it.

Mr Swanepoel had spent his money on developing the deflector and was short of funds to market his invention to the wider retail market. He is still looking for an investor.

“I feel like my hands are tied behind my back and I’m shackled trying to run,” said Mr Swanepoel, who lives in Papamoa. “I know it’s very useful; it will eliminate towbar hazards on vehicles.

Mr Swanepoel has personally sold more than 2000 towbar protectors, mainly in Tauranga. He has approached boaties when they are launching their boats, and builders working at houses he’s passed.

He carries a cordless impact tool which can unscrew the towball and fit the deflector to the towbar in 45 seconds.

“I’m an old man now walking the streets and wearing out the soles of my shoes. But nobody else knows where I’ve walked and they haven’t heard about the deflector.

“I know the product has to be marketed through promotion and advertising … that’s the frustrating thing.”

Photo by Matthew Simoneau

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