Any man who has ever spent the time trying to shape his goatee will know how much work can go into it. The slightest mistake can completely destroy the look. While all men with a goatee might understand this, it took one man to build a device to solve the problem. His name is Scott Bonge.
The problem-solving device that Scott created is aptly named the GoateeSaver. Ultimately it is a template for the perfect goatee and it leaves only the area you want to shave open for attack by your razor.
What was the inspiration behind the GoateeSaver?
My own struggles with getting my goatee even. I asked my wife often how my goatee looked, and had many times when I looked in the rearview miror while driving and had to come back home and try it again.
How long did it take for you to build it up from idea to finalized product?
Probably at least 5 years from the original idea, because I just sat on the idea for a long time and did not do anything with it. When I finally made the decision to actually do something with it, it probably took one year or so.
What was the hardest part of that process?
It was difficult finding a designer that could actually grasp the concept and then turn it into something that could be produced. I am not a graphic designer and have never done anything like this before, so all I had was the idea and I needed someone to help me turn it into reality. I talked with several designers before I finally found one who could grasp my vision.
When did you launch your business?
Our business was launched in February of 2008.
How has your business evolved since then?
It has gone from a business with only my wife and I involved to now having another salesperson and a public relations manager. We are now in two stores in Arkansas, and have launched an infomercial that is currently airing in five select markets across the U.S.
What goals would you like to reach over the next year or so?
We would like to expand our infomercials and also expand to other stores in order to reach the maximum number of buyers.
Is this it for you or do you think there might be another product or two in your future?
I have other ideas after this one, but I want to follow the whole process through with the GoateeSaver first, so I will have more knowledge for the next product.
What advice do you have for a fellow inventor who wants to create a business out of his own product idea?
The main piece of advice that I have is to just START. So many people have ideas that they sit on for a long time and never do anything with, just like I did. There are websites available that can help you locate graphic designers, marketing folks, and many other types of professionals who can help you make those first steps of turning your dreams into reality.