After ‘Sharks,’ Inventor Swims Harder


The Cary News:

WiSpots CEO Kevin Flannery was mauled by sharks on TV, but he has since licked his wounds, ready to jump back in the water.

Flannery recently got a chance to pitch his Cary company, which sells wireless devices for physicians’ waiting areas, to billionaire investors on ABC’s new show “Shark Tank.” The ruthless investors, or sharks, were quick to dismiss the concept and essentially told Flannery not to waste any more time or risk any more money.

Since the show was taped mostly in January, Flannery has known for months that the outcome would sting.

“They didn’t listen, and they didn’t really give me a shot,” he said. “But I also know that [millions of] people saw me and my products.”

The former Marine has been busy since the taping. In June, he agreed to merge Wi-Spots with Worthington Healthcare of Raleigh.

The combined company, WiFiciency, will sell a range of technology to doctors, including digital transcription products and electronic medical-records software. The company also will sell WiSpots’ “Patient Interaction Centers” for physicians’ waiting rooms, with gadgets known as WiPads that allow patients to surf online for free.

WiFiciency will collect fees from physicians. It will also make money by selling digital advertising and giving doctors a cut.

Photo by ABC-TV.

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