IncrediBulb is the world’s only flexible, silicone LED bulb. Joelle Mertzel, IncrediBulb (Northridge, California): Joelle created an innovative, everyday product with mass-market appeal that truly solves a problem. Being invited to sell her product at Lowe’s “is a validation for the 25% of the population with a physical challenge.” 1 goal has been to bring inclusive products to the mainstream marketplace,” she says. Kerry says the most rewarding moment came when she realized Lowe’s was interested in a product for people with disabilities. The idea for EazyHold Grip Assist was born. She taped a broom to her hand to eliminate the pain, and later shared that trick with family who also battle arthritis. As she was sweeping out her horse’s barn one day, painful arthritis made finishing the chore nearly impossible. Kerry Mellin, EazyHold Grip Assist (Simi Valley, California): Kerry’s innovation, handy cuffs that can be added to tools and utensils to enable an easier hold for people with grip issues, is a personal one. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Face unexpected circumstances with positivity.
Don’t allow your nerves to affect your pitch and presentation. Harry’s advice for entrepreneurs interested in participating in the next season of Making It… with Lowe’s: “Remain calm. He invented the solution with Dr圜lip, the only patented drywall clip that can be adjusted to any drywall thickness.
As he was performing a professional drywall repair several years ago, he began to mull over ideas that could shorten the process and eliminate the need for power tools, backing and screws. Harry Ruiz, Dr圜lip (Naples, Florida): Harry works in the multifamily industry as a maintenance director. That acknowledgement from such a large company like Lowe’s brings such a feeling of validation that all of the hard work to this point is paying off.” Shawn’s tip for entrepreneurs? “Know your customer. “It provides us a new platform to share the brand. “To say Making It… with Lowe’s is huge would be an understatement,” Shawn says. Backed by a persuasive pitch, Shawn received a $5,000 Lowe’s Small Business Grant and Grease Hero is making its way online and in-store soon. That challenge fueled his invention of Grease Hero, a drain guard made with recycled paper materials designed to fit inside a sink’s drain and absorb used cooking oil for easy disposal.
Shawn Santos, Grease Hero (Kailua, Hawaii): As a retired contractor and now a property manager, Shawn was forever addressing tenants’ clogged drains. “Knowing that I had one chance to present in front of executives felt so intimidating but honestly they were so great and easy to speak with, even laughing with them.” Kim’s advice to other women: “Put aside your fears and trust yourselves and your product.” “One of my biggest fears was the presentation, especially to a very large home improvement store such as Lowe’s,” Kim says. But the path to Making It almost hit a roadblock. As a woman-owned business, Python Plunger ultimately received a $5,000 Lowe’s Small Business Grant and will be available on and in stores. The global pandemic disrupted their expansion plans, and then they discovered Making It… with Lowe’s. Python Plunger is an innovative solution combining the power of the rotating drain snake with the design familiarity of the household plunger. Kim Huber, Python Plunger (Grant, Minnesota): Kim and husband Jeff have grown children now, but those early parenting years plunged both into an overflowing toilet scenario every parent can relate to – and led to a splash of creativity. To watch sizzle reels introducing the top three Making It…with Lowe’s: Season One entrepreneurs behind Handle and Haul, SoilKit and Lola's Fine Hot Sauce, check out Below, we introduce you to additional top entrepreneurs who can say with pride they are now Making It… with Lowe’s! The program, which invited diverse entrepreneurs to pitch their products, has resulted in Lowe’s evaluating more than 400 new products for sale on or on Lowe’s store shelves. Sound like products on Lowe’s shelves? They are now! Lowe’s today unveiled the top entrepreneurs and their products from the home improvement retailer’s first virtual pitch program, Making It…with Lowe’s, hosted by Daymond John, star of ABC's Shark Tank and a New York Times best-selling author. A matriarch’s family recipe passed down through generations of meals.
A product that transforms a bag of dirt into a fruitful plan forward. An invention sparked by a life-changing crash.