Since 1972, John Spirk's and John Nottingham's company has been the brain power behind many well known devices and innovations.
On disruptive innovation: “Most companies do incremental innovation pretty well,” says Nottingham, “but they should be looking at ways to disrupt themselves before their competitors do it to them. The companies we work with look to us for transformative, disruptive innovation that will shake up their markets.”
On the Spinbrush: “We previously developed the SpinPop, a little lollipop on a battery-powered motor that would spin in the child’s mouth,” says Spirk. “John and I knew that if we could build a spinning lollipop for $3 retail, we could use a better motor and battery and make a power toothbrush for $5. This was way less expensive than other electric toothbrushes.”
On turning ideas into products: “Our company is vertically integrated,” says Nottingham. “The same team of engineers, designers and prototype technicians work on a project from beginning to end. We do it all in house — in one beehive, so to speak. Of our 1,350 patents, 95% are commercialized. The national average is only 5%.”
On the next big thing: “We’re really proud of some of the medical devices we’re working on,” says Nottingham. “One is a therapy for concussions. We’re doing the largest clinical trial in the world for concussions, and the results so far are off the charts.”