INPEX Inventors University™ Speaker Highlight: Thomas Krol
Thomas Krol is the co-founder and Chief Technical Officer of IMET Corporation, a Newtown, Pa.-based mechanical and electrical engineering firm. Formed in 2000 by two collegiate engineering students, IMET provides in-house prototyping, development, short-run production, full design documentation, and project management solutions to inventors and industry.
During his college years, Krol co-developed a voice-controlled telephone (VCT) for an elderly friend who was unable to use a conventional model. Recently, he placed first in the East Coast Collegiate Entrepreneur Awards sponsored by Fairleigh Dickinson University's Rothman Institute of Entrepreneurial Studies and was a finalist in the 2003 Collegiate Inventors Competition sponsored by the National Inventors Hall of Fame.
Inventors Community Speaker Q & A
Inventors Community: What was your favorite part of INPEX 2004?
Thomas Krol: INPEX 2004 was great! My favorite part was the networking opportunities. INPEX attracts people from all over the world. We had a constant flow of people coming through the IMET Corporation booth for all four days. There were inventors, patent attorneys, licensing agents, manufacturers, marketers and more. The INPEX staff even planned events after show hours for interested parties.
IC: What do you get out of coming to INPEX?
TK: INPEX allows me to meet a variety of people who are potential clients or even potential partners. The amount of leads that are generated is incredible. In addition, the Inventors University is a great learning experience. Bring your questions!
IC: Have you ever come up with an invention or invented anything?
TK: I come up with inventions everyday. I think that everyone does, but they may not be aware of it. My most notable invention is a voice-controlled telephone (VCT), which was designed for an elderly friend who developed Lou Gehrig's disease and lost the strength to use a conventional telephone. Currently, it is patent pending.
IC: What do you hope exhibitors will get out of your presentation?
TK: I hope that the exhibitors will become comfortable with the ins and outs of prototyping. In general, ideas are hard to sell. Prototypes prove concepts and are physical models of inventions that people can see and touch. In my presentation, I will be focusing on prototypes with mechanical, as well as electrical, characteristics.
IC: What is your best advice for an exhibitor or potential exhibitor?
TK: Go for it! The only way to see if an invention will fly is to pursue it, and exhibiting at INPEX is an excellent start. At INPEX, you will be able to learn from people who have been through the process. Bringing an invention to market is not an easy task. The more that you know, the better off you will be. INPEX is a place to learn and meet people who could help you.
IC: What are three traits every inventor should have?
TK: The most essential traits are the three P's: Passion, Patience and Perseverance.
Presentation Date and Time:
Friday, June 10, 2005 at 10:00 a.m.
Presentation Topic: Prototyping Basics
If your idea is ready to jump off the paper and you do not know where to turn next, then this presentation is right up your alley. Learn the basics of prototyping and more from industry professional Thomas Krol.
