Watch the episode on YouTube here.

Summary:

In this conversation, Scott Putnam interviews inventors Brian Halasinski and Kirk Hyust about their journey in creating the Turbo Trusser, a cooking gadget designed to simplify the process of trussing poultry. They discuss the challenges they faced, including their experience on Shark Tank, the importance of retail expansion, and the ongoing battle against counterfeiting. The duo shares valuable insights for aspiring inventors, emphasizing the need for persistence, collaboration, and a strong intellectual property strategy as they look to the future of their brand.

Key Takeaways:

• The Turbo Trusser was born out of a need for a simpler way to truss poultry.
• Kirk’s background as a chef influenced the design of the Turbo Trusser.
• The duo faced challenges in licensing their previous inventions due to COVID-19.
• Simplicity in product design can lead to easier manufacturing and market entry.
• The Shark Tank experience was nerve-wracking but opened many doors for the Turbo Trusser brand.
• Retail expansion is crucial for the growth of their product line.
• Counterfeiting has been a significant challenge post-Shark Tank, impacting sales.
• Building a strong intellectual property portfolio is essential for protecting inventions.
• Networking with other inventors and entrepreneurs can provide valuable support and insights.
• Persistence and adaptability are key traits for success in the invention space.

Learn about our guests, Kirk & Brian:

Kirk Hyust, from Canton, Ohio, is the co-founder of Turbo Trusser, a stainless steel device that simplifies poultry trussing. An inventive mind with multiple patents, Hyust showcased his culinary innovation on Shark Tank Season 14, securing a $100,000 deal with Kevin O’Leary. Fluent in Portuguese, Hyust is also an avid traveler, passionate chef, and enthusiastic fisherman, bringing creativity and zest to both his professional and personal pursuits.

Brian Halasinski is an experienced product developer, bringing new and innovative products to the consumer retail market through open innovation. He has also been in the medical sales industry for the last 18 years, most recently 7 with Gilead Sciences in the HIV BU. He has worked with a diverse group of customers including Dentists, Pediatricians, Internal Medicine, General Family Practice, OBGYN, Infectious Disease, Pharmacy, and purchasing to name a few. His goals are to be the best sales representative no matter what products he is tasked to sell and to work to help improve patients health. He has a business background as a Kent State University undergraduate and acquired his Masters of Business Administration from Malone University in 2003.

Connect with Kirk & Brian:

• Kirk’s LinkedIn
• Brian’s LinkedIn
• Turbo Trusser Website

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