In this Podcast Episode
Rob McNealy interviews Louis Foreman, Creator, Executive Producer and Lead Judge of the Everyday Edisons® television show.
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Louis Foreman’s Bio
In 2004, Louis Foreman began developing the concept for a reality show that would help make inventors’ dreams come true, while educating America about the complex product development process. Today this award winning national PBS reality series is known as Everyday Edisons® and its mission reflects Louis’ biggest aspiration: to fuel the innovative American spirit. In addition to being an inventor, Louis is also committed to educating others on the topic of intellectual property.
Louis’ experience as Founder and Chief Executive of Enventys®, an integrated product design and engineering firm, led him to develop this educational reality series featuring ordinary inventors. A surprising number of inventors are ordinary people with great ideas that aren’t necessarily interested in developing a business around their invention. Most are looking for someone to take their idea, validate it and develop it for them. Louis developed this concept for Everyday Edisons, a show which could develop the brilliant ideas of ordinary people who otherwise would never pursue their innovative dreams.
Louis is a prolific inventor, holding nine registered U.S. patents. He is also a founding member of The Inventors Network of the Carolinas, a non-profit organization that empowers inventors through education, support and networking opportunities. In 2007, Louis became the publisher of Inventors Digest, a 20-year-old publication devoted to the topic of American innovation.
In December 2007, he was appointed by United States Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez to serve for a three-year term on the nine-person Patent Public Advisory Committee of the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Over the past 20 years, Louis has also created five successful start-ups and has been directly responsible for the creation of more than 10 others. His interest in entrepreneurialism and developing innovative products began while a sophomore in college, with his first company founded in his fraternity room. Louis graduated from The University of Illinois with a Bachelors of Science in Economics.
Elissa and Jerèll Klaver are successful young entrepreneurs and inventors. Previously Elissa earned a degree in Internet Marketing and choose the same career as so many women today, to be a a full time stay at home mom. Jerèll is a US Marine who went the uber corporate MBA route to keep a roof over their heads. Following the loss of their second son, they realized that their family and healthy living was more import than climbing the corporate ladder, and decided to follow Elissa’s dreams.
