Near-death Experience is the Mother of Invention for Two Dallas Electricians

To morning commuters, the hulking truck encircled with barricades and traffic cones may be nothing more than a road-clogging nuisance.

For Kerem Tepecik and Dale Vith, two men who've made a good living by changing light bulbs forty feet above the pavement, the so-called "bucket truck" is more ominous.

"Every time I go up, I wonder if this is the day I'll die", says Tepecik, a married father of two. "We call it the "prayer bucket".

Naturally, spending hours swaying in the Texas wind while dismantling high voltage light fixtures as angry drivers on the street below zoom past, the two electricians shared a single thought. "There's got to be a better way."

"After a couple of near-death experiences, where a truck nearly fell on me or on him", says Vith, the pair began to learn the truth of Edison's dictum, "Invention is one percent inspiration and 99% perspiration."

Taking a cue from "High masts" (200 foot light poles used on freeway cloverleaf overpasses) with their built-in lowering systems, Vith and Tepecik spent nights and weekends designing and building prototypes of their "Retropole", a patented crank-and-rail attachment which safely disconnects and lowers the light for servicing.

The system is now in church parking lots, fast-food drive-thrus, and at the headquarters of a nationally-famous family restaurant chain, whose management is in the process of rolling out "Retropole" in locations nationwide.

Following a soft launch in May/June '05, the new company's small staff has been thrilled by the reaction on the part of customers of every size.

With retail prices under $1000, the systems pay for themselves the third time a light bulb is changed. Easy DIY maintenance and low cost of operation (bucket trucks charge $200-$300 for minor service calls, whereas the bulbs are sold for $20 at home improvement stores) appeal to maintenance staff.

Perhaps more significant, though, is the invention's positive impact on property value.

"For every dollar a property's annual maintenance cost drops, ten dollars is added to the property's value" explains Tepecik.

The implications of this have lead two major Texas-based manufacturers to gear up for enormous production runs.

"Kerem and Dale are two good guys who worked hard to bring a terrific idea to life. How often does an idea come along that helps with so many issues-safety, environment, and so on, that also helps large businesses save a fortune?" says Sherman Allen, marketing director of the Dallas based Retropole, llc.

He notes that "bucket trucks" are leaky behemoths which cause concrete and landscaping damage, and, in terms of fuel, the 13-ton monsters "make Hummers look like econo-boxes."

In an ironic twist, the success of Retropole will keep Vith and Tepecik in the "prayer bucket", since the one-hour installation of the mechanism requires one final ascent for removal of the light fixture.

Tepecik says he's considering a sign on the truck that says "I'm never coming here again." http://www.retropole.com

For more information contact:

Sherman Allen
Director of Sales and Marketing
Retropole, llc
sherman@retropole.com
(214)668-2589
http://www.retropole.com

---

History of Enterprise Car Rentals

So few really understand the drives and motivations of entrepreneurs.... Read More

Do You Have What it Takes to be a Successful Entrepreneur?

Print off this page, take the quiz and find out... Read More

Business Startup Checklist

Use this comprehensive checklist to plan each step of your... Read More

Will Your Business Survive Without You?

I had a health scare in December.As it turns out,... Read More

Franchises - Success and You

Many people believe owning a franchise will make them rich,... Read More

Beware the Opposition!

Any time you make changes in your life you are... Read More

Youve Found Your Guru, Now What?

In my last article, "Follow That Guru", I told you... Read More

Oil Change Guys History; Part II

Franchise companies are not born they are made and when... Read More

Use Your Youth To Your Advantage

You should wait until you're older and have more business... Read More

Competing With The Big Dogs

You run a small consultancy. You're well qualified, experienced and... Read More

Are You Ready To Be Your Own Boss?

You have this burning desire you want to be on... Read More

Evaluating an Opportunity

Business opportunities are often based on broad trends, such as:?... Read More

Are You an Entrepreneur That is Starved for Time?

Being an entrepreneur and running a successful home-based business is... Read More

Differentiation Strategies for Franchise Companies

With the growing number of franchise offerings recently it is... Read More

Time Management Tips for Solo Entrepreneurs

Does it seem like everyone and everything is vying for... Read More

Start a Business Selling Government Surplus

Did you ever wonder what happens to all that government... Read More

Abstract Business Marketing Strategy for the Entrepreneur

If you look at those Corporations in franchising today you... Read More

Judging Entrepreneurial Ideas

Most entrepreneurs constantly come up with new ideas. Whether they... Read More

What Makes An Entrepreneur Tick?

It is only natural that when you start a business,... Read More

The Power Of Personal Environments

I've got to admit, I'm a big fan of comfort.... Read More

Find Out If You WILL Be Successful As a Franchisee?

Will I be successful as a franchisee?One of the soundest... Read More

Secrets of My Favorite Government Auction

I love bargains. And there's no better place to find... Read More

The Entrepreneurial Difference

Who would ever have imagined that going door-to-door in my... Read More

Franchises - A Proven Business System

Franchises offer the first time business owner a proven and... Read More

Entrepreneurs - Your Well Being Should Come Before Profits

I believe the spiritual aspect of life, especially to entrepreneurs,... Read More

Cut to the Quick - What is an Entrepreneur? The Inside Story

Enjoying the title of entrepreneur is a hollow feeling.If you... Read More

Near-death Experience is the Mother of Invention for Two Dallas Electricians

To morning commuters, the hulking truck encircled with barricades and... Read More

The Deal is in the Details

What Startups Need to Get a Business Loan, Part 2In... Read More

Identify the Growth Factors

In "The Incredible Hulk", mild-mannered scientist Bruce Banner discovered that... Read More

Meet Success: Business Profile of Sylvia Acevedo, Communicard Owner

Sylvia Acevedo needed a break from her technology job so... Read More

Health Insurance for Solo Entrepreneurs

One of the most important benefits employed people enjoy is... Read More

Differentiation ? Smart Marketing Strategies for the Solo Entrepreneur

Are you ever frustrated or hesitant when you talk to... Read More

How Entrepreneurs Make Money Selling Global Brands On and Off-line

Did you know that thousands of companies from all over... Read More