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

---

Entrepreneurs, Are You Hauling Buckets?

Once upon a time, there was a village on the... Read More

7 Small Business and Self Employed Law of Attraction Principles For Success

It is widely held that one of the most important... Read More

Do You Want to Just Survive or Thrive? (Part 1)

You've probably heard this, or maybe you will relate to... Read More

Franchises - Success and You

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

Protect Your ASSets in Business

Many people are starting an online business without a thought... Read More

Entrepreneurial Business Plan The Down And Dirty Way

Does the idea of running your own business sound exciting?... Read More

About Ending Competition

1. Why should I not compete with others?The very concept... Read More

When Your Business Feels Like an Arranged Marriage

Q. I was laid off six months ago. Jobs in... Read More

Oil Change Guys History; Part IV

One trait of franchisors and something you will find in... Read More

A Startup Never Closes

When it comes to a startup, the luxuries shared with... Read More

Playing Hookey Can Help! A Surprising Secret To Small Business Success!

Would you like to increase your chances of business success... Read More

Lessons Learned from Successful Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs are a special breed of high achievers. They create... Read More

PTO; Justification of the Means and the Ends

Some would say about certain issues that the means do... Read More

The Boss is DEAD!

Some of us are born into families with "it", some... Read More

The Entrepreneurs Prayer

As I awaken with the gift of yet another day... Read More

Top 10 Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make Before They Even Start

So you want to start a business. You have an... Read More

Reducing the Stress of Being an Entrepreneur

Starting and running your own business can be exciting and... Read More

Designing a Comprehensive Franchise Company Computer System

One of the most important management tools a franchised company... Read More

CHINESE TAKE-OUT: Oriental Business Principles Demystified For Online Enterprises

"The expectations of life depend upon diligence; the mechanic that... Read More

The 7 Traits of an Exceptional & Successful Entrepreneur

How often have you either referred to or considered the... Read More

Meet Success: Business Profile of Sylvia Acevedo, Communicard Owner

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

Is Running a Business for You?

Not everyone is cut out to run a business. Not... Read More

Curb Your Enthusiasm

Isn't enthusiasm a good thing? Aren't we urged to be... Read More

The Dirty Dozen

1) No Umbrella Business Plan or Strategy -- Without a... Read More

Vendor Relations

Communication is the key to vendor relations. In your small... Read More

Coating Service Business Case Study

There are many coating businesses in the market today, but... Read More

Secret Revealed In The Business Code

? Beginners often rush into business without any planning.? Unless... Read More

Mobile Car Washing Long Term Opportunities in the Market

The long-term outlook for the Mobile Car Washing industry is... Read More

Ten Traits of Successful Entrepreneurs

Successful entrepreneurs have many traits in common. Here are ten... Read More

Find Me the Expert on This!

Many people who set up as consultants never make more... Read More

Methods of Generating New Ideas for Entrepreneurs

Summary: Even with a wide variety of sources available, coming... Read More

Create Your Entrepreneur Dream Team

I hear it all the time. "What should I do... Read More

Is Now the Right Time to Become An Entrepreneur?

A number of economic changes are magnifying the role of... Read More