Recently I had the chance to speak with Katrina and Chris, the creators of iCaddy, a n accessory for digital devices, about how the tool came to be. Have a look below.
Can you describe how you came to create this neat tool?
The idea for the iCaddy came about from my 7-year-old sister Katrina . She kept propping her Kindle up against the centerpiece of the table to watch her favorite movies and videos only to have it fall again and again. She knew she needed to find a way to keep this from happening because she was getting frustrated. One day she taped together a few empty toilet paper tubes and made a stand for her Kindle. The design was simple, and she customized it with different bright colored ribbons to give it some cool style (see pics of original iCaddy below). I saw this and thought it was very creative and although very simple, solved a major problem in Katrina’s life. We took this original design and made some product improvements, we made the unit foldable to fit neatly in her backpack, added a storage compartment for ear buds (because she has 50 pairs and has no idea where any are!), an integrated battery system to extend the life of the device, and finished off with cool vibrant patterns from our designer Molly Rosner.
What was your reaction after realizing what you had done?
At first, we really didn’t know what we had. Katrina made something that solved a problem in her life. Then we thought if it can solve her problem and how many people are out there with the same problem? We showed friends and family at first and then went to a couple of local flea markets to show people and get their feedback on the product. It was at that moment we realized that we had a great product that had a huge market potential.
How did you decided to go ahead and market your invention?
I decided to use what Katrina made as the basis of my capstone project in my MBA class. After I presented the project, I got so much positive feedback from my professors and fellow students encouraging me to take this product to market. So, after a few more reiterations and design enhancements, here we are!
What has the response been so far?
Since our product launch in January, we have received overwhelmingly positive feedback about the iCaddy and how it originated. One achievement we are very proud of is being selected a top 5 new gadget at the CES Tech Show in Las Vegas this year. This was amazing for iCaddy considering the companies that were there and the products they represent.
Another great achievement for the product was being selected as a recipient of the prestigious Seal of Approval from the National Parenting Center. This recognition is very special for the brand and makes it stand out from the competition.
And finally, we are excited to be launching in retail this holiday season, including chainwide at Cracker Barrel stores. Plus, we just secured a deal with the largest consumer electronics distributor in the Canadian market.
We are very proud of these achievements as the product was just released this past January. We hope to have many more updates and successes soon.
How have you been dealing with being a young inventor? Any pressure to create something else now?
Katrina embraces the role of a young inventor and looks to inspire others. All Katrina’s friends see her on the internet, and she has done a couple of class presentations in school about the product. She says, “This whole experience with the growing popularity of the iCaddy has been a wonderful experience and has allowed me to spend more time with my brother and become closer too him. But I must admit, he watches and looks at everything I make now to see if it has market potential!”
Can you describe whom you feel this is perfect for?
The great thing about this product is anybody can use or benefit from it. It was first designed the product for tweens but as went to shows and got more customer feedback we found more and more users it could be geared towards. What makes iCaddy unique is that there is nothing like it in the market today. There are many different clunky tablet stands and smaller cell phone accessories like pop-sockets, but there is no universal mobile device stand that can be used for both tablets and phones, hold earbuds, a battery and USB/charging cables together in one unit. Plus, we offer 13 different trendy, colorful designs and patterns. We are looking at producing higher end units with glitter and gold that will be our “bling line” as well as putting sports teams’ logos and superhero characters on the units. Our possibilities are endless on what we can do with the iCaddy and what demographic we can sell it to.
What do you hope to do in your education when you get older?
Right now, Katrina is a high honors student at Triton Middle School in Byfield, MA. In a couple years, Katrina plans on going to Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School and take her creativity in a different direction. She wants to pursue culinary arts to learn about baking, cooking and hospitality. She does plan on going to college, but it is too soon to know what type of degree she will pursue. Chris just completed his MBA at Northeastern University in Boston, MA.
How has the reaction been among your friends to your invention?
Everybody at school knows about iCaddy, as I constantly wear my iCaddy shirt and hand out promotional swag. I am not treated any different at school, people just think that I am very business savvy.
What led you to being creative in general?
Katrina is a very creative person and loves arts and crafts. She loves everything from painting to making slime. She has always enjoyed working with her hands and doing school projects from a very early age.
Anything else additional you want to tell our readers?
We are working on licensing agreements with companies like Mossy Oak and Marvel to bring new and exciting colors and patterns to the iCaddy. These will be available soon, please check our website www.shopicaddy.com for updates! Or check us out on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/All-One-Tablet-PhoneAccessory/dp/B07PH2YJ7J/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=icaddy&qid=1556746369&s=gateway&sr=8-1.
Please follow us on Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/shopicaddy
Twitter- @shopicaddy
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/shopicaddy/
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We thanks Chris and Katrina again for this interview.