Finalist Q&A: StepPro, Inc.

StepPro, Inc. manufactures and markets stepladder accessory items. The product is called the FlipTray.

How did you come up with the ides for your business, and what, or who, is your main source of motivation?
The evolution of the FlipTray was borne from the fact I painted homes when I was 13-14 years old. After a profession in teaching I went into the business world. It was then that I decided to make this product a reality. After much prototyping, industry research, and meeting my eventual partners, it was decided to take this as far as possible.
My motivational inspirations are family and the desire to see this process through fruition. Fruition equating with a FlipTray for every one of the 85-90% of stepladders (out of an estimated 150 million stepladders out there) for which it is compatible.

What is a unique feature of your business?
Our product was conceived, built and is made in America.

What are your thoughts on the connection between small business and the local community?
Ideally, it’s a win-win situation. It fosters growth, stability, and revenue, for the merchant and the community. It nurtures relationships, on an individual as well as business level.

Why should the Idea Cafe regulars vote for you?
Integrity, hardworking, confidence, dependability and honesty. Complimenting these attributes, we currently have product in inventory to sell. Our biggest hurdle has been exposure and the awarding of this grant would help product awareness, i.e. sales. The FlipTray is fully patented and tested for strength, durability and weathering at ASU (Tempe, AZ) School of Engineering and Q Labs (Buckeye, AZ).

The FlipTray.