Episode Details

QUOTES

“As a young guy, I was always curious how things worked. Ripping things apart from a creative, constructive way, not destructive. When there was a problem, I wanted to solve it.” (Brian)

“I turned out to be this problem-solution guy. As I got older, I started realizing that everyday life is full of things you can do differently—or things that don’t exist yet.” (Brian)

“Everybody has different reasons, but I would say that just bringing something to life is something amazing.” (Brian)

“Watching people use your idea for the same reason that you came up with it is an unbelievable feeling and experience.” (Brian)

“Anybody can be an inventor. You could be a doctor, lawyer, unemployed, senior citizen, student—at some point you’re coming up with an idea. The question is, are you going to stop and work on it?” (Brian)

“Sometimes the simplest products can do well. It’s about solving a small problem that people deal with every day.” (Brian)

“Capture that idea. You can text yourself, email yourself, tell somebody—before it’s gone.” (Brian)

“Be realistic. Work on something you can call your own. Don’t just close your eyes to what’s already out there because you want to be a gazillionaire.” (Brian)

“You can get things done on a shoestring budget. I don’t care if you’re a gazillionaire or on Social Security—anything is possible.” (Brian)

“It doesn’t take much these days. You don’t need to be in a major retail store to be successful—you can sell it online, on Amazon, or at your favorite street fair.” (Brian)

“If I can do it, you can do it too. Work on things that are going to get you the return you’re looking for, whatever that may be.” (Brian)

“Take away the emotion and think from a business perspective. Work on things that make sense and will get you the return you’re looking for.” (Brian)

NOTES

Brian Fried is an accomplished inventor, author, and CEO of Inventor Smart. With more than 15 patents and two decades of experience, he’s helped countless inventors—many of them older adults—turn creative ideas into real-world products.

Inventor Smart provides education, coaching, and community for inventors at all stages of development. Through initiatives like the National Inventor Club and the Inventor Smart Community app, Brian connects and empowers innovators to bring their ideas to market.

Brian has licensed and manufactured multiple products, appeared on QVC, and authored three books on inventing. His work fosters collaboration between inventors, startups, and entrepreneurs, creating supportive spaces for idea sharing and lifelong innovation.

Curiosity and creativity sparked Brian’s journey as an inventor—he’s always been a “problem-solution guy.”

Many older adults pursue invention later in life for fun, legacy, or mental stimulation.

Success comes from evaluating ideas realistically—being sure they’re original, useful, and worth the investment.

Simple, everyday inventions can make the biggest impact and are often the most successful.

Digital tools like AI and 3D printing are revolutionizing the invention process, making it easier and more accessible.

Brian encourages aspiring inventors to “capture ideas before they’re gone” and to research thoroughly before investing.

The Inventor Smart Community app and National Inventor Club provide invaluable peer support for inventors of all ages.

Above all, Brian’s philosophy is that anyone can be an inventor—with the right mindset, patience, and perseverance.