Tag: inventor smart

Inventing isn’t just for the young—or the tech-savvy. Brian Fried, accomplished inventor, author, and founder and CEO of Inventor Smart, proves that creativity and innovation can thrive at any age. With more than 15 patents and nearly 20 years of experience coaching inventors, Brian has built a career helping people turn everyday ideas into real-world success stories.

On a recent episode of Varsity’s podcast, Roundtable Talk, Brian shared what inspires older adults to pursue invention later in life and the satisfaction that comes from seeing their ideas come to life. He discussed the biggest myths about inventing, the power of simple problem-solving, and how digital tools like AI and 3D printing are revolutionizing the process.

The following are some fresh perspectives from the conversation. Check out the full episode here. 

WHAT MOTIVATES OLDER ADULTS TO PURSUE INVENTION?

Maybe they’re bored and realize they have a better way to do something and they have the time and some funds. Others want to leave a legacy. Maybe build a company they can leave for their family. It’s very interesting to see seniors say, “You know what, I want to give this a shot.” And it’s fun, I get a chance to do it with them.

WHAT ARE COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS THAT HOLD PEOPLE BACK?

A lot of people say, “I came up with this great invention. I’m going to make a gazillion dollars, I just want to sell my idea.” It doesn’t necessarily work that way most of the time. We step back and ask: is it something you can call your own? Is it different than what’s out there? Is the window big enough that enough people will buy it to make it worth your time, money, energy and effort?

DO LIFE EXPERIENCES GIVE OLDER ADULTS AN ADVANTAGE?

Yes! One inventor related his invention to his IT background—wires and cable management. Another watched people pour pills and spill them and came up with Pillspoons. Everyday life experiences get that spark in their heads. Anybody can be an inventor. The question is, are you going to stop and work on it?

WHAT’S THE FIRST STEP SOMEONE SHOULD TAKE WITH A NEW IDEA?

Capture that idea. Otherwise, poof, it’s gone. Text yourself, email yourself, tell somebody. Then do a search—Google, images—be real about what’s already out there. If there’s enough of a difference, do a patentability search with a patent attorney or agent to compare your idea to prior art and see if it’s something you can call your own.

Want to hear more from Brian? Check out the full episode of Roundtable Talk for more fresh perspectives. Watch new episodes of Roundtable Talk on the Varsity website and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio.

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.