2009 was a great year for the GRAB-IT PACK as momentum continues to grow and I want to thank all my awesome customers for that.

The US Post Office decided to raise priority mail rates for the second year in a row.  Last year I didn't adjust my shipping charges but this year I have to.  Even though the Post Office is not improving their service for the increase, I plan on offering larger refunds for repeat customers for my shipping increase.

The Grab-it Pack now offered is OFFICIALLY  Version 2.0 featuring stronger material and a smaller leg buckle.

2009 was also the launch of my latest invention THE CLINCH WALLET.  The reviews have all been positive and you can read the first online review HERE
Thanks again for all of your incredible support.  February will mark our SECOND year in business and I am expecting BIGGER things to happen in 2010!!!

I am very proud to announce that THINKGEEK.COM now carries the Grab-it Pack!!! 

This is quite an honor to be asked to be a part of their product line.



You can view the listing HERE

This review appeared in OFF ROAD's "GREAT GIFTS FOR UNDER $100" article.

The GRAB-IT PACK was featured in the July 2008 issue of GRAPPLING MAGAZINE.  I have been practicing martial arts since I was 11 years old and my experience was integral in the development of this product.

Most viruses suck.  Although the computer kind does not leave you in bed with the desire to load up on Nyquil, they are aggravating enough to drive you to drowning your woes through it’s Jagermeister cousin.  Such is what happened to me last week only I’m trying to be more creative with how to handle the situation.

 

The Monday after arriving in Pennsylvania to visit family and exploring possible publicity options during the THUNDER IN THE VALLEY biker rally, GOOGLE informed me that my site was compromised with malware that I created or someone has planted into my site.  Unfortunate for me, I couldn’t access my site to fix it since I was away from my workstation but I contacted my hosting provider to pinpoint the cause and took measures to prevent this from happening again and thankfully I keep back-ups.  This could have been a fluke from a hacker or a planned cowardly act from someone I know or knows me.  Either way it’s given me the opportunity to re-work my site (which you will see in a few days of this post).

 

During this week the GRAB-IT PACK was featured on the bike builder video-cast at www.kickstarttv.com

 

Warren did a great presentation and if you are a motorcycle enthusiast, you need to be a subscriber to this show.  It’s the most professional shows I’ve seen online and not annoying like some of those chopper builder shows on cable.

 

A few months ago I overlooked a review that was presented on www.createthedream.com which is a website dedicated to Small Business information, inspiration, and innovation.  I highly recommend this site for those interested in starting their own business and keeping ahead of news in the small business world.  They provide POSITIVE, USEFUL information and don’t try to reel you in by joining a “community” or scam you with roundabout ways to promote their website.  Read the article below that I am very proud of which appeared in their magazine.

 

This brings me to wanting a BIG VIRUS that is going to knock me flat on my back in the form of the evolving Viral Marketing campaign that I rely upon for sales of the GRAB-IT PACK.  Although it’s not the pandemic that I am looking for it is building thanks to customers’ word of mouth and across the board AMAZING reviews I receive from publicity.  This is the most honest form of advertising out there and I’ve got you to thank for it.

 

Keep spreading the virus!

 

 

SUMMER 2009 UPDATE

 

Can you believe this year is nearly half over already?  2009 has been a tremendous improvement over last year.  During January through February I worked on Rob Zombie’s HALLOWEEN 2 and March through May I worked 6 days a week on TRON 2.  Sorry I can’t give any details on either of those films right now but it was great to be a part of both of those projects.

 

Now that my time has freed up somewhat as I await the “next big project” I can focus on getting the GRAB-IT PACK word out there.

 

I REALLY appreciated those of you who have written reviews on forums or blogs as well as telling your friends about my product.  Without you my product would not be picking up the steam that it has.  Please keep spreading the word and let me know where you’re posting because I always offer special discounts for your loyalty.

 

The GRAB-IT PACK received the official PATENT this past February which I am very proud of.  It’s funny how I’m receiving contacts from companies that will “make my product successful” and be “seen by millions” are starting to ooze out of their slime.  I’ve worked in Hollywood since 1993 and I’ve seen some slimy tactics but these are ridiculous.  At least in the film business, I’m able to meet the sharks face to face.

 

Be sure to check on ebay now and then for items I have up for auction.  I’ve been posting GRAB-IT PACKS that have been opened or samples at discount prices.  Since I’m a makeup effects artist I also have movie props and replicas I have created.  If you’re an X-Files or Wolverine fan, be sure to keep an eye out in the upcoming days.  My ebay ID is (of course):  GRABITPACK

 

That about sums it up for this year.   My goals are to keep plugging away and get the GRAB-IT PACK into some major retailers.

 

PS….I have no idea what’s going on with the DIY Network contest that should have ended in April.  The GRAB-IT PACK video is still among the highest views.  Thanks to all that have castvotes and comments.  Apparently you can still vote

HERE 

 

Thanks to all who provided me with kind words after the START-UP NATION HOME BASED 100 “contest” pulled the rug out from under me.  According to the votes I came in third in the MOST INNOVATIVE category and second in the SLACKER FRIEDNLY (items that make your life easier) category BUT the “judges” decided to give me an honorable mention instead. 

I get a banner to post on my site (which is basically another ad for SUN).  Do you think I will use it?

To add insult to injury the e-mail blast revealing the winners did not use the private “BCC” mode of delivery therefore my mailbox has been filling up with spam all day.

Well over a thousand of you visited the START UP NATION site and that’s all this contest was for…site hits.  As a matter of fact, FEW of the actual winners received a lot of votes or even promoted their contest entry like me and the other top vote recipients.   I don’t care to get to the bottom of it but I hope you will join me in avoiding the site for good.

Now that that rug has been taken to the garbage dump right next to THE BIG IDEA, AS SEEN ON TV, and the countless others (see earlier blog) I am stepping onto another.

The DIY Channel has a contest for the “COOLEST TOOLS” and I entered the GRAB-IT PACK and you can check it out here

This is a one-time thing.  Give it a rating and a comment.

If you’re a new customer, leave a comment mentioning you just bought one and I’ll give you $5 off each item you order.

Once again I can’t thank you enough for taking the time out of your busy lives to help me out. 

All I want to know is if any of you have a magic carpet I can borrow?

Recently I was asked to be a part of the TV show THE BIG IDEA on CNBC.   The topic is on new business ventures during mid-life (I turn 40 on June 20

The producers scheduled to do a web cam question and I prepared to use my new laptop with a built in webcam.  This laptop uses Windows Vista

Minutes before taping we discovered my Vista webcam software is not compatible with their Net meeting software.

I assured them I could take care of it otherwise I wouldn't be on the show.  They gave me 1/2 hour.  My mission: buy and install a web cam on my XP desktop (queue music....)

Luckily for me, I live close to some shopping centers so I jumped into my truck.

As I pull out of my drive way I notice a truck hauling lumber COMPLETELY blocking the street and in no hurry to move.  I detour on to very busy Ventura Boulevard during morning crunch.

The red lights take an eternity and I finally make it to BEST BUY only to drive into the empty parking lot...they don't open for another hour.

I ran into CVS, they didn't have any. 

My saving grace was RADIO SHACK that opened at 9 am!!!  I got great customer service plus it was on sale!

As I pull into my driveway the BIG IDEA calls on my progress and I inform them I am seconds away from completing the mission. 

They keep me on hold as I fire up the desktop, install the software, and login.

They pick up the phone and I appear on screen!  SUCCESS!!!

All my nerves were spent so I wasn't nervous one bit during the taping

Those years spent as a runner for a high stress film industry effects company are paying off!!!

For those of you that know me, this story comes as no surprise because stuff like this ALWAYS happens to me!  Lucky for me, I love having a startup business and stories like this are going to make for a good book someday.

As of this writing the show has yet to air and I will keep everyone posted.  This is a huge break for me and I hope to return on the show as a guest.

How many times have you had the rug pulled out from under you?  For me, it’s been a fact of life.

Here are a few of my harshest career examples:

 

1.     During the early 90’s Jean Claude Van Damme was one of the biggest action stars.  DRAMA-LOGUE (a weekly casting paper for the film industry) posted an ad for a co-starring role in Van Damme’s film THE QUEST, so I (not my agent) sent a headshot and resume hoping to get an audition.

 

A few weeks passed and my agent notified me that they wanted me to audition for the part.  I arrived, did a videotaped cold reading, and thought it went very well.

 

A few weeks pass and I receive a call from my agent on a Thursday evening. “Are you ready to leave for Thailand for 6 months?” he asked. “You leave tomorrow.” I could only respond with, “what?”  He went on to ask if production called me two weeks ago to get everything in line (shots, passport, & contracts).  They didn’t.  It was his job to do coordinate with production and he didn’t do it.  I was devastated.

 

They went with another actor and I fired my agent immediately.  Consequently I discovered he lost his Screen Actors Guild agent signatory a few months later.

 

2.     I was offered a co-starring role on an episode of XENA WARRIOR PRINCESS only to lose it at the last second because they wanted someone taller.

 

3.     During a television production filming in Mexico I was offered an acting position that would last 6 month (a LOT of money), only to be told at the last minute I would not be going.  I was later offered to go again but was canceled the day before I was to leave.  Eventually I was thrown a bone with 2 weeks of work.  Although I was grateful it was very hard to deal with.

 

4.     Just this week I was offered a week’s worth of work on a major film only to be notified this morning that it has been canceled.  This wouldn’t be so difficult but I’ve been out of work in the film industry for a month.  Situations like this are all too common anymore due to pending strikes or runaway productions (films that are schedule to film in the US only to pack up and move to non-US locations) or worse yet, people bad mouthing me in order to further their career.  It happens in every business.

The above is only the tip of the iceberg and you’ll have to wait for the book for the rest.

I’m sure many of you are thinking “you need to use THE SECRET”.   Although it is an inspiring book and movie, sometimes you’ve got to keep your feet on the ground and face the situation you’re in.   Wishful thinking won’t solve the problem of no income no matter much I say, “I receive unexpected checks in the mail.”

Some of you are asking, “Why are you even in the film business?”  Well, there is no business like it, none that I know anyway.

Aside from the many rugs pulled out from under me, there have been a few “magic carpets” like landing co-starring roles in:  The CW network’s ALIENS IN AMERICA pilot episode (now canceled ,  FROM DUSK TIL DAWN 3 (where I spent 2 months in BEAUTIFUL South Africa, worked with some great people, and got to hang out with models), plus appearing with Rob Zombie in his videos, photo shoots, and film HOUSE OF 1,000 CORPSES; and meeting some great people and experiencing the American Indian culture in Santa Fe, New Mexico during filming of THE GHOSTS OF MARS.  Working alongside: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ozzy Osbourne, Pam Grier, Jason Statham, Woody Harrelson, James Caan, John Carpenter, and many others are amazing.  These times make the low points forgettable.

How does this all tie into the Grab-it Pack®?

Primarily dealing with people who bad mouth the product just by looking at the website, retail stores who won’t return calls or meet with me, trying to get exposure for my product from media outlets who won’t give you the time of day without a publicist, and in general starting a business and dealing with all the “red tape”.

You would be surprised how many emails I get from people wanting a free sample or wholesale prices WITHOUT having a business or plans on reviewing it.  I even had a French blogger return my product destroyed because I asked for the free sample back if he wasn’t going to review it.  Recently there have been some forums where people bash the hell out of me (some people REALLY need to get a life) and some jerks even mock the charity Operation Mend where I donate a portion of my sales.   I’d be a liar if I said it didn’t bother me but I’ve dealt with worse throughout my career.  These arm chair quarter-backs are no match for some of the sharks I’ve had to deal with in the film business but as PT Barnum said, “there’s no such thing as bad publicity.”

What makes me keep on going?

I have the best friends and customers anyone could ask for.  I’ve had nothing but pure honesty from my customers and bloggers (who have actually USED the Grab-it Pack ®, all the blogs making fun of it NEVER purchased one OR received a sample).

You have no idea how great it feels when someone loves something I’ve made or I receive a sale due to word of mouth.  The gratification is instant and nothing could be more appreciative to a business. 

Even though I am not at the level of retiring from the film industry, selling a product I believe in and that my CUSTOMERS LOVE makes it all worthwhile.

As some of you know, I work as a Special Makeup Effects Artist.  In an attempt to be clever, people will say to me, “I bet you have fun on Halloween” or they will see one of my monster creations as say, “that looks like my (insert: mother-in-law, ex-wife, etc. here)”.

Although our website has been on line for a few months, a few issues have been posted on internet forums regarding the actual use of the GRAB-IT PACK.

Statements like:  “why not just wear cargo pants”, “just use pockets”,  “it looks too much like a gun holster” or even worse “just get a man purse” are being posted more often as our product gains more internet exposure.

I have no issues with people trying to be clever but when posts like this happen this early in the game, it needs to be addressed.

Why not just wear cargo pants?

The common sense answer is:  because I don’t want to wear cargo pants when I’m on my morning jog, hiking, at the beach, on my bicycle, driving, lifting weights, or working out, etc. 

Function dictates form and that is why the Grab-it Pack is compatible with all forms of pants plus it holds items more SECURE and is far EASIER to access than cargo pants.

Using the “cargo” pocket of cargo pants causes your items to flop around whenever you move and more likely to fall out.  This doesn’t happen with a Grab-it Pack.  The large pocket has fasteners as well as a buckle which is added protection for your items.  The ergonomic design hugs your leg which prevents any flopping so you can enjoy your activities without being distracted by your wallet smacking into your leg every time you move.

Cargo pockets are lower on your leg while the Grab-it Pack is adjustable so it is easier and faster to access.

I'm not bashing cargo pants but I’m not going to buy a wardrobe of them just so I can carry my stuff from day to day.

Why not just use pockets?

Let me answer this question with some questions:

Ever have your cell phone in your pocket and need to access it while driving?  Do you like sitting on your wallet?  Do you like it when your keys are digging into your leg through your pants?  Do I need to go on?

The GRAB-IT PACK addresses all of these questions easier than any other product available.

Isn’t it just a glorified gun holster?

I’m not even sure what that means but the GRAB-IT PACK not only enables you to have freedom to move while you’re wearing it but you have the freedom to put whatever will fit in it.  Some of my customer own hand guns and use it for this purpose.  On the other hand, some of my customers say it is ideal for the Nerf Maverick. 

You are only limited by your imagination and my customers are VERY imaginative.

I, as well as my customers have worn this to concerts, sporting events, amusement parks, and through airport security only to be asked where they could purchase one!!!!

As for “just get a man purse”….

I'm shocked someone would ever admit to using one.