Show-Stoppers

The United Inventors Association once again sponsored the Inventors Spotlight at the 2019 National Hardware Show where visitors were introduced to the next big products and services to hit the home improvement industry. As part of the UIA program, education sessions and pitch panels were available to inventors, along with a Home Shopping Network product search, but the show stopper was the UIA Inventors Spotlight Awards presentation where the top winners were:

Best Marketing Effort – This award went to Lionn Scherer of Ladder-Aide for the company’s bold yellow and black branding, clean images and professional videos. Ladder-Aide also received a 2019 Retailers Choice Award for its innovative usefulness to contractors and homeowners. Ladder-Aide works as a secure platform for ladders on uneven surfaces or stairs. 

Most Innovative Concept – This award went to Mark Wolf of Fireside Outdoor for the company’s innovative 2-in-1 Portable Fire Pit & Grill called the Pop-Up Pit. The Pop-Up Pit weighs less than 8 pounds and packs smaller than a camping chair, making it perfect for tailgating or camping. The rust-proof product cools quickly and can hold up to 125 pounds of firewood.

Pinnacle Award – The best in show award went to new exhibitor Cody Kiser for the Gearhead Wrench, an attachment head composed of a unique beveled gear system ideal for pros and DIYers. The thin profile and thru-spline design make this innovative box-ended wrench a winner.