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April 10, 2025 55 mins

What happens when a restaurant mastermind and a rockstar inventor walk into a patent attorney’s studio? You get an electrifying episode of the Bold Inventor Show that’s part tech-talk, part Shark Tank, and 100% inspiring.

🎙️In this double-header edition, host JD Houvener and co-host Matt Kulseth sit down with two inventors who aren’t just dreaming big — they’re reshaping entire industries.

First up is Peter Petroulas, founder of WizButler, who’s spent over a decade revolutionizing restaurant booking systems. His patented technology tackles a 250-year-old problem restaurants didn’t know they had: inefficient table allocation based on outdated logic from 1765. Peter's software dynamically optimizes seating before service, transforming fragmented reservations into seamless space management. Think Southwest Airlines meets hospitality — and yes, he’s got the patents to prove it. 🧠💼

Then, we welcome Carlo “Cooper” Cooper, a drummer, inventor, and creative powerhouse behind Cooper Groove. Tired of slipping drumsticks and fatigued fingers, he carved grooves into handles — launching a tactile revolution for percussionists. What started in a basement with a hacksaw has expanded into grooved baseball bats, patented grip technology, and game-changing potential across sports. His motto? “Never lose connection with what’s in your hands.” 🥁⚾

This episode isn't just informative — it's fuel for any creator looking to bring bold ideas to life.

📌Key Takeaways:

  • 🎯 WizButler uses AI-resistant space optimization, NOT fixed tables, solving a centuries-old restaurant problem.
  • 🔬 Cooper Groove eliminates pain, shock, and fatigue with patented ergonomic grip technology — beta-tested across 12,000+ drumsticks.
  • 💡 Patents were HARD. Hear how both inventors navigated rejections, casino-style risks, and the slow USPTO process.
  • 🛡️ Trademarks matter — from 7 USPTO classes to preventing term copycats, branding is part of the bold journey.
  • 🔥 “Gas in the tank” is what every inventor needs. Whether bootstrapping or pitching investors, both guests reveal the hustle.

👀 Teasers to Watch:

  • Why your favorite restaurant might be rejecting bookings at 65% capacity (without knowing it) 😲
  • What Southwest Airlines taught Peter about table optimization ✈️
  • How a CNC machine and rubber resin changed the grip game forever 🤯
  • Will Cooper's grooves make it to the MLB? Hear what he's cooking up for pro baseball ⚾
  • What not to expect when a licensing deal goes south — and how to bounce back 📉💪

#InventorSpotlight, #PatentsMatter, #RestaurantTech, #GripInnovation, #StartupStories, #BoldInventorShow, #ErgonomicDesign, #MLBTech, #WizButler, #CooperGroove, #PatentPower, #SmallBizInnovation, #SharkTankEnergy, #EntrepreneurMindset, #FounderJourney

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Have an invention or brand to protect? Or just curious about learning more? Download our FREE Inventor Kit here: https://keap.page/gw292/inventor-kit.html

DISCLAIMER
Everything discussed on this podcast is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice.

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