A recent University of Toledo graduate highlighted in the latest issues of Forbes and Time magazines told UT students Thursday his success is not a Silicon Valley story.
“It's not about where you are, it's about who you are. You don't have to be from Silicon Valley to make something new, you can be right here – at the University of Toledo,” said Tom Burden, 28, founder of Grypmat Inc.
He is listed in the Nov. 30 issue of Forbes, in the “manufacturing and industry” category. His company sells Grypmat — a rubberized non-slip tool organizer he spent three years developing through a process of trial and error — featured on the cover of the Nov.26/Dec. 3 double issue of Time magazine as one of the best inventions of 2018.
The 2014 UT graduate talked about his path as an inventor and entrepreneur when he met Thursday with about 100 people – mostly UT students – at the university's Nitschke Technology Commercialization Complex.
“The message is about leadership, innovation, and chasing your dreams,” Mr. Burden said.
Connor Speck, a UT senior majoring in computer science, said Mr. Burden’s message is “spot on.”
“The cost of operation is low around here compared to the West Coast; it’s a night-and-day difference,” Mr. Speck, 23, said. “So what you have to have is a very good idea, a strong team, a couple of development machines — such as a desktop [computer] and a server — and you are good to go.”
Saee Gunjal, a UT freshman majoring in environmental engineering, said she found the message “truly inspiring.”
“It motivates me even to do better in my classes, because I know that when I graduate I will make a difference in the world,” Miss Gunjal, 18, an international student from India, said.
Maysun Darwiche, 21, an international student from Venezuela who was sitting at a table nearby, said she also agreed with Mr. Burden’s message.
“I think you make your own success,” the UT senior majoring in digital marketing said. “No matter where you are, you can succeed.”
Mr. Burden told The Blade the idea of the invention came to him when he stumbled into a frustrating issue he dealt with while on duty as an Air Force Reserve mechanic with the 180th Fighter Wing in Swanton: When not in his hands, his tools would slide off the jet and clutter to the ground. So Mr. Burden – who was studying mechanical engineering student at UT at the time – solved the problem.
Last year, Mr. Burden landed a deal on ABC's Shark Tank. Since then, the company sold 200,000 Grypmats, which doubled the goal for the year, he said.
“It's been a real dream come true... I never believed Grypmat would be on the cover of Time magazine,” Mr. Burden said, adding that he plans to continue to expand his business into new markets such as medicine, education, and space technology.
The talk was hosted by the university LaunchPad Incubation Program, which helps business ventures move from concept to commercialization.
“We are very excited to host Grypmat today and to showcase their success,” Brian Genide, director of LaunchPad Incubation Program, said. “Tom's one of our graduates and an example of what can happen to a business if you understand the market and the process of growing your business.”
First Published November 30, 2018, 1:26 a.m.
