George Lewin, inventor of the Triton workbench and also founder of the Triton Foundation
Captivating speaker who attributes part of reason for success to the result of a lack of education so not fettered by rules and frameworks - part of innovation and invention
- No family background of woodwork or do it yourself.
Teacher had faith in him - could see his potential as a 13 year old - learnt a smattering of mechanical engineering as a motorbike enthusiast, one year of architecture at university of Melbourne - enough design to be dangerous
Then worked as a journalist after short stint as a mechanic.
Knew about the processes of invention due to some work and research that he did in setting up a business focusing on invention - so had the background he needed 3 yrs later.
Circumstances were - a tool was available - had been coming down in price and the necessity was there for a slightly different tool to complete the task.
Original design plan for the table had relied on specific tools being available; this led to the consideration of turning the problem its head to come up with another solution.
After the fact then came realization that it was an invention, he had just set out to solve a problem rather than creating an invention - but after had come up with the solution then focused on it as an invention that could be of value to others.
The world is not full of people trying to rip you off and steal your idea, but they are trying to ignore you.
Concept has not changed but the execution has thousands of times.
Although the idea was brilliant people prefer to cling to the familiar especially people who have arrived already.
Need to seize the opportunity - don't wait for people to do it for you.
Keep the customer in mind - knock their socks off and the universe will look after you.