Corky Newcomb is a master of transforming bright ideas into successful products. His journey, from selling donuts on New Hampshire’s Lake Winnipesaukee to designing innovative light-up sports gear, offers valuable lessons on how to launch a product. Corky’s story showcases the persistence, creativity, and business savvy every inventor needs to turn an idea into reality.
Dive into this Q&A session to learn his secrets to success and discover actionable tips for launching your own product.
How did you first get into inventing?
I grew up in a family that valued entrepreneurship. My parents ran a resort, and my dad taught my brother and me the importance of selling by having us sell donuts to islanders and boaters. That early exposure to business and pitching ideas gave me confidence to keep going. I realized if I could sell donuts, I could sell anything.
What was your first big invention?
It started with my love of baseball. Inspired by my dad, who pitched in the St. Louis Browns organization, I developed a training baseball with improved grip for throwing curveballs. I sold them to high schools, colleges, and even major league teams. That success taught me about timing and perseverance—two critical elements for any inventor.
Tell us about your light-up football.
The idea came during a beach trip with my brothers. We wanted to play football at night but couldn’t see the ball. I created a prototype back home, and it worked so well we were tackling each other in the snow at night! I cold-called Sumner Redstone, the CEO of Viacom, to pitch selling the ball in movie theaters. Surprisingly, he agreed to make a commercial for me. For two years, the light-up football was sold alongside popcorn at his theaters.
You’ve launched several light-up products. How did your lighted golf balls come about?
That idea took years to develop. A friend suggested it for golfers who couldn’t finish a round before sunset. I tested early prototypes in his basement, and the response was so enthusiastic I had to keep making more. Eventually, we manufactured millions of light-up golf balls and shipped them to over 80 countries.
How do you approach pitching new ideas?
I’m a firm believer in the art of selling. My advice to inventors is to pick up the phone or meet people in person. Small talk, confidence, and persistence go a long way. When I first approached a Kmart buyer, I learned that emails often get ignored, but direct conversations can open doors. You must be ready to pitch and adjust based on feedback.
What role does product feedback play in your process?
Feedback is everything. Before scaling a product, I test it with kids, schools, or at trade shows. Kids are brutally honest and will tell you immediately if your idea works. Trade shows, where I’ve showcased my products over 200 times, are also invaluable for gauging interest and refining concepts.
How important is protection for your ideas?
Very important. I’ve always ensured my products are protected with patents. Early on, I worked with a patent attorney named Yardley Chittick, who secured my first patents. These days, I rely on Kevin Prince of QuickPatents, who has been instrumental in helping me protect my ideas. After Yardley retired, I had to find someone new. I liked the name “QuickPatents” and thought, “Who gets patents quick?” So I called Kevin. He said, “We certainly try. I can’t guarantee, but what do you have in mind?” I’ve worked with him ever since.
Kevin is fast, reliable, and easy to reach. I don’t think it’s necessary to have a patent attorney in the same town. It’s about finding someone whose personality matches with yours, has a good track history, and progresses your projects as planned.
What’s your latest product?
I’ve recently launched the Big League Blazing K Ball. It’s a baseball that lights up, blinks, and changes colors. It even allows for unique pitches like the “flutter cutter.” It’s all about making the game more fun and accessible—even after the sun goes down.
How to launch a product? What’s your advice for aspiring inventors?
Keep casting. My grandfather always said, “Your best fish could come on the last cast.” That’s stuck with me. For anyone wondering how to launch a product, perseverance is key. As inventors, we need to keep going, even in the face of challenges. Every “no” brings you closer to a “yes.”
Corky Newcomb’s journey highlights the power of resilience, creativity, and listening to the market. His ability to adapt and scale ideas—whether a curveball training tool or a lighted pickleball—has brought fun and innovation to countless people worldwide.
Watch the full interview on inventRightTV: https://youtu.be/A4xPtKQhkxw
Thank you QuickPatents, LLC for sponsoring this interview. Contact Kevin Prince, founder of QuickPatents, at 1-800-505-5610 for patent help.
