Dana Knowles

Director at inventRight Gateway

Washington, DC

Dana Knowles is an inventor, entrepreneur, and former inventRight client who turned her first idea into a commercially licensed product. She now leads inventRight’s Gateway Program, where she helps inventors and entrepreneurs connect with companies, secure licensing deals, launch new products, and scale those already in the marketplace.

With the help of inventRight, Dana secured a licensing deal for her debut invention, the Hanging Shower Caddy, with Grand Fusion Housewares. Since then, the product has been sold on Amazon, Walmart, Kmart, in catalogs, and through select brick-and-mortar retailers.

From 2015 to 2017, Dana served as President of the Inventors Network of the Capital Area. For more than 15 years, she owned and operated Dana’s Tuxedos, gaining firsthand experience as a small business owner.

Today, as Director of inventRight Gateway, Dana works with creators at every stage — from those developing their first idea to entrepreneurs already selling products in the marketplace. She helps them connect with companies actively seeking new innovations and guides them through the licensing process to commercialize and scale their products.

What drives Dana the most is the thrill of opening doors to getting innovative products in front of real decision-makers. She’s hands-on in every outreach effort, riding the emotional highs and lows right alongside our clients. Her passion is helping people turn creative sparks into success stories by matching the right idea to the right company at the right time.

Dana’s zest for life, can-do attitude, and belief in the power of personal transformation are deeply rooted in her own journey. After overcoming addiction and homelessness, she built a career as a successful inventor, business owner, author, and speaker. Her story continues to inspire creators everywhere to believe in what’s possible no matter where they start.

Dana’s Testimonials

“

Just completed my first PPA and Sales Sheet with my Gateway Project Manager — and for the price, this program is a great deal and the long-tail work Dana says that goes into it all, it’s been so far worth it! There’s no way way I could be doing all of this on my own. Looking forward to seeing how it all turns out. I have 3 more great products to submit in the future — Dana hope I get you on my sales team next time, you are awesome!!!

Edward B.

Product Developer

“

Dear Stephen and Andrew, I asked Dana to send me an e-mail link so that I could share with you what a great experience I had with Dana and our scheduled consultation call. Her attitude, professionalism, kindness, and knowledge were exemplary. I made it very clear at the beginning of the consultation that I was not interested in becoming a student. She understood this and still gave me her full attention and help. She took all the time I needed to ask questions. She shared very helpful information with me. So often, the only feedback we bother to give to people or organizations from whom we seek help, is negative. I don’t often feel compelled to share with others my exceptional customer service experiences, but in Dana’s case, it was easy. You have a great asset in Dana as part of your organization and I just thought you should know.

Mark B.

Product Developer

“

Greetings Dana, I’m reaching out to say thank you. I’ve learned a ton of information and gained a new set of skills especially when reaching out to companies and communicating product value. I have also gained new friends and relationships along in this creative journey. Although my membership with inventRight has come to an end, I’m excited about working on additional products and reaching out to inventRight for advice or assistance with future projects. Thanks again for your time and support Dana!

Darryl H.

Product Developer

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