A Small Problem That Sparked a Big Idea
Not every invention begins with a business plan or a team of engineers. Sometimes it starts with something simple — like frustration.
That’s exactly how Rick Hopper, a man in his late 40s, stumbled upon an idea that would change his life forever. Rick, a former construction worker and part-time inventor, kept losing or scratching his glasses. “I’d set them down somewhere, and within minutes, they’d vanish,” he recalled in an interview. “One day I dropped them in the sink, and that was it — I knew I had to fix this problem.”
Rick started experimenting with magnets, clips, and metal pieces, determined to design a secure way to keep his glasses on his shirt. His early prototypes were crude — bits of steel and magnets glued together in his garage — but they worked. They held his glasses firmly in place without damaging the fabric.
As Rick researched similar products, he discovered that someone had already patented a similar idea — but the inventor had never commercialized it. Instead of giving up, Rick made a bold move: he purchased the patent for just $5,000.
“It wasn’t just a patent to me,” Rick said later. “It was a chance to bring an idea to life that someone else had abandoned. I thought, if nobody’s using it, I’ll make it work.”
That decision — a $5,000 leap of faith — became the foundation of ReadeREST, one of the most practical and enduring success stories to come out of Shark Tank.
Shark Tank: The Day Everything Changed
In 2012, Rick decided to take his invention to the stage that changes lives — ABC’s Shark Tank. He was 50 years old, a solo inventor with no marketing team, no fancy pitch deck — just passion, persistence, and a little magnet that could hold glasses perfectly in place.
He asked the Sharks for $150,000 in exchange for 15% equity. His demo was simple yet effective. He clipped the ReadeREST to his shirt, hung his glasses, and shook his body vigorously — the glasses didn’t budge. The Sharks smiled, intrigued.
Lori Greiner, the “Queen of QVC,” instantly recognized the potential. She knew this was the kind of product that sells itself: small, useful, and universally relatable. After some negotiation, Lori offered $150,000 for 65% of the company. It was a big chunk of ownership to give away, but Rick knew what he was getting — access to Lori’s retail empire.
“That deal changed everything,” Rick said later. “People told me I gave away too much, but I didn’t. I got a partner who believed in me, and that’s worth more than equity.”
From Garage to Global: The Rise of ReadeREST
After Shark Tank, things took off fast. Lori brought ReadeREST onto QVC, where it sold thousands of units in minutes. Within weeks, the product was on shelves in Walmart, Walgreens, Bed Bath & Beyond, and optical shops across America.
By the end of 2015, ReadeREST had surpassed $13 million in sales, and by 2024, the company had crossed $39 million in total retail revenue. Today, it continues to generate about $5 million per year, making it one of the most consistent “small-scale” success stories from Shark Tank.
“It’s surreal,” Rick reflected in a recent interview. “I started with a magnet, a paper clip, and a $5,000 patent. Now it’s a household product that’s helped millions of people.”
That kind of transformation — from garage tinkering to retail shelves — proves that big dreams often start with small, practical ideas.
Why ReadeREST Still Rocks in 2024
In an age of complex gadgets and fleeting trends, ReadeREST remains timeless. The design hasn’t changed much — a small stainless-steel clip, a magnet, and a touch of precision. But its simplicity is its genius.
Customers continue to love it because it solves a universal, everyday problem. It doesn’t need batteries, doesn’t break easily, and works across all clothing types. Reviews on Amazon and Walmart echo the same thought: “It’s one of those things you didn’t know you needed until you used it.”
And unlike many Shark Tank products that fade after their TV debut, ReadeREST keeps selling steadily year after year. Its appeal to practical, older consumers — especially those over 40 — remains strong.
“I think that’s part of the magic,” Rick said. “My customers aren’t tech-obsessed teenagers. They’re adults who appreciate something that just works. They value quality and simplicity — and that’s exactly what I built.”
The $5,000 Investment That Changed His Life
It’s hard to overstate how significant that $5,000 patent purchase was. Many inventors might have dismissed it as too risky or too small to matter. But for Rick, it was a calling.
He didn’t just buy a patent — he bought an opportunity. And more importantly, he proved that opportunities don’t have to cost millions. Sometimes, they cost less than a used car.
That decision also carries an important lesson for aspiring inventors: great ideas often already exist — they just need new energy and better execution. Rick didn’t reinvent the magnet. He reimagined its purpose, refined the design, and marketed it better.
A Late Bloomer’s Message: It’s Never Too Late to Start
Perhaps the most inspiring part of Rick Hopper’s journey is his age. He wasn’t a young startup founder with venture capital behind him. He was in his 50s — at an age when many people are thinking about slowing down, not starting up.
“A lot of people in their 40s or 50s tell me, ‘It’s too late for me,’” Rick said. “And I tell them — I’m proof it’s not. You’re actually in the best position to invent something, because you’ve lived long enough to know what needs fixing.”
Rick’s story resonates deeply with those who have experience but feel they missed their chance. He represents a new kind of entrepreneur — the late-blooming creator who uses life experience, patience, and real-world knowledge to solve everyday problems.
“Age gives you perspective,” he added. “And perspective is the foundation of invention.”
Lessons for Everyday Innovators
Rick Hopper’s ReadeREST story carries several lessons for anyone dreaming of starting something new, regardless of age:
- Solve a real problem — Don’t chase trends; fix something people actually struggle with.
- Simplicity sells — If your product is easy to explain, it’s easy to sell.
- Invest in yourself — Rick’s $5,000 patent purchase was his leap of faith.
- Partner smartly — The right investor can open doors you never could on your own.
- It’s never too late — Life experience often makes you a better innovator, not a slower one.
The Magnet That Moved Millions
Rick Hopper didn’t just invent a product; he reinvented his life. With $5,000, a magnet, and unshakable persistence, he built a small empire that continues to inspire inventors everywhere.
In 2024, ReadeREST stands as a reminder that innovation isn’t about age, luck, or timing — it’s about courage and execution.
“If you’ve got an idea,” Rick says, “don’t wait for perfect conditions. Start small. Start now. Your idea doesn’t have to change the world — it just has to make someone’s life a little easier.”
