From the Publisher's Pen
Innovation: a new idea, device, or method. The act or process of introducing new ideas, devices, or methods
In 1928 Alexander Fleming discovered Penicillin. However, his own belief that the human body should heal itself prevented him from testing his discovery on animals. It wasn’t until 1940 that Howard Florey and Ernst Chain proved that Penicillin could fight bacterial infections.
So what does this moment of history have to do with the stone industry? I think that there are at least two lessons:
1. What we “know or believe” can prevent us from learning something of far greater value and usefulness.
2. Discovery and innovation can come from unexpected places.
Both points were brought home to me recently when we began working with an inventor who came up with a potentially very significant innovation while sitting in a tree stand, waiting for a deer to stroll by.
Although in theory, this fellow was enjoying much needed recreation, his change in perspective (from tree height) enabled him to see something clearly that had eluded him for the last twenty years.
With hard work, perseverance, and more than a little luck, we will be able to demonstrate the product next year in the Braxton-Bragg booth at StonExpo.
So consider this article both a challenge and a permission slip to get out of your routine and look at things from a different angle. And, if a new stone tool results from your efforts, give me a call and we will see if we can help you bring it to market.
Have a good read.
Rich Hassert
Email responses to: publisher@slipperyrockgazette.net