What does it take to launch a creative toy like the BeamO? For inventor Kim Stuffelbeam, an airborne imagination and years of grounded experience working in the trenches of advertising and graphic design.
Stuffelbeam, founder of Stuff Design, Inc., developed the giant flying disk while in the throes of desperately seeking family fun. With four inexhaustible children, he and wife Julie were continually in search of toys that were safe, interactive and could engage a family that spanned in age from toddlers to teens. Stuffelbeam finally went back to the drawing board himself.
A resourceful self-taught builder, he had always used his hands and creativity to construct innovative furniture, art and exhibitry. A graphic designer by trade, Stuffelbeam worked for several Chicago advertising agencies before heading his own graphic design consulting firm when relocating to California.
Fueled by the desire to create a product that was fun, Stuffelbeam tapped into his design experience, creative craftsmanship and entrepreneurial spirit.
BeamO was about to take off.
In engineering the prototype, Stuffelbeam focused on fulfilling the key criteria of his design "wish list." The toy should be lightweight yet durably constructed. The aerodynamics should allow for ease of use and control. The look should incorporate enough aesthetic dazzle for visual appeal.
Ready for trial, results of the BeamOs ultimate test flight would ride on his familys reaction. Once in hand, it was clear the toy would fly. Stuffelbeams kids took enthusiastic custody of the BeamO and its been skyward ever since.
Stuffelbeam, whose invention has dubbed him "father of the anti-couch potato movement," is thrilled that BeamO has inspired families to play together.
His next goal is to integrate the use of flying disks to lighten the workplace by encouraging progressive companies to adopt "BeamO Fridays." According to industry analysts, it could be the biggest corporate breakthrough since khaki slacks.