The FastCap Story

Some of you may be familiar with FastCap and the many innovative products they sell , but most of you are probably not aware of how the company came to be. Paul Akers, the owner, invented the Fastcap – that beginning is documented on his website at fastcap.com, but the bigger story is what happened next.

In the early days of the company, Paul had an idea that would help revolutionize the laser level industry. He brought this idea to a certain very large power tool manufacturer who was very impressed and told him they would get back to him.

Well, about four weeks later, Paul was shocked to learn this manufacturer was displaying the very same idea as a prototype in their booth at a large international trade show, saying it would be available for delivery within 6 months. This was Paul's first introduction to the dark side of corporate America and it absolutely crushed him. How could companies and the people who run them be so cruel and uncaring, and fail to give credit where it is legitimately due?

After a heart-wrenching afternoon, it came to Paul what direction he would take his company. He would encourage fellow woodworkers and cabinetmakers to bring him ideas and he would not just give them credit, but also pay them a royalty for ideas that manifest into viable commercial products. He would be successful by doing the exact opposite of what corporate America had done to him.

Now years later, many of the products you see in the FastCap catalog have come from people just like you who had an idea but no real way to develop and market that idea.

Paul and the FastCap folks have earned the full trust of those who have contributed ideas, and Paul continues to encourage woodworkers and tradesmen to submit new ideas for products to manufacture.

When you thumb through the FastCap catalog, you will notice the notation DBC by many of the products. This stands for "Developed by a Cabinetmaker" (or Contractor, whichever the case may be.) Paul pays royalties on the sales of every product to the cabinetmaker or contractor who submitted the original idea.

By the way, Paul sued the power tool manufacturer and was awarded some money, but the real value was in the lesson he learned, which has inspired him to share the success of his company with all the people who have contributed their intellectual capital.

If you have an idea for a woodworking or construction tool or product you would like to see manufactured, go to Paul's website and submit it. If it turns into a successful product, Paul will make sure you're properly rewarded.

How to Submit an Idea to Paul

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