About the Paint Glider^™

A Profile of Tom Pasinski and the Invention

From Creation of a Concept and Patenting to a 3-Time,
Award-Winning Design and Market Entry on QVC

When asked what was his inspiration for creating The Paint Glider™, Tom Pasinski stated, "You would have to ask who inspired me and you would then realize that the foundation for developing this product was laid long before its conception." He credits his parents, Janina and Jerzy with giving him the ability to persevere as well as the drive toward excellence.

Born in 1964 in Chicago, Tom has lived in this city most of his life. He attended high school at Loyola Academy in Wilmette, Illinois. From the Academy whose spoken motto is "man for others" he gleaned the concept that whatever he does he strives to make a positive impact.

Tom's mostly enjoyed the art curriculum at the Academy. He states, "I was always good at doing creative things." He went on to study Biochemistry at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Returning to his roots of artistry he started a home painting business and created artistic finishes in homes. He then immediately observed that paint trays were messy, time consuming, and all around aggravating. Tom thought, "Why should people have to put up with this mess?" and set out to create what is now known as the Paint Glider™.

As development of the Paint Glider™ progressed, he considered not only the workability and efficiency of the product but also continuously balanced form and function with aesthetic appeal to fully satisfy the consumer's experience. Tom states, "The Paint Glider is also like an art piece. The beauty in the lines and curves of its shape draws people to it... it is my Mona Lisa."

The thrill for Tom is in the joy of creating and satisfaction in the acknowledgment by others. On September 11th of 2001 the Paint Glider's first concept prototype was elected the Grand Prize winner in Hammacher Schlemmer's "Search for Invention" contest. The prototype gained national recognition as it was featured on The Today Show, Discovery Channel, WGN, Fox News, ABC News, Chicagoing, The Chicago Sun Times and other Media.

A few years of development went by and in 2006 QVC placed the first order of the market ready product. Next Tom pursued a licensing contract with a company that would continue marketing and manufacturing the Paint Glider™. Then in 2008 the market ready product was now granted awards. The Minnesota Inventors Congress gave Tom a Gold Medal for "Outstanding Merit" and The Wisconsin Innovation Service Center awarded Tom 2nd Place at their "Ideas to Profits Conference." Tom further points out, "Everyone who came back to me after using the Paint Glider has raved positively about their experience"..."People say things like 'Wow! It really works' and tell me the Paint Glider is a great tool. That is what I like to hear but to me, it is still my Mona Lisa."

Paint Glider's successes have led to a licensing agreement with Omega Product Solutions Inc. of Muskego Wisconsin. They are negotiating with major outlets for retail sales. Currently The Paint Glider™ is available at www.paintglider.com.

The Paint Glider™ is patented in the US, Canada, China, Brazil and Mexico and is available for licensing to manufacture and distribute in these countries.

About Hammacher Schlemmer

The Hammacher Schlemmer catalogue is the oldest continually published catalogue going back 155 years. It is also famous for being featured in airlines' Ski Mall.

William Hammacher, at age 12, began working in his uncle's hardware store, which opened its doors in 1848 in lower Manhattan. Eventually William and family friend Alfred Schlemmer bought the store which officially became known as Hammacher Schlemmer & Company. Hammacher Schlemmer had established the largest inventory of tools and hardware in the East and was for the most part the only source for the right tool, nail, and wire during a time of great industrial expansion. The company also gained a reputation for offering the best tools.

During the 1930s and 40s, the name Hammacher Schlemmer would become synonymous with innovation. They introduced the first pop-up toaster (1930), the electric razor (1934) and the first steam iron (1948). Later, they would offer the first electric pencil sharpener, food processor, electric can opener and automatic coffee maker. Other notable introductions include the first microwave oven (1968), telephone answering machine (1968) and cordless telephone (1975).

At their introduction these innovative products were viewed as intriguing gadgets. Today they are functional problem solvers found in almost every home on the planet. Hammacher Schlemmer prides itself as offering "the best, the only, and the unexpected" to a worldwide audience.

Sabrina Baltezar, spokesperson for Hammacher Schlemmer has now introduced the Paint Glider™ to the world as a "revolution for painters." The Paint Glider™ is ideal for do-it-yourselfers and professionals as well.

Click on this link to see a video about Hammacher Schlemmer.