Passion is paramount: If you’re not genuinely passionate about your invention, it’s unlikely to succeed. Passion fuels your drive, perseverance, and ability to overcome challenges.
As a part of our series called “Celebrity Inventors”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Robbie Cabral.
Robbie Cabral, the innovative mind behind BenjiLock, is a Los Angeles-based inventor and entrepreneur who revolutionized personal security by creating the world’s first patented fingerprint hybrid technology for padlocks. After securing investment from Kevin O’Leary on ABC’s Shark Tank and being featured on CBS The Henry Ford’s Innovation Nation, Cabral transformed BenjiLock into a global brand, garnering over 40 prestigious awards including five CES Innovation Awards. Under Cabral’s leadership, BenjiLock has expanded beyond retail success to become a global driver of biometric security, integrating its award-winning technology across multiple product categories worldwide and earning recognition as one of America’s Top Small Businesses by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce; notably, Cabral’s invention represents the first significant innovation in the lock category in over 100 years, since the introduction of the key.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dive in, our readers would love to learn a bit more about you. Can you tell us a bit about your “childhood backstory”?
My childhood backstory begins in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, where I was raised in a humble environment by my single mother. Her tireless work ethic and struggle to make ends meet taught me invaluable lessons about gratitude, independence, and perseverance. She instilled in me the importance of being grateful for what you have and never expecting anything in return.
These principles became my foundation when I moved to America. Despite facing numerous challenges, I maintained a positive attitude and strong work ethic. My upbringing shaped my resilience and drive, which have been crucial in my entrepreneurial journey and in founding BenjiLock. Looking back, I’m thankful for these humble beginnings as they’ve molded me into who I am today.
Is there a particular book, podcast, or film that made a significant impact on you? Can you share a story or explain why it resonated with you so much?
The film that has had a significant impact on my life is Kevin Costner’s Field of Dreams. This movie resonates with me on a deeply personal level for several reasons. Growing up without a father, I often felt a void and struggled with the challenges that come from not having that paternal figure. Field of Dreams spoke to me because it’s not just about baseball; it’s about faith, perseverance, and the power of following your dreams, even when they seem impossible.
The movie’s famous line, “If you build it, he will come,” became a sort of mantra for me, inspiring me to continue dreaming big and to take action on those dreams, even when the path wasn’t clear. This mindset has been crucial in my entrepreneurial journey, especially while developing BenjiLock. Now that I’m a father myself, the movie has taken on new meaning, reminding me to encourage my son to pursue his passions and never give up on his dreams.
Ok super. Let’s now shift to the main part of our discussion. What was the catalyst that inspired you to invent your product? Can you share the story of your “ah ha” moment with us?
It’s funny because I never actually planned on becoming an inventor or starting a business. But life has a way of throwing you curveballs. During Christmas week of 2014, I got laid off from my job, and to make things even more interesting, my daughter was born that same evening. While I was overjoyed to become a father, I was also struggling with depression from job hunting and had gained weight. One day, I decided to take charge of my life and started going to the gym.
It was there that my “aha” moment occurred. I noticed how people dealt with their lockers daily, facing common issues like forgetting keys or combinations. That observation sparked the idea for a solution, and from that moment on, my journey to invent BenjiLock began.
There is no shortage of good ideas out there. Many people have good ideas all the time. But people seem to struggle in taking a good idea and translating it into an actual business. How did you overcome this challenge?
Absolutely, it’s a great point. There are tons of great ideas floating around, but turning them into a successful business is a whole different ball game. I’ve definitely had my fair share of ideas that never really took off. I’ve dabbled in a few different things, and while they didn’t pan out, I learned a lot from each experience. I think the key is to keep trying and experimenting. Don’t be afraid to take risks and learn from your mistakes.
Ultimately, it’s about execution. If you’re consistent and put in the effort day after day, you’ll be surprised at what you can achieve. Whether it’s an invention or something else entirely, the path to success is paved with hard work and perseverance.
Did you have a role model or a person who inspired you to persevere despite the hardships involved in taking the risk of selling a new product?
I’ve been lucky enough to surround myself with positive people. Kevin O’Leary has always been more than just my investor; he’s someone I look to in business and in life. My journey has taught me that as entrepreneurs, we often think it’s our way or the highway, but the reality is quite different. It’s essential to network and connect with others; sharing my journey has opened up so many opportunities. I realized that many entrepreneurs are in the same boat, facing similar challenges. This mindset inspired me to persevere despite the hardships, reminding me that I wasn’t alone and that my next partner, mentor, or friend could be just a conversation away.
For the benefit of our readers, can you share the story, and outline the steps that you went through, from when you thought of the idea, until it finally landed in consumers’ hands? In particular, we’d love to hear about things like how to file a patent, how to source a good manufacturer, and how to find a retailer to distribute it.
My journey began with an idea and a prototype for BenjiLock, and the first step was to do my research with the USPTO for the patent process. They are the best resource when it comes to intellectual property, and understanding this process was crucial for protecting my invention.
Once I had my patent filed, I focused on finding a reliable manufacturer. I believe in the power of live interaction, so tradeshows became key for my business. Attending CES, in particular, provided an exciting environment where potential customers could touch and feel the product, and it was also a great way to connect with the press, retailers, manufacturing partners, and investors.
Throughout this process, I learned that authenticity is vital. Being myself and showcasing my passion made it easier to relate to people. When you approach others with genuine enthusiasm and a unique perspective, things tend to pan out in your favor. That’s how my idea transitioned into a product that finally landed in consumers’ hands.
Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
It happened during my first interaction with my attorney. He invited me to a meeting, and being a newbie to the business world, I assumed I had to physically go to his office. So, I spent a good amount of time getting ready and even driving halfway across town before realizing it was actually a phone call.
Looking back, it’s a pretty funny mistake! But at the time, I was so embarrassed and frustrated with myself. It taught me a valuable lesson about communication and assuming things. From then on, I was much more careful about clarifying details and avoiding unnecessary stress.
The early stages must have been challenging. Are you able to identify a “tipping point” after making your invention, when you started to see success? Did you start doing anything different? Are there takeaways or lessons that others can learn from that?
The early stages were incredibly challenging! You’re constantly trying to figure out what the next step is and how to keep moving forward. I’d say a significant tipping point for me was my appearance on Shark Tank. It all started at the CES show in Las Vegas, in the Eureka Park section, where the latest innovations spark excitement in every corner of the convention center! It’s like a home away from home for me now! I was showcasing BenjiLock, and a lot of people were saying, “You should pitch this on Shark Tank.” With a bit of encouragement from friends and family, I decided to go for it.
The Shark Tank experience was a game-changer. It gave BenjiLock a huge boost in visibility and credibility! It was also a great opportunity to get feedback from experienced entrepreneurs and secure funding.
So, if I had to give any advice to other entrepreneurs, I’d say don’t be afraid to take risks and seize opportunities when they come your way. You never know where a little bit of courage and perseverance can lead you.
What are your “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Invented My Product” and why? (Please share a story or example for each.)
1 . Passion is paramount: If you’re not genuinely passionate about your invention, it’s unlikely to succeed. Passion fuels your drive, perseverance, and ability to overcome challenges.
2 . Embrace patience in product development: The development process can vary greatly depending on the complexity of your invention. Be prepared for potential setbacks and delays.
3 . Conduct your patent searches: Before investing significant resources into your invention, conduct a comprehensive patent search. This will help you determine if your idea is truly original and whether there’s potential for IP protection.
4 . Develop leadership skills: As an inventor, you’ll often need to lead a team and collaborate with various stakeholders. Strong leadership skills are essential for guiding your project to success.
5 . Expect the unexpected: Things will often go sideways when you least anticipate it! The timeline from prototype to final product is rarely straightforward and can change at any moment. By staying flexible and open to adjustments, I learned that each challenge could be turned into an opportunity for improvement.
There are many invention development consultants. Would you recommend that a person with a new idea hire such a consultant, or should they try to strike out on their own?
Whether to hire an invention development consultant really depends on your idea. You have to be mindful of your budget and what you can manage upfront. If you feel confident that you can handle the initial stages on your own, go for it! However, recognize that mentorship and guidance are invaluable in this process. Ultimately, it’s about weighing your specific situation and needs.
What are your thoughts about bootstrapping vs looking for venture capital? What is the best way to decide if you should do either one?
When it comes to bootstrapping versus looking for venture capital, I’m all about bootstrapping! As much as I can, I prefer to fund my projects myself because it really helps me appreciate the blood, sweat, and tears that go into my business or invention. It gives me a deeper connection to what I’m creating and keeps me focused on making it the best it can be.
However, deciding between the two often depends on the specifics of my situation. If I can manage the early stages on my own and see potential growth, I’ll stick with bootstrapping. But if I recognize that my idea needs a larger investment to scale or if I want to tap into industry expertise, then seeking venture capital might be the way to go. In the end, it’s about weighing my resources, the potential of my idea, and how much control I want to maintain over my vision.
Ok. We are nearly done. Here are our final questions. How have you used your success to make the world a better place?
I’ve used my success to make the world a better place by focusing on inspiring the next generation. I’ve offered career days for the LAUSD school district to spark interest in STEM and new ideas, and I’ve had the honor of keynoting the Immigrant Entrepreneur Summit in Iowa. I also love motivating college students at UCLA, Santa Monica College, and USC, as well as participating in panels at SXSW and NASA. I’m always looking for ways to give back by igniting the innovative spirit in young minds and encouraging them to chase their dreams.
You are an inspiration to a great many people. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.
I don’t know if this could inspire a movement, but I truly believe that in the end, you’re the only one who drives that engine! If you have an idea or a passion you believe in, take the risk! No one else will take it for you. I think encouraging people to embrace their own ideas and take that leap of faith could create a ripple effect, empowering them to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact in the world. You never know what your idea can trigger, and inspiring others to take that first step could lead to incredible change.
We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US, with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them.
I would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with Christopher Nolan! His vision and movie masterpieces are incredible, and I believe there’s so much I could learn from his creative process! I’m always an avid learner, and hearing about his journey and how he brings such complex stories to life would be fascinating. Regardless of the industry, his insights could inspire new ideas and approaches. (I just re-watched Inception again — such a great movie!)
Thank you for these fantastic insights. We greatly appreciate the time you spent on this.
Celebrity Inventors: Robbie Cabral of BenjiLock On How To Go From Idea To Launch was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.