
Optimizing Human Performance for 60 Years and Counting
About the author: Leigh Newman is Director of Facilities and Real Property at Mr. LongArm, Inc., Co-owner and Board of Directors Member
by Leigh Newman
Great Inventions Always Start with a Problem
Sixty years ago, R.D. Newman, was out on a sales call in Wichita KS. While walking inside he saw the store owner and an employee trying to tape a paint roller to a heavy piece of steel conduit. As the legend goes, the store owner retorted, after a friendly ribbing by R.D., “If you can make something better, Newman, I’ll buy it!”. The wheels of invention began to turn. A few months after returning home and with the help of his wife Mimi, R.D. had designed and invented the very first telescopic extension pole!