This story appears in the
June 2004 issue of
Entrepreneur.
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Description:
Manufacturer of the Seatbelt Shifter Lock and provider of
technical, electronic and engineering support to the automotive
industry
Startup:
$5,000 in April 2000
2004 projected
sales: $1.5 million
A silver
lining: In 1997, and his fiancée, Dionyell Walton, were ejected from
their car in a fatal accident that claimed her life and changed the
course of his. Since then, Robinson has focused on one objective:
to create and distribute Seatbelt Shifter Lock, a device that
prevents cars from being shifted into gear until the seat belts are
buckled. Says Robinson, "I developed a technology to prevent
other families from going through what we went through."
Driven to
Succeed: A former law student and restaurant co-owner,
Robinson had no automotive or engineering experience. Yet he
persisted in turning his idea into a reality, creating it from his
garage. With a goal of selling the device to auto manufacturers who
would then provide it in their vehicles, he garnered exposure and
support by displaying the Seatbelt Shifter Lock at fleet shows. He
has also talked to community members, including legislators,
congresspeople and senators. Currently, Robinson is negotiating
with GM to offer the technology as an option for all the
company's vehicles.
Unexpected
Outcome: At one time, the automobile industry held no
special significance for Robinson; now his life is defined by it.
D&D Innovations continues to bring in profits by building
prototypes for others in the industry, providing Robinson with the
support he needs to complete his personal mission.
"I knew a long time ago I was going to start my own
business and work for myself, and I feel blessed to be able to do
that," he explains. "I really feel I'm doing what God
has ordained me to do: save people's lives."