“IF YOU HAVE A REASON TO BE HERE, TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE ON THE PLANET AND YOU KNOW WHAT THAT IS, THEN YOU’RE SUPPOSED TO DO IT. I BELIEVE I’M HERE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE. I MAKE PRODUCTS THAT CHANGE PEOPLE’S LIVES,”
By Molly Strawn- Hub101 Staff
If you have seen a 5-foot-tall smiling face pass you by in Hub101 with a Maltase named Faith in tow, you’ve met Robin B. Palmer. She is known around the space for her new and latest invention, Flyte Bike Portable Petals for exercising on the go, however she packs more than a few surprises beyond her start-up success.
The performer-turned-entrepreneur starred on Broadway for 15 years before driving across the country from New York to California and becoming a personal trainer. Later, she took a desk job and got married, but never forgot her passion for personal health and fitness.
In late 2009, she was struck with inspiration for an invention. She wanted someone to wake her up positively to get her day going properly (that her husband at the time wouldn’t mind being in the bedroom with them). Stumped, she nurtured her own ideas and created My Wake Up Call Motivation Alarm Clock that started the day with positive reinforcement and stretches, rather than obnoxious beeping or tragic morning news. She has gone on to pitch her inventions on TEDx Talks and NBC TV.
“If you have a reason to be here, to make a difference on the planet and you know what that is, then you’re supposed to do it. I believe I’m here to make a difference. I make products that change people’s lives,” Palmer said. “I transform millions of lives while making millions of dollars.”
She has gone to take her inventions to multiple platforms including apps, CDs and MP3s, constantly battling for patents and licenses. Lawyers even told the “girly-girl” to give up. Now, she is even licensed partners with the Amazon Company, Audible.
“Everyone sat me down and said you can’t do this, you will not get a process patent for this. But I’m supposed to do this. I did get [the patent], and they were all wrong,” Palmer said. “Everyone also told me I wouldn’t star on Broadway. The other women’s’ legs ended where my face started. I understand why, but they were wrong too.”
Palmer is currently working with Hub101 programs to grow Flyte Bike Portable Petals, a lightweight portable exercise bike for getting the blood flowing on the go. She is currently working with Richard Branson and different airline companies for mainstreaming her portable exercise solution as an optional rental product on board.
For her, Hub101 is like a second dog-friendly family. During difficult times, it has offered to her a place where she can come and feel supported. It has been an important part of her life.
“It feels very welcoming. It feels like home,” Palmer said. “I’ve done a lot of growing here.”
No matter the situation, Palmer always has a vibrant positive attitude. Through hard work, a dose of inspiration and a splash of luck, Palmer has a bright future ahead of her at Hub101 and beyond.
“When it’s supposed to happen, I feel like miracles unfold. That’s the way this story has been told,” Palmer said.