Product Innovation - No Pain, No Gain

By Troy Marcyes, Intuit

In the early 1980's, Al Gallegos was running an average of seven miles a day. He suffered all the typical injuries associated with running. And although he owned a shoe store at the time and had access to all types of running shoes, he was unable to find a shoe that eased his pain.

Realizing that the source of his pain was impact, Al reasoned that putting a "shock-absorber" in the heel of his shoe would reduce the force of impact. And as an added benefit, a spring would provide some form of energy return, to help him run faster and farther.

Caeser Snee, owner of Z-Coil Pain Relief Footwear stores in San Jose and San Francisco, recently shared his business insight at the Intuit Small Business Town Hall on May 14th, 2009. The Town Hall featured numerous Small Business owners sharing their views on how to survive and thrive despite the economic climate. (Read More)