Everyday Edisons, Pam Hester, featured in the Deloitte Annual Review

To see the article online please visit http://www.deloitte.com/print/en_GX/global/about/annual-review/build-your-own-review then click “Life at Deloitte,” then “The reality TV star.”

The reality TV star
Pam Hester
CATER Program Leader, senior manager, DTT Global Clients group Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu

The reality TV star
When Pam Hester and two friends had the idea for a scrapbooking tool, they began developing a prototype and researching how to bring their product to market. But their invention didn’t become a reality until they were cast on the first season of "Everyday Edisons," an Emmy award-winning television show that documents the development process of inventions.

Now, a few years later, the Arccivo, a magnetic portfolio that allows you to save and transport unfinished scrapbooking layouts, is on the market.

How much of your story is told on "Everyday Edisons"?
The show documents each phase, from going to market, to the patent process, to picking the name. The finished product was sold on QVC where we sold about US$20,000 worth of product in three minutes.

What was the best part of your "Everyday Edisons" experience?
Having somebody you don’t know put money behind your idea was so gratifying. It was brilliant getting on the show because they funded everything, and now we’re paid a percentage of sales.

What was it like to be on reality television?
It’s a unique experience—and it’s not always reality. Sometimes we had to repeat things for the cameras. One time we hugged after receiving good news and the producers said, “Oh, we didn’t catch that. Do it again.”

Now that you’re an inventor and successful business person, what lesson would you like to pass on to your kids about your career?
Be open to new opportunities. Growing up in a small town, I never imagined I’d have a business card with the title “Inventor” on it, much less an entry on IMDB.com.