We were lucky to catch up with Robbie Cabral recently and have shared our conversation below.
Robbie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Innovation comes in all shapes, sizes and across all industries, so we’d love to hear about something you’ve done that you feel was particularly innovative.
Certainly! One of the most innovative experiences in my career was the creation of BenjiLock. BenjiLock is a small yet powerful innovation that disrupted the traditional lock and security industry. The idea for BenjiLock came to me when I witnessed a fellow gym-goer forgetting their keys inside a locker, which sparked a moment of inspiration.
I realized that many people, including myself, frequently struggled with lost keys, forgotten combinations, and the need to carry multiple keys for different locks. This problem was not only inconvenient but also a security risk. That’s when I decided to innovate and create a solution.
What makes this story truly innovative is that I took a traditional, everyday item – the padlock – and transformed it into a smart, biometric security device. BenjiLock not only simplifies people’s lives but also enhances security. It’s a prime example of how innovative thinking can occur when you least expect it, driven by a real-world problem you encounter, and when that light bulb moment happens, it’s time to execute. This innovation has demonstrated how it can disrupt established industries and improve the way we live and interact with our environment.
Robbie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Absolutely! I’m Robbie Cabral, the inventor, CEO, and founder of BenjiLock. My journey into the lock and security industry was driven by a desire to solve a common yet frustrating problem – losing keys and struggling with combinations. It all started when I witnessed someone at the gym forget their keys inside a locker. That moment served as a spark of inspiration.
I realized that many people, including myself, face the inconvenience and security risks associated with traditional locks. This inspired me to create BenjiLock, a smart padlock that can be opened with a fingerprint. It eliminates the need for keys and combinations, offering a convenient and secure solution for protecting personal belongings.
At BenjiLock, we provide innovative security solutions that simplify people’s lives and enhance their security. We’re proud of taking the risk to challenge the status quo in an industry that hadn’t seen significant innovation in years.
What sets us apart is our commitment to innovation and our willingness to collaborate with partners across various industries. We’re excited about our product portfolio, which includes consumer, business, and enterprise solutions. Additionally, we’re embedding our biometric technology into other industries, such as the music industry through a brand like TKL Cases. Our recent partnership with the public company Fingerprints has allowed us to enhance our technology and software in biometrics for our products and customers.
I’m most proud of our ability to disrupt the traditional lock and security industry with BenjiLock and to provide a solution that brings both convenience and security to people’s lives. We’re also proud of taking a leap of faith on ABC’s hit show Shark Tank, where we landed Kevin O’Leary as an investor. This partnership has been instrumental in our growth and success. Additionally, we’ve showcased our innovations at prestigious tradeshows such as CES, where our technology has won over 30 global awards. We’re also the only TSA-Accepted travel lock in the industry, and we’re looking forward to making an impact and enhancing accessibility in the travel and security industry.
I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that we’re not just a lock company; we’re innovators dedicated to making everyday life better and safer. We’re excited about our partnerships and the potential they hold, and we’re constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of security and biometrics.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Absolutely! My journey from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, to founding BenjiLock has been a rollercoaster of challenges and setbacks that put my determination to the test. One particular story that illustrates this resilience is my experience in the corporate world.
When I first arrived in the United States, job hunting was tough. I applied for countless positions, and rejections were a regular part of the process. It was a challenging period, and it could have easily knocked my confidence. But I kept at it.
After a lot of persistence, I finally landed a job, which was a big deal. I worked hard, learned the ropes of corporate America, and felt like I was making progress. However, just when I thought I was on solid ground, I faced another curveball – I got laid off unexpectedly, and it hit me hard.
However, I didn’t let this setback define me or my future. Instead, I saw it as an opportunity. It was during this period of uncertainty that I had the idea for BenjiLock. The frustration of losing keys and struggling with locks at the gym became the catalyst for my entrepreneurial journey.
I channeled my determination into creating something innovative and practical. I put in the hours, gave it my all, and never lost sight of my vision. BenjiLock was born during this challenging time in my life and has since become a symbol of persistence and grit.
This story reminds us that setbacks and obstacles are part of the journey, but they can also be stepping stones to growth and innovation. It’s a testament to the importance of staying positive, pushing through tough times, and believing in yourself, even when life throws you a curveball.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
The best source of new clients for BenjiLock has been a combination of factors, but one that has been particularly impactful is our appearance on Shark Tank. It’s no secret that the exposure and credibility gained from being on such a widely-watched platform can open doors to new clients and partnerships. Additionally, the consistent re-runs of our episodes on ABC, Hulu, and CNBC have been amazing for expanding our reach and attracting potential clients.
However, I’m a firm believer in the power of tradeshows and personal connections. In the business world, it’s often about experience, trust, and shared vision. When both parties see a fit and have a chance to connect personally, it can lead to lasting and fruitful collaborations.
I thrive on risk-taking, networking, and meeting fellow entrepreneurs in this dynamic world. Building relationships and making those personal connections at tradeshows and events has been instrumental in not only gaining clients but also forging long-lasting partnerships that drive our business forward. So, while appearances on platforms like Shark Tank are fantastic, the personal touch and trust-building at tradeshows have been equally essential for us in acquiring new clients.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://BenjiLock.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benjilockofficial/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/benjilockofficial
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/benjilock
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/BenjiLock
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/benjilock
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cabralrobbie/
Image Credits
BenjiLock