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đ«Super Soaker: Invented by a Rocket Scientist (Literally) | 27
Manage episode 477117206 series 3608271
Lonnie Johnson was already a brilliant Air Force engineer working on cutting edge, planet-saving inventionsâŠwhen a surprise bathroom discovery (weâve all been there) sparked an idea that changed water fights forever. This nuclear scientist's side hustleâa game-changing water gun prototypeâwould go on to reshape backyard battles and launch a billion-dollar toy sensation. But just like Lonnie when beat the odds as a Black student in Alabamaâs segregated school system, his entrepreneurial era put him to the test. Hear how Lonnie had to navigate flaky investorsâand go head-to-head with a corporate giantâon his way to splashy success. Along the way, weâll get the secret sauce for turning side hustles into realities, learn a valuable business lesson from hockey legend Wayne Gretzky... and find out why the Super Soaker is the best idea yet.
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Follow The Best Idea Yet on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting www.wondery.com/links/the-best-idea-yet/ now.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
29 episodes
Manage episode 477117206 series 3608271
Lonnie Johnson was already a brilliant Air Force engineer working on cutting edge, planet-saving inventionsâŠwhen a surprise bathroom discovery (weâve all been there) sparked an idea that changed water fights forever. This nuclear scientist's side hustleâa game-changing water gun prototypeâwould go on to reshape backyard battles and launch a billion-dollar toy sensation. But just like Lonnie when beat the odds as a Black student in Alabamaâs segregated school system, his entrepreneurial era put him to the test. Hear how Lonnie had to navigate flaky investorsâand go head-to-head with a corporate giantâon his way to splashy success. Along the way, weâll get the secret sauce for turning side hustles into realities, learn a valuable business lesson from hockey legend Wayne Gretzky... and find out why the Super Soaker is the best idea yet.
Be the first to know about Wonderyâs newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter
Follow The Best Idea Yet on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting www.wondery.com/links/the-best-idea-yet/ now.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
29 episodes
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