How to Turn Your Jobsite Hack Into a Real Product

Ever looked at a tool on your jobsite and thought, there’s got to be a better way? In this episode of The Builder’s Edge, painting contractor turned inventor Laurence Ash shares how he turned a simple jobsite hack into the patented Diplomat Brush — and how you can turn your jobsite idea into a real product. If you’re a builder, contractor, or trades pro with an idea for a better tool or system, this one’s for you.2. What You’ll Learn / HighlightsThe exact job in Hingham, MA that sparked the idea for a brush with an internal spray tip.How Laurence hacked a standard brush onto a spray gun and realized he’d built a better way to work.What the “poor man’s patent” looks like and how he documented his idea when he couldn’t afford legal fees.Why the prototype sat on a shelf for 10–12 years — and what finally pushed him to secure multiple patents.The reality of chasing licensing deals with big companies (and why most want proof of concept first).How a single dad contractor bootstrapped manufacturing, partnered up, and turned his invention into a real business.The productivity gains from the Diplomat Brush — including applying and back-brushing 15+ gallons in 7 hours solo.Laurence’s simple first step for builders with an idea: how to move from “someday” to written, real, and actionable.3. Chapters (Timestamps)00:00 Intro – The Builder’s Edge & “there’s got to be a better way”00:21 Meet Laurence Ash & the Diplomat Brush origin story01:14 The Hingham, MA job that sparked a new kind of paint brush01:42 Strapping a brush to a spray gun: the first jobsite hack02:50 Realizing the potential of an internally fed brush03:40 Early prototypes and DIY attachments for spray equipment04:20 Sketches, photos, and the “poor man’s patent”05:13 Shoebox on the shelf: 10+ years before taking action06:29 Why he kept the brush as his secret advantage on jobs07:01 Chasing licensing deals & trips to the National Hardware Show07:55 Hitting a wall and the shift in licensing expectations08:28 Partnering up, finding manufacturers, and going all-in09:00 Filing patents, waiting years, and finally getting them granted10:12 Bootstrapping: paying cash, no investors, and pushing through doubt11:31 Marketing a niche tool & fighting for product awareness12:45 Real-world results: 15+ gallons in 7 hours on a two-story garage13:39 User feedback, testimonials, and skeptics who never tried it14:05 First steps if you’ve got a tool or system idea14:45 Mindset shift: from tradesperson using tools to inventor building them15:39 Where to find the Diplomat Brush online and on social16:20 Host’s challenge: write your idea down and build a prototype16:45 The AI Visibility Scorecard for builders & final send-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices