“Coming up with new business concepts and problem solving products, it is important for me to use synergies, be as most effective and productive as possible and be able to perform on the highest possible level.”
Tobi Deckert, Founder of Shredrack and Tronature
Adventurer, Entrepreneur, Engineer, … all this and more is embodied by Tobi Deckert, who is among Bernstein's first and most loyal users. He started thinking about protecting his ideas when inventing an inflatable car roof rack. He discovered Bernstein during a startup pitch and has, since then, certified the entire progress of the product development as well as the numerous new ideas he came up with along the way. Now, we’re proud to count him as one of Bernstein's ambassadors.
Introduce yourself, Tobi
I'm Tobi Deckert, entrepreneur, product developer and full of ideas. My work in detail is "bringing ideas to action" which means to get a physical product out of my mind. Two of those innovations are already successful on the market:
ShredRack - the inflatable car roof rack: It is a modular product concept of different sizes of car roof racks and tension belts that can be easily and quickly mounted on any car's roof. It is designed for traveling athletes that have to carry a lot of gear on their rental car after their arrival at airports.
Of course, while not being used, it can be stored in the trunk with the size of a football. In general, the weight and packing size is very small thanks to the inflatable technology. The inflation works through a convenient manual mechanism, meaning that no external pump is required. The materials are of high quality (TPU airtight bladder) and foremost made in Germany. Also, the tension belts have a special TPU coating for extra grip and waterproofness. Currently, there are 3 different sizes according to the transport objects (e.g. surfboard, skis, kayak) available. The smallest size ShredRack Mini works with plastic bottles instead of air bladder and was very well-received in its first year after market entry.
ShredRack vibration sling trainer: This year another product expands the modular concept. A vibrating massage roll, also being used to stimulate the fascia, can be combined with a specially designed webbing pocket. This pocket gives the opportunity to attach any sling trainer (besides the ShredRack sling trainer - made out of the ShredRack tensions belts) to the loops and convert them into a portable vibrating training device perfectly for muscle building, relaxation and traveling.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your activity?
To be able to be free in doing what I like most and create something that has a greater impact on our living. To achieve that goal, it is important to do first things first. That means running a company that generates profit in first place in order to be able to have time and money for the "greater things". Having the opportunity to realize ideas is already rewarding - but if there are satisfied customers giving good feedback, that's the cherry on top.
The ultimate feeling would be to create something that fulfills the purpose of helping others. This is what I'm working on.
How has Bernstein been helping you in what you are doing?
Bernstein is keeping my concepts and ideas safe at an affordable level also in terms of the volume of little things that I want to protect. From the very first idea popping up in my head to the first physical MVP there are a lot of steps in between. Testing, technical drawings, prototypes and testing again. All this needs proper documentation for the next level of improvement. Being able to adjust those documents or update them is a unique feature that wouldn’t be possible in the old fashion patent-pending process.
More about Shredrack | More about Tronature | More about Tobi
The Bernstein team says a big “thanks” to Tobi for sharing his story, and encourages any Bernsteiner who would like to share their journey & insights to reach out!