Darrell O'Connor

Inventor

Foundations & Early Influences

What early experiences shaped your entrepreneurial spirit?

My experience is in home building, where I focused on solving problems and finding better ways to work. I enjoyed creating simple, practical solutions—like easier ways to put on my boots after inspections or to hang-dry my dry cleaning in my truck. I’ve always found it exciting to make tasks easier, quicker, and more efficient.

Did you have role models or family influences in business?

My brothers inspired me to develop new ideas and products to make my work more efficient, faster, and cleaner. Their interest and suggestions motivated me to find better ways to solve problems, which helped me realize I had a talent for developing ideas.

What was your first taste of business, even as a child or student?

I started working at 13 doing yard work and neighborhood projects, then held jobs at a department store, a steel mill, and an airline. After college, I spent 30 years in home construction—building everything from tract to custom homes, as well as commercial and multifamily projects. During that time, I learned to anticipate and solve problems, which eventually led me to develop products, source materials, and manage production.

How did your education contribute to your mindset?

I hold a Bachelor of Applied Science in Construction Technology, which strengthened my drive to complete projects efficiently and handle challenges with effective problem-solving.

Entrepreneur Journey

What motivated you to start your first business?

My first project was after I semi-retired. My brother and I decided to combine a couple of ideas we've had and start a business called Widgetry Product Development.

What was your first entrepreneurial venture?

My first entrepreneurial venture was EZ Pull, which extends your boots by 12 inches to make it easier for the young, old, and everybody in between. We also developed the EZ Hang, a product that hangs on the pull-down handle in the backseat of your truck to hang clothes on without obscuring your vision

How did you secure funding or resources?

Our project funding has come from within the family. They continue to support our venture and participate in developing the items.

What challenges did you face in the beginning?

Some of the challenges at the beginning were choosing the right product, finding vendors, putting the product together with its advertising, and producing the product, which is all made in America.

Did you have partners, mentors, or advisors?

My partner is my brother Danial, who is also my mentor and my sounding board for any and every decision I make. Widgetry is a combination of family working together to create something that is personally positive.

Current Journey

What ventures are you leading today?

The EZ-Hang and The EZ-Pull

What excites you most about your current work?

Going to the convention and communicating with people about the use and benefits of both our products on the market at this time. And listening to any feedback we can receive to improve or add to our product.

What challenges or opportunities are you navigating now?

We have started working on a new product while we are still attending conferences for our existing products.

Legacy & Advice

What legacy do you want to leave as an entrepreneur?

Satisfaction that we created a product and were able to bring it to market.

How do you want your impact to be remembered?

People are continuously using our products and contacting us to order more for friends, family, and coworkers.

What advice would you give to new entrepreneurs?

Pick something that is your line of work that makes you happy and is always enjoyable to work on every day.

If you could go back, what would you do differently?

I would've started this earlier in my life.

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