This content was created by Evan Carmichael. This content was uploaded by Evan Carmichael. This is a YouTube video titled "The Fastest Way Sam's 30-Year DREAM Became Reality | Amazed at Home Depot" (created 2014-06-29). Evan Carmichael introduces a Dragon's Den clip featuring investor Arlene Dickinson and 82-year-old inventor Sam, whose adjustable sawhorse/bracket — developed over 30+ years — received a deal. The excerpt includes narration about Arlene's post-deal work to redesign and manufacture the product, a surprise reveal with Jeff Kinnaird (VP of Merchandising, The Home Depot Canada) announcing placement in ~180 stores, and emotional reactions from Sam and his family. The content is an inspirational entrepreneurship story.
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So I was watching one of my favorite TV shows, Dragon's Den, and a story came on about an 82-year-old entrepreneur who Arlene Dickinson ended up investing with. And the story moved me to tears and helped remind me again that being an entrepreneur isn't just about making money, it's about making your dreams come true. I hope you enjoy the clip just like I did.
We would like to demonstrate a bold new concept into what a sawhorse should be.
The bracket adjusts to raise and extend a workbench on any uneven surface, a feature Sam designed in his garage more than 30 years ago.
Sam, how old are you?
82.
82.
Oh my gosh.
Despite decades of setbacks that kept his invention off store shelves, Arlene saw something she could build on.
That feels like the bracket is hugely innovative for a whole bunch of reasons.
Ultimately, I They would like to walk into a store and see it being sold. Right. Right.
Arlene bought 100% of Sam's business for $75,000 and a 5% royalty.
We'll see what happens with this, but at the worst case, there's an end to a story there, right? I'm here in Vancouver. It's been over 2 years since I made the deal in the den for a 3D sawhorse. This is the most amount of work work I've ever done on any deal in the den. I have such a big surprise for Sam. I can't wait to see the look on his face. We have gone through everything from having to redesign, redevelop, re-engineer, get it manufactured. It's been a ton of work, but worth every single minute. 30 years ago, Sam had a dream, and it started in his garage. And today, Sam's dream is about to become a reality.
Hi, Sam. Yes, I'm Jeff Kinnaird, Vice President of Merchandising for The Home Depot Canada. Welcome. I've got something I want to show you. This is a surprise.
Uh-oh, here he comes. Can't wait to see the look on his face.
Oh, Dad. I didn't expect that.
Oh, that makes me cry.
Oh, God, that is super. I can't believe this. I can't believe this. Thank you, Sam.
Awesome. I'm so glad that we were able to do this. It took a long time, eh? Were you surprised?
Yeah, but it's—
Well, the good news, Sam, is it's not just going to be here. It's going to be in 180 Home Depot stores across the country. Great. It's been everywhere for you, right? Yeah. Yeah.
Yeah. I just love to watch him over there. Just to watch him, it's awesome. This is it. This is it. Soak it in. This is wonderful.
It just makes me feel so proud and happy. And, you know, to see not just Sam's dream come true, but his family so excited, it was just a lot.
From the 36 years ago to this is— it's been a journey, I'll tell you. But it's worthwhile now.
