Mentoring
MENTORING WITH RICK HOPPER
One-on-one sessions for inventors and entrepreneurs who need an experienced set of eyes.
Rick has lived every stage of taking a product from an idea to a shelf. He works with inventors and entrepreneurs who need an experienced set of eyes, someone who has been through it all firsthand. Rick appeared on Shark Tank Season 3, built and sold multiple companies for millions, and holds multiple patents. He created Readerest, the magnetic eyeglass holder that became one of Shark Tank's most recognized products. Whether you're sitting on an idea, stuck in development, or ready to pitch, Rick can help you figure out the next move.
What Rick Covers
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
PATENT STRATEGY & IP PROTECTION
Learn how to protect your ideas before you share them with the world. Rick holds multiple patents and knows the process inside and out: what to file, when to file, and how to avoid costly mistakes.
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT & MANUFACTURING
From prototype to production-ready. Rick has taken multiple products from concept through manufacturing and can help you navigate sourcing, tooling, and quality control.
PITCH PREPARATION
Whether you're preparing for Shark Tank, investor meetings, or QVC, Rick knows what it takes to walk into a room and close a deal. He'll help you sharpen your pitch and your confidence.
RETAIL PLACEMENT & DISTRIBUTION
Getting your product onto shelves is a completely different game. Rick has placed products in major retailers nationwide and can help you build the relationships and strategy to do the same.
BRAND BUILDING & MARKETING
A great product without a brand is just inventory. Rick will help you build a brand that connects with your customer and a marketing approach that actually moves units.
BUSINESS PLANNING & GROWTH
Scaling a business is where most entrepreneurs get stuck. Rick has built multiple companies from scratch, sold two for millions, and knows how to plan for growth without losing what makes your business work.
SESSION PRICING
Questions Rick Gets
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I get my invention on Shark Tank?
There's no secret door. I applied like everybody else and pitched Readerest on Shark Tank Season 3, where I walked out with Lori Greiner's very first deal of the season. What gets you on the show is a product that solves a real problem and a pitch you can defend. In mentoring sessions I coach inventors on application materials, pitch structure, valuation defense, and what to expect during taping.
I have a product idea. What should I do first?
Protect it before you share it with the world. I hold multiple patents, and the process matters: what to file, when to file, and how to avoid costly mistakes. Once your idea is protected, build a prototype and start figuring out manufacturing. That path — idea, protection, prototype, production — is what I walk through in my book, The Bridge From Idea to Money, and in one-on-one mentoring.
How do I know if my idea is worth pursuing?
An idea isn't valuable when you receive it. An idea becomes valuable when you act on it. The best ideas solve everyday problems — Readerest happened because everybody who wears glasses knows what it's like to hang them on a collar, lean over, and watch them hit the floor. Stop sitting on your ideas, identify the best one you have, and start turning it into money. If you want an experienced set of eyes on it first, that's exactly what a mentoring session is for.
What is Biz Owners Ed?
Biz Owners Ed is a non-profit I run in North Texas. We serve serious, committed entrepreneurs through mentorship and training at no cost. If that's you, learn more at bizownersed.org.
How much does a mentoring session with Rick cost?
Two options: $300 for a 30-minute session or $500 for a 60-minute session, one-on-one with me directly. Book through the contact form.
What can Rick help me with in a session?
I mentor across six core areas: patent strategy and IP protection, product development and manufacturing, pitch preparation (Shark Tank, investors, QVC), retail placement and distribution, brand building and marketing, and business planning and growth. Whether you're sitting on an idea, stuck in development, or ready to pitch, I can help you figure out the next move.
How do I book a mentoring session?
Go to the contact page, select Mentoring as your subject, and tell me where you're stuck. I'll reply with scheduling and payment details.