MAMTC Helps Wichita Entrepreneur Tee-off New Product

Taking a product from concept to market can be a daunting task. However, for the diligent entrepreneur, bringing an idea to fruition can be a rewarding experience. James Voth understands the complex process and, after two years in the making, Voth’s ProPouch^TM, a new product for golfers, is ready for market.

The ProPouch can hold up to three golf balls and four tees in a canvas device that hangs from a golfer’s belt or pants pocket. Voth believes that easier access to balls and tees should allow golfers to concentrate on their game and enjoy it more. It is a concept he is banking on.

It all started when a friend of Voth’s came to him with an idea for a golf ball holder. Voth, who owns Ratzlaff Draperies Inc. of Goessel with his wife, had the sewing machines and necessary materials to make the product. Voth felt that the device had possibilities but needed some work. Voth redesigned the original concept, making sure that it would not interfere with a golfer’s swing, and developed the ProPouch concept.

After creating a workable product, Voth needed some assistance in taking it to market. Voth contacted MAMTC for help. MAMTC field engineers first conducted a market survey to determine if there was interest in such a product; and there was. Then came the name change. MAMTC field engineers suggested that the original name, the “belt caddy”, might not appeal to a growing segment of the market, women golfers, and hence, the ProPouch was born.

With MAMTC’s assistance, Voth is engaged in marketing his new product. Voth has been placing ads in golf magazines, including the popular “Golf Week” and sending product information to the “What’s New” sections of a number of magazines. Voth has mounted a three-prong attack: creating awareness, developing a Web page and strategic alliances.

Voth’s hard work is beginning to pay off. He has begun seeing some sales and has had numerous opportunities to demonstrate the product. MAMTC field engineers believe the ProPouch will, with time, take off due to the popularity of golf. Voth hopes to have great success with the ProPouch but realizes that it will take time. “For me, it was fun to come up with the prototypes, but afterwards, that’s the real challenge,” said Voth. “MAMTC has been a great help.”