Developed by aspiring entrepreneurs on the hit NBC show, the Staples Desk Apprentice is the easy way to stay organized from the street to the suite. Designed by Team Magna consisting of Craig, Kendra, and Tana, Donald Trump praised the Desk Apprentice model during the show for its efficient consolidation of school and office supply storage. With a 360-degree swivel base, the Desk Apprentice has custom-made storage areas for nearly every supply imaginable, making the workspace more efficient. Hanging file folders, scissors, staplers and notepads are among the many office supply items that can be stored in the uniquely designed compartments of the Desk Apprentice. The huge capacity of the rotating desk organizer keeps everything you need in one neat, convenient spot.
"The Desk Apprentice offers a creative solution for organizing home and office areas so we're pleased to add it to our growing collection of innovative Staples brand products," said Shira Goodman of Staples. "This is just one more way we are bringing to life our commitment to make it easy for our customers."
In the episode that aired on Thursday, Trump stressed to the candidates the importance of being organized in business and then set them to work on the challenge of creating an office item to keep people organized. Teams then conducted research, created product prototypes, and presented their ideas to a panel of office managers. The Desk Apprentice design was picked as the favorite by Goodman and Demos Parneros based on the feedback from the panel. The loss for Team Net Worth resulted in having Bren dismissed from the show.
If you have an idea for the next easy office product, the annual Staples Invention Quest is an opportunity to invent the next great office product and potentially have it sold by the company.
Last year more than 8,300 entries were garnered, four of which are about to hit Staples shelves and make the work day easier. This year's search comes on the heels of some eye opening research recently commissioned by Staples. The research shows that 44 percent of the 1000 office workers surveyed, stated they have had an idea for a new product but did not know how to bring that idea to market.
"People gravitate towards things that make their lives easier," said Art Fry, inventor of the Post-it Notes. "Staples Invention Quest is an extraordinary opportunity for everyday people to bring their ideas to life without having to go through the laborious process most inventors have to endure. The simple fact is, Staples is making it easier for customers to bring their new office product ideas to market."
The contest is an open invitation across the U.S. for would-be inventors to have the chance to make their office product idea a reality. Multiple finalists' products may be brought to market under the Staples brand and sold exclusively by Staples. A panel of judges will select the best office product entry and the winner will receive $25,000 and royalties if Staples brings the winning product to its shelves. Nine semi-finalists will be awarded cash prizes of $5000 and the possibility to have their idea created and sold by Staples.
"Staples goal, in everything we do, is to make things easier for our customers," said Jevin Eagle of Staples. This "is a great way for the public to tap into their innovative spirit and come up with new, creative office products which make work and life easier."