Photo courtesy of thehillow.com
Blake Deal
The Navigator
VIU graduate Evan Falck’s invention has given him the opportunity to go to Toronto for a shot at getting on CBC’s Dragon’s Den.
Falk, a graduate of VIU’s BBA program with a focus in Management, said he had the idea for his invention, “the Hillow,” in 2008.
“It’s a modified neck pillow that you can wear like a helmet,” said Falck. “It allows you to sleep anywhere.”
Falck decided to put his idea into motion during an entrepreneurship class. He went to find a seamstress and made one. They are made from polystyrene and stuffed with Styrofoam micro beads.
They are now made in Vancouver, and Falck is selling them to friends, family, and by word-of-mouth.
“The website should be up soon and hopefully I can sell more.”
Falck, who now lives in Victoria, went to the Dragon’s Den auditions in Nanaimo and was asked to bring his product to Toronto.
Falck heads to Toronto on April 3 and films on April 4. “There’s no guarantee that I will get aired, but hopefully I do.”
“I just hope I can get some air time and exposure for the product. I’m really excited to go, and it should be fun.”
If lucky, Falck said he hopes he could get a deal and some financial and manufacturing help from the show.
“Hopefully I will get to see Kevin O’Leary with the Hillow on.”
Falck is currently in talks with VIU to outfit the Mariners sports teams with the Hillow as well as have them sold in the bookstore.
“They are great for sleeping in cars, the library, or anywhere it’s usually hard to get a decent spot for your head to rest.”
More information on the Hillow can be found on Facebook or at theHillow.com