A product developed by entrepreneur and alumnus Gary Hoyle ’79, who has an ongoing relationship with The Point at Otterbein, was recently introduced to a nationwide audience on FOX & Friends. Hoyle serves on the Advisory Board at The Point and collaborated with engineering students on designs, prototypes, and even presentations to potential licensees. 

Contributor Skip Bedell, a popular licensed home-improvement and television personality, reviewed the BORA PM-4520 All-Terrain Sawhorse featuring STABLZ Tap to Adapt Technology on his segment on June 19. Calling it a perfect gift for fathers, he said, “This is what I use on my job sites… There’s nothing like it in the world!” 

When Hoyle first came up with the concept for STABLZ, he patented the technology, then partnered with The Point to develop his first prototypes as a way to engage with his alma mater and current students. 

“Just do a search for wobbly tables in restaurant reviews online. It’s a problem, and STABLZ is the solution,” Hoyle said. “I took that solution to The Point and the engineering students helped with prototyping, testing, tweaking, and designing variations for different uses .” 

STABLZ Tap to Adapt Technology features a game changing, vertical support, triangular in shape, that adapts intuitively to any surface. A simple tap of the foot pivots the triangle resulting in four points of contact on any terrain — no bending over or tools required. 

Otterbein students worked on the prototypes. Hoyle also asked students to be involved in presentations to licensees, including Affinity Tool Works, the family-owned company located in Michigan which produces BORA Portamate tools. 

The BORA PM-4520 All-Terrain Sawhorse is the first product in Affinity’s innovative new line of all-terrain, wobble-free products for contractors, tradespeople, and DIY enthusiasts, featuring the new, patented Tap to Adapt Technology.  

“It solves a universal, long-standing problem — stability in shops, garages, or on job sites. Our customers appreciate the convenience and safety that STABLZ brings to their work,” said Connor Ursell, vice president, marketing, for Affinity Tool Works. 

Ursell visited The Point as the product was being developed. “Working with Gary, the STABLZ team, and the team at Otterbein has been a pleasure. There has been a real synergy between STABLZ and Affinity, not only on this product, but also working together as small businesses with similar outlooks on products and speed to market.” 

For Hoyle, the project was about more than business. “I chose The Point because it’s personal. I could have prototypes made anywhere, but I love being here engaging the students,” he said. “It’s fun for me when the students think. They have to explore different ways of doing things and use creativity. They still learn, even if their idea doesn’t work.” 

The hard work of Hoyle and the engineering students at The Point paid off — the sawhorse they collaborated on is available through national retailers online, and is earning rave reviews from customers. It boasts an average of 4.7 out of five stars with 20 reviews on www.HomeDepot.com.  

Watch Skip Bedell’s segment at https://video.foxnews.com/v/6259626622001.  

Also check out a review by the Stumpy Nubs Woodworking Journal at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PXPHiHIEfY.