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How SCORE helped.

What does a deaf and blind German Shepherd have in common with night bicyclers? Not a lot, unless you are Brad Beneski, founder and owner of FlashBAK.

FlashBAK is a unique safety product conceived, developed and patented by Beneski which consists of LED flashing lights installed into a harness that fits over a bicycler’s camelback or back pack or the bicycle itself. The high intensity LEDs protrude providing superior visibility for the wearer.

Brad heard about SCORE through his college professor of his MBA program. His SCORE mentor, Jack Greyer, provided valuable counsel in a wide range of critical issues including: negotiations with foreign suppliers; importing and logistics; product identification, logo and packaging; product pricing and distribution channels; selling to foreign markets; and licensing technology to foreign manufacturers to make and sell FlashBAK to their local markets. FlashBAK is currently marketed to more than eighty retailers in the U.S., appointed commission sales representatives in some territories; and negotiated sales agreements in two foreign countries. Mr. Beneski is considering licensing the technology to foreign manufacturers to make and sell FlashBAK in their regional markets.

About the deaf and blind dog…Although Brad credits SCORE for great support in the development of his business strategy, his dog, Rockie, must be credited for the innovative idea that started it all. Brad fitted Rockie with a collar of flashing lights so he could easily find him. He began to market the product for pet owners, but his bicycling friends bought two of the collars and wrapped them around their gear for night safety. What started as an idea to keep his dog safe resulted in an adaptation to keep thousands of night bicyclers safe, too.