It’s a tricky thing, trying to profit (or at least break even) from an idea born in the classroom. But that’s what I’m trying to do. It is a challenge because my professional life overlaps with my new business, and I don’t want to be seen as one who takes advantage of those overlaps. A good example: I am the webmaster for our state math organization (check out atomicmath.org). If any one of our members invented and produced a new kind of protractor, I’d be the first one to post a story about it. But since I did it, I feel like I can’t. And if I talk about them too much on Twitter or LinkedIn, I’m labeled a spammer. (I’m permanently banned from a physics forum…)

But I want to talk about them! They are a good idea! That’s why I invested in their production – I saw them work, and I know they’d work even better if introduced earlier. I want all kids to have that chance, and I want to help teachers explain what can be very hard to grasp.

So, to help dispel the myth that I’m just some heartless corporate mogul, I’d like to give you a rare peek into the ProRadian Protractor World Headquarters.

Here is the CEO in her multifunction working environment (a.k.a. The family room). It is amazing what a flexible space it is – let’s take a tour!

Here is the Publishing Department, where Branding Elements, Invoices, Shipping Labels, and other Correspondences are printed.

This is the Packaging Department, responsible for assembly of the final product in its custom-printed bags. This department has its own staff (the CEO’s husband, son, and mom)!

For perspective, this is 2700 protractors as they arrive in the receiving area. ProRadian makes three different radian-scale angle-measuring tools.

Here is the Communications Department (see the phone? I can also send messages via the musical wooden frogs), the R&D library (actually old texts I never go to), and the warehouse. Current stock is around 22,000 units. My least favorite words – “Minimum Order.” And yes, the wall art is fake.

2 Learning Sets – Ready to go!

Finally, here is the Shipping Department. Orders get packed and sent within 2 days.

So, that’s it! When you buy ProRadian protractors, you’re really helping your students. The fact that you’re also helping me pay back my home equity loan before my second son starts college is just a bonus. Thanks for your support.