Creativity is his career

By Karen Tina Harrison | Special to amNewYork

March 3, 2008

InventorJack Atzmon with his hand-healthy Pro:Motion keyboard. (Alan Shafer)

The Big Career Switch: From chiropractor to inventor

Who Pulled It Off: Jack Atzmon, 40

What He Does: Atzmon invented the Pro:Motion keyboard, which is marketed through his company, Smartfish Technologies. (www.getsmartfish.com)

What He Did: Atzmon was a Manhattan chiropractor who still practices part-time.

Why He Switched: "Chiropractic work is social, beneficial and challenging. But I come from a family of inventors and see the world as a place to be improved, object by object. I've always invented stuff but made my career change when I came up with something big: a computer keyboard and mouse that minimize the risk of carpal-tunnel syndrome."

How He Did It: "To bring an invention to market, you have to form a business and attract investors. I went to the Entrepreneurial Institute at Touro College downtown, which helps people with business ideas get them off the ground. My company was born, and my Pro:Motion keyboard is about to be launched worldwide."

What An Inventor Does: "You question everything and think of a better version. Then you spend hours researching, building and tweaking prototypes. Independent inventors must sell themselves, their company and their ideas. So you promote yourself constantly to attract investors."

Who Makes a Good Inventor? "You need expertise, intuition, inspiration, unique ideas and great computer research skills. You must be a passionate and persuasive salesman who's OK with hitting up everyone you know. You must believe in your inventions and never give up."

How's The Dough? "Inventors who work for themselves and not for companies struggle at first. But if your invention hits, you become rich."

What About Perks? "You're your own boss, and you travel a lot. And it's amazing to wake up in the morning feeling important."

What Else You Should Know About Inventors: "All your life you've been this intense, eccentric person, and suddenly more people than your mom think you're a genius."

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