WILSONVILLE, Ore.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Hub International LLC, a consumer products company founded in October 2010 by Portland-based entrepreneur Jaime Smith, announced the release of its first product aimed at iPad fanatics, the HandStand. The HandStand is an ergonomically designed accessory that cradles the iPad®, providing a control platform that positions the device as an extension of the user’s hand. The design frees up a navigation hand, reduces fatigue, and eliminates common problems associated with iPad use, including inadvertent scrolling, application launching, and awkward iPad controlling and maneuvering.
“As a tool for realizing the full potential of the iPad in a business environment, the HandStand could not be coming to market at a better time”
The bottom line is that you have 360 degrees of ergonomic freedom with the HandStand iPad holder. Unlike cheap, plastic accessories for the iPad, HandStand is a durable, silicone accessory for the iPad with a tough, rotating disk that allows you to spin the iPad freely from landscape to portrait and back again. It is literally revolutionary.
Now you have a free hand, to do everything you and your iPad can do. Hold your iPad effortlessly and easily manipulate the touch screen with your free hand. When not on your hand, it lays at a gentle incline on your tabletop or desk, in either landscape or portrait orientation, freeing up both of your hands. The company is currently taking all orders online, and will be evaluating retail placement opportunities in coming months.
The product was conceived by its founder, Jaime Smith, 32, a self-confessed gear head and technology enthusiast, who wired his entire house to be controlled from one of his two iPads.
“I have the iPad in my hand several hours per day for online use, but also controlling entertainment components, lights, thermostat, garage doors, blinds, security and cameras,” said Smith. “I could not find an accessory that would make the iPad function easily while also keeping an extra hand free, so we designed the HandStand.”
HandStand allows you to keep your hand in a comfortable position while turning the iPad(R) for best viewing. Spin it portrait or landscape, display the screen to others -- work, watch or play effortlessly.
Smith has a history of making markets and starting companies. He is currently president of Ritter Chemical, a fast-growing national distributor of high-quality agrochemicals which has experienced a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 49.9 percent from its founding in 2006 through 2009. Smith previously pioneered large-scale retail vaccination programs as a value-added service to customers, a practice that has grown to become ubiquitous today at large national retailers like Walgreen’s and Costco.
“My career is one that has been characterized by identifying and filling a need that helps people run their business and personal lives more efficiently,” explained Smith. “The HandStand is one of the most tangible expressions of that philosophy and I could not be more excited to get this product into iPad users’ hands and see it take off.”
Industry Data
The company expects early adoption of HandStand to map against those using iPad regularly among enterprise companies, government agencies and consumers. In October, AT&T announced it would begin offering the iPad directly to customers through its recently formed Advanced Enterprise Mobility Solutions group.
On November 9, BoxTone, a Mobile Services Management company, released a survey of more than 1,200 IT administrators and business executives at more than 800 enterprise companies and government agencies. The company found that 73 percent of respondents expect to deploy the iPad and other iOS devices within their organizations in the next 12 months, with more than a quarter expecting to roll out “immediately.”
On November 15, Good Technology, the leader in multiplatform enterprise mobility, released data showing that the Financial Services (36.8%), Technology (11.4%) and Healthcare (10.5%) industries are seeing the greatest adoption of the iPad for business use. They were followed by the Legal (8.8%) and Government and Public sectors (8.3%). This information came from Good Technology’s user base, which consists of more than 4,000 enterprise customers whose iPad deployments range from one to more than 1,000 iPads.
“As a tool for realizing the full potential of the iPad in a business environment, the HandStand could not be coming to market at a better time,” added Smith. “From the top down, the iPad’s enterprise functionality is being validated and HandStand will be there to unleash the iPad’s full potential in these industries.”
The HandStand rests securely triangulated with a gentle slope for tabletop or desk use when it's not on your hand. Flip the HandPad vertically or horizontally, whenever you wish, for however you choose to use your iPad(R).
Product Team
The HandStand was designed, engineered and manufactured in Portland, Oregon, by Smith with Houserworks, a Portland machine shop that specializes in design, prototyping, machining and manufacturing. The team’s design experience includes projects for Nike, NASA, Ducati and many other internationally recognized brands.
MindLightning, a Vancouver-based creative services agency, developed the brand identity, packaging and collateral for HandStand and will act as creative director for the brand. The project was led by MindLightning principal Marc Neidlinger. Gravitate Design Studio, also of Vancouver, will provide search engine optimization and search engine marketing, led by Brian Hunt. Ryan Leverenz of Lew Leverenz Associates of Portland will lead PR strategy.
About Hub International
Hub International LLC is a consumer products company founded by Jaime Smith in October 2010. The company is focused on developing concepts and products that help people run their business and personal lives more efficiently. The company’s first product, HandStand, launched December 15, 2010, and can be found online at www.thehandstand.com. Hub International is headquartered in Houston, Texas, with operations out of Wilsonville, Ore.
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