The Martin Jetpack - Flying high kiwi style

Glenn Martin founder of Martin Jetpack

When it comes to flying high, Glenn Martin seems to have mastered the concept in more ways than one.

Glenn is an innovative inventor from Christchurch who has proven that it isn’t just the big multi national companies that can introduce amazing technology to the every day man. Glenn’s company has developed a product that is now known all over the World, even though the first one won’t be delivered until next year.

So what is this piece of technology that has wowed thousands of people? No, not software, not a new electric fence, in fact it is a personal Jetpack. Yes, a jetpack, or the Martin Jetpack to be precise. Unlike the last personal jetpack that flew for less than thirty seconds at a time, the Martin Jetpack can fly for up to 30 minutes, and the Martin Aircraft Company Ltd is now the talk of the aviation industry around the World.

Glenn believes the way to break into the World market is to “Go overseas, and have a look at the opportunities yourself, it is often very different from how you would think it is when sitting here in New Zealand”. Glenn advises those with a business to promote, send the principals of the company, “the hierarchy”, to market the business rather than just the Marketing Manager. This is just what Glenn did, when he publicly launched the Martin Jetpack at the huge USA based OshKosh Air Show on the 29th July this year.

“We had one of our Directors out there at the air show selling T Shirts; he learnt a huge amount about the type of customers interested in our product a whole lot better than he would from a bunch of written reports.”

Using the people most passionate about the business is also a must, “If you aren’t confident in presenting to people, just practice, and each time you do it you will learn something and improve for the next time”.

The biggest challenge the Martin Aircraft Company has faced is the same one many others face, financing the project. So what does Glenn advise to those many other business people struggling to get their business financed?

“Develop your products are far as you can, spending money on only what you absolutely must. Once you have a working prototype, take this to the financers and show them what you have.” Glenn spent over 25 years developing his product “In the garage, I didn’t have a fancy office and laser printer”.

So where to now for the Martin Aircraft Company? Since the hugely successful launch at the OshKosh Airshow, Glenn has had numerous applications for distributorships of the Martin Jetpack all around the World, as well as several orders. The first JetPack is due to be delivered in July 2009, with many more to follow.

Glenn Martin has proven that with a passion, and developing your business as far as you can before launching it to the market, NZ businesses can succeed overseas and wow the international business community with our innovation and motivation.

Trevor Lewis
www.behaviourskills.com