Lonnie Johnson, the president and founder of Johnson Research and Development Co. — most famously known as the creator of the iconic Super Soaker water gun — emphasizes the importance of perseverance when it comes to bringing ideas to life. He has been working on his innovative ideas for as long as he can remember and holds more than 100 patents.
While working as an aerospace engineer at NASA, Johnson dedicated his evenings to researching and developing a pump idea that eventually led to the creation of the high-performance Super Soaker squirt gun, loved by kids and adults alike during the summer. Johnson’s commitment to being environmentally friendly inspired the use of water as the main component of his invention.
After a decade of dedication and hard work, Johnson’s idea came to fruition and the Super Soaker became one of the most successful toys in recent history. It was later inducted into the American National Toy Hall of Fame as the bestselling water toy of all time.
Reflecting on the business aspects of his invention, Johnson admits that it was new territory for him. He ultimately decided to explore licensing opportunities after realizing the financial commitment required to launch the product. With the help of partners who assisted with marketing and other business elements, Johnson’s idea took off successfully.
Today, Johnson is an advocate for STEM education, encouraging individuals to pursue their passions in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. He believes that perseverance is key to achieving success and urges others to stick with their dreams and ideas.
