Innovation doesn’t need to happen behind curtains. Big ideas don’t need to come from the top. R&D doesn’t have to be a cost center. Work shouldn’t be boring. These are the paradigms that inspired the creation of FirstBuild, one of the most successful innovation experiences in the corporate world.
FirstBuild is a destination for makers who are fueled by a relentless drive to create what’s next. Larry Portaro, Executive Director of FirstBuild and a maker himself, leads the FirstBuild team to innovate products people love through their open makerspace, online community and nontraditional go-to-market approaches.
FirstBuild, a wholly owned subsidiary of GE Appliances, a Haier company, counts among its successful product launches include the Opal Nugget Ice Maker, Paragon Cooking System, Open Hearth Oven and the Forge Clear Ice System.
Thousands of people each year join FirstBuild’s free makerspace on the University of Louisville campus and online community at FirstBuild.com to showcase their creativity, share their passion projects, and see what FirstBuild is working on next. Whatever you’re passionate about, come make it here.
Before joining FirstBuild, Larry spent nearly 25 years at GE Appliances, where he last served as the technology leader for its cooking business and oversaw industry firsts, such as the French door wall oven and next generation induction controls. Larry resides in Louisville, Kentucky, with his wife, three children and stubborn Great Pyrenees, Finn.
Interview topics include:
- Product innovation: Bringing new inventions to life, from idea to delivery through rapid iterations.
- Thinking outside the company: FirstBuild combines community passion and input with the maker spirit to innovate new products outside a large company’s traditional systems.
- Making: How embracing the power of making and a hands-on approach can propel projects forward and build community.
- Outside-in approach to development: How to validate products through early community involvement, and strategies like crowdfunding campaigns and small batch production.
To learn more, follow along on YouTube, join us on FirstBuild.com, or contact us to schedule a one-on-one interview.
