The idea of the shovel was born out of necessity. Damo, the Builder, identified the need for a simple, easy and effective tool to clear posthole footings as part of his job.

corresponding to the story

Shitty Job
It seems all Apprentices get the rough jobs and clearing 45 pre-dug footing holes was going to take Damo a day or two of intense, dirty and frustrating labour.
Patents
A standard and innovation patent were secured to protect the invention.
Refining the Prototype
Further prototyping was conducted at a workshop in Cairns. This is where Johhny’s (Josh’s Father) skill and expertise was invaluable.
Time and Effort
The Apprentice (Damo) gripped it up and completed the task bestowed upon him.
Partnership
A partnership was formed with two other mates, Tom and Josh, to make the Posthole Mate available for other users.
Crowdfunding & Website
Website and Crowdfunding pages established to spread the word and seek support.
Idea Development / Flash of Brilliance
Damo, being a creative cat (AKA sometimes lazy), decided there had to be a better option than clearing the holes with a tin-can nailed to a stick, as offered by his boss at the time. When Damo asked around he could find no simple or effective tool for completing this task.
High Demand
Regular requests started coming Damo’s way, as many of his workmates wanted to use his new tool. The word had got around that the colt of old regret had got away!
Here We Are Now.
Initial Prototype
He then proceeded to come up with some novel solutions which required cutting, welding and general fabrication skills. This process resulted in the birth of version 1.0 of the tool we initially called “The Pig” and now the “Posthole Mate”.
Test Run – Massive Success
Version 1.0 was a rough and ready prototype but did the job of clearing posthole footings exceptionally well! In fact, Damo was able to reduce the time on the job from 10 hours to 2 hours. His boss noticed the efficient and high quality job Damo had done and thanked him with a protracted, platonic embrace. Awkward!!!!
The Future!

The Journey:

  1. Shitty Job
    It seems all Apprentices get the rough jobs and clearing 45 pre-dug footing holes was going to take Damo a day or two of intense, dirty and frustrating labour.
  2. Time and Effort
    The Apprentice (Damo) gripped it up and completed the task bestowed upon him.
  3. Idea Development / Flash of Brilliance
    Damo, being a creative cat (AKA sometimes lazy), decided there had to be a better option than clearing the holes with a tin-can nailed to a stick, as offered by his boss at the time. When Damo asked around he could find no simple or effective tool for completing this task.
  4. Initial Prototype
    He then proceeded to come up with some novel solutions which required cutting, welding and general fabrication skills. This process resulted in the birth of version 1.0 of the tool we initially called “The Pig” and now the “Posthole Mate”.
  5. Test Run – Massive Success
    Version 1.0 was a rough and ready prototype but did the job of clearing posthole footings exceptionally well! In fact, Damo was able to reduce the time on the job from 10 hours to 2 hours. His boss noticed the efficient and high quality job Damo had done and thanked him with a protracted, platonic embrace. Awkward!!!!
  6. High Demand
    Regular requests started coming Damo’s way, as many of his workmates wanted to use his new tool. The word had got around that the colt of old regret had got away!
  7. Partnership
    A partnership was formed with two other mates, Tom and Josh, to make the Posthole Mate available for other users.
  8. Patents
    A standard and innovation patent were secured to protect the invention.
  9. Refining the Prototype
    Further prototyping was conducted at a workshop in Cairns. This is where Johhny’s (Josh’s Father) skill and expertise was invaluable.
  10. Crowdfunding and Website
    Website and Crowdfunding pages established to spread the word and seek support.
  11. Here We Are Now.
  12. The Future!