Local Inventor Turns a Simple Poolside Idea into a Patented Innovation
GGPP Innovations LLC of Sarasota County
When John Gammaro retired, he found himself spending more time around his backyard pool. What started as casual observation soon became the foundation for a new business and a patented product designed to change the way homeowners use their pool decks.
Today, Gammaro is the founder of GGPP Innovations, creator of the Pinster with Pal, a patented poolside anchoring system that transforms existing safety fence holes into versatile mounting points for umbrellas, tables, volleyball nets and other outdoor accessories.
The invention addresses a common challenge for pool owners. Traditional poolside umbrellas and shade systems often rely on bulky, heavy bases weighing as much as 50 to 60 pounds. The Pinster with Pal reduces that weight to less than five pounds while allowing users to easily reposition equipment as needed.
“I started noticing things that weren’t working, that didn’t really deliver consumer benefit,” Gammaro said. “What GGPPI has invented, the Pinster with Pal, reuses those same pool deck holes for your now consumer family entertainment poolside. An umbrella, a table, a volleyball net, all can be anchored in those same holes.”
As he worked to bring the concept from idea to reality, Gammaro sought guidance from the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of South Florida, where he was paired with senior business consultant and marketing specialist, Scott Carpenter.
“The benefit from Florida SBDC at USF is immeasurable,” he said. “From the early days, when it was just an idea in development, Scott was always there. Florida SBDC at USF has always had my back.”
Working with his Florida SBDC at USF business consultant, Gammaro gained access to resources and industry connections that proved critical as the company moved toward production. Through a referral from the Florida SBDC at USF, he connected with the Sarasota-Manatee Manufacturers Association and a local manufacturing partner that now produces the market-ready Pinster with Pal.
The guidance came at a pivotal time. As product development continued, the company navigated significant delays caused by multiple hurricanes that impacted the region. Despite the setbacks, Gammaro remained focused on advancing the business and bringing the product to market.
One of the company’s most significant milestones came with securing a U.S. patent for the invention, a key achievement for a startup preparing to enter the retail marketplace.
“GGPPI’s biggest success so far is our success with attaining a patent,” said Gammaro. “The patent gives us protection as the little guy, a startup, now about to launch into the retail market.”
With patent protection in place, local manufacturing established and a product launch on the horizon, Gammaro believes the Pinster with Pal is poised to become a disruptive force in the poolside accessory market.
“Working with SBDC, my business, GGPPI, has grown by leaps and bounds,” he said. “Without SBDC, I will tell you that GGPPI would not be here.”
As the company prepares for its next chapter, Gammaro expects the Florida SBDC at USF to remain a trusted resource, helping identify opportunities and connections that support continued growth.
He also encourages other entrepreneurs to take advantage of the expertise available through the Florida SBDC network.
“I would strongly encourage an entrepreneur or a small business owner to reach out,” he said. “If it’s nothing more than having a second opinion to know you’re on the right path. I don’t have all the right answers, but I can count on Scott at [the] SBDC to at least point me back in the right direction.”
For Gammaro, a simple observation beside a swimming pool evolved into an innovative product, a new business venture and a patented solution with national potential. With support from the Florida SBDC at USF, GGPPI is now ready to bring its invention to consumers and make poolside living more functional.
