EP130 The VETO ProPac story with Roger Brouard (August 2023)

“Art and sweat built the tool bag.”

This statement summarizes my interview with Roger Brouard, the founder of VETO Pro Pac.

Roger shares with us the full story of his work life which lead him from a Fine Arts degree in Sculpture to becoming a carpenter and building wooden lobster boats – which is not an easy task, “it’s like making a zucchini out of wood.”

Roger describes frustrations in using various tool boxes and tool bags that became the impetus for him creating the VETO ProPac product line

Roger opines on how to become a successful inventor: solve a real problem, have solid conversations, believe in your product, have conviction.

"I wanted a name that would convey the quality and durability of our products. Veto is a strong word that means to forbid or to stop something. I wanted our customers to know that our tool bags were built to last and would never let them down.

After working as a carpenter for over 25 years, I became fed-up with the various tool-carrying devices available on the market. In my view, they all fell short: from metal or plastic boxes to soft-sided mason bags that hold tools in a horizontal pile up. In these configurations, unnecessary tool hunts result in “D & D” (dig or dump) and challenge your patience as you search for the tool you need.

Attempts at improving tool carrying and storing have been made over the years, such as pocketed fabric inserts that fit in and around a 5-gallon bucket. However, the “deep” pockets aren’t deep enough, tools stored in the exterior pockets are exposed making transportation and storage awkward, and a pile up of interlocking tools on the inside hint at the handicaps of the other bags.

Storing the loaded bucket in your truck requires a clear and secure area, and if not wedged or bungeed, “LFT” (Loose Flying Tools) occurs with sudden stops. It can be a real mess especially if the bucket bottom has become a catch all for left over nails and drywall screws. It is because of this long list of frustrations that I created VETO PRO PAC.”

Learn more about the company here: https://vetopropac.com/

Veto tool bags are available at a wide variety of wholesalers including: https://trutechtools.com/vetopropac

This episode was recorded in August 2023.