Startup Essentials: The road from invention to household name can be long and rocky

It's a common dream. One day, you'll invent “The Next Big Thing.” You'll get a patent, they'll sell like crazy, and you'll make millions. It could happen. But not overnight. “The process began for me in 2001, and I'm still looking for licensing. This is not something to do if you're looking for quick results,” Sycamore resident Emily Hummel said. In 2001, Hummel invented a discreet wrapper to dispose of feminine hygiene products. Her patent was granted in 2004, but she has yet to sell the idea to a manufacturer or marketer. “Once there's an invention, you need manufacturers. But they're not sold on it without a market survey,” Hummel said. “I kind of feel like I went through business school getting my patent.” Expecting a quick, easy route