By: Maria Williams

Pivotal events in life often unfold unexpectedly, shaping one’s perspectives and endeavors. These moments sometimes serve as catalysts for innovation and meaningful change. For those involved in product invention, these instances can stem from personal or professional challenges. Dan Carter, the inventor of Shade-It, points to a seemingly random day as the impetus behind his motivation to create a tool that can positively impact others. 

Dan was inspired to become an inventor while delivering essential materials for concrete production as a class-A truck driver. His GPS navigation was thwarted by intense sunlight one day. This caused his phone to overheat and shut down. Frustrated and stranded, he turned to prayer for guidance. The resourceful man then improvised a solution using a cut-up potato chip bag to shield his phone from UV rays. With this, he successfully revived his device, preventing further issues. 

To address similar challenges, Dan invented Shade-It. He designed this innovative tool to protect smartphones, tablets, and laptops from glare and UV light. It also prevents accidents caused by impaired device visibility. Dan’s personal experiences, which shaped his purpose and faith, drove him to begin this venture. 

After becoming a solo parent, he had to navigate caring for his child with autism with the Lord’s help. “My son tends to throw his head forward during baths as a baby. I’m always fearful of him having an accident. So, there’s always this lingering thought about creating a protector. But instead of just preventing accidents, it can also have a feature that makes bath time enjoyable, like creating bubbles.” This instance illustrates Dan’s inherent inventive spirit and willingness to find practical solutions to primary issues while addressing related problems.

Dan has always viewed each obstacle as an opportunity to serve a higher purpose. Even after undergoing challenging divorce and custody battles, the hardworking man has maintained his resolve to be a positive influence. His faith has anchored him, strengthening him to turn adversity into opportunities for growth and innovation. 

The inventor’s journey to becoming a man of faith began after going through a near-death experience when he drowned as a child. He was saved by a stranger who performed CPR, and he sees this event as a testament to God’s presence. “You don’t have to be saved after experiencing a miracle to know that there is a God performing miracles” Dan remarks.  This encounter reinforced his faith and commitment to living a life dedicated to helping others. 

Shade-It, therefore, isn’t only a mere product to him. He developed it to improve lives, reflecting his deeply held values. “I believe there are still difference-makers in this world, and I intend to become one of them. One of the many things I learned in life is that staying positive even during hardship allows you to discover countless reasons for gratitude. If you focus on those positives, you can be a light to this world,” the faithful man shares. “I believe God will allow us to go through trials and tribulations, where through your struggles, his intervention is where he shines and can be glorified”

Now, Dan continues to draw strength from his beliefs, viewing himself as an instrument through which God can bring about significant change in the world. As he focuses his efforts on bringing Shade-It to the market, he remains guided by his faith and values, pledging to serve others and honor the Almighty’s calling in his life.

Published by: Martin De Juan