Content oversight and quality assurance provided by Studio 1847 It started with a single misstep. Ron Pritchett was heading down a set of stairs one night, flashlight in hand, when something in his peripheral vision caught his attention. As he turned to look, the steps ahead of him disappeared into darkness. At that moment, he nearly lost his footing and had a realization that would change everything. “Why do I have to wave my flashlight back and forth just to see where I’m going?” Pritchett thought. “Why isn’t there a flashlight that lights up everything at once?” That simple question became the foundation for TripleLite, a patented innovation that allows for a full 180-degree field of illumination across multiple applications. It breaks away from the traditional narrow-beam design that has remained virtually unchanged since 1892. But bringing the idea to market was no easy feat. From securing patents in 27 countries to battling for control of their own company, the Pritchetts’ journey was filled with obstacles. Yet today, TripleLite’s impact extends beyond consumer markets. It is stocked by major chains and has drawn interest from industries that require wide-beam visibility, including emergency response, construction and security. From concept to business The idea was clear, but execution was a different challenge. Pritchett was no stranger to product innovation, having previously designed and patented a series of golf putters that he marketed under the Ashdon Golf brand. That experience in product development and business gave him a foundation from which to work, but the flashlight industry was entirely new territory. “We knew this was a problem that needed solving, but bringing a product to market takes more than just an idea,” says Nancy Pritchett, who took on the role of TripleLite’s CEO. “We had to go through every step; designing prototypes, testing different LED configurations, and filing patents before we could even think about marketing and sales.” To protect its breakthrough wide-beam lighting technology, the company secured patents in 27 countries, ensuring exclusivity across various lighting applications. In order to manage distribution, they set up a fulfillment center in Poway, California, and collaborated with manufacturers in Ningbo, China. Early conflicts and court cases Despite its encouraging beginning, TripleLite encountered many difficulties. By 2017, the business had drawn in investors who thought the idea had promise. Nevertheless, TripleLite’s future was in jeopardy when one investment group filed a lawsuit in an effort to take over the business. According to Nancy Pritchett, “It was a really tough time. After starting this business from the beginning, everything could be taken away at any time. However, we weren’t going to allow it to happen.” Rebuilding and scaling Up After regaining ownership, the Pritchetts focused on building TripleLite’s brand and expanding its reach. By 2019, sales had climbed to $600,000, and the company was gaining traction with major retailers, driving revenue past the $1 million mark. One of the most pivotal moments for TripleLite came when the Pritchetts stepped onto the “Shark Tank” stage, pitching their product to the panel of investors. They received several competing proposals as a consequence of their pitch, which provided them with the support they required to expand their business. TripleLite began as a single product and has now grown into a business with five products and a significant market share. Despite the fierce competition in the flashlight market, the company has managed to establish a presence in the retail sector thanks to its proprietary 180-degree wide-beam design. Expanding retail and market reach TripleLite’s success has been driven by direct-to-consumer sales, retail partnerships and a growing presence in specialty markets. While initially targeting outdoor enthusiasts and home users, the flashlight has gained interest from first responders, tradespeople and individuals looking for better nighttime visibility. “A lot of our customers don’t realize what they’ve been missing until they try it,” says Nancy Pritchett. “They’re used to narrow-beam flashlights, so when they see how much more they can view at once, it changes the way they think about lighting.” With a growing customer base and strong retail partnerships, TripleLite continues to expand. The company is focused on introducing new variations of its flashlight technology while improving battery efficiency and durability. “People rely on effective lighting in countless scenarios: at home, on job sites, in emergency situations and beyond,” Ron Pritchett says. As the company looks ahead, the Pritchetts remain committed to expanding TripleLite’s reach, ensuring their patented wide-beam technology continues to set new standards across consumer and industrial lighting solutions. The news and editorial staffs of the Orange County Register had no role in this post’s preparation.