Halo Ramp

Owner: Michael Lopez

Business champion: John Arms

Type of business: Multi-patented transportation equipment aid

Website: Halo Ramp

LinkedIn: Michael Lopez

Michael Lopez invented the Halo Ramp, a patented 180-degree pivoting “last mile” truck delivery system, after suffering a painful slip-and-fall injury on a standard straight ramp when he was a commercial driver. He reached the semifinals of the MN Cup and the Pepperdine Most Fundable Companies competitions with his invention. (See it in action in this video.) Among his many other accomplishments and awards, Michael was named among the top 6 MBEs of the year by the National Minority Supplier Development Council as the founder of Genius Innovation Group (which Halo Ramp is a part of).

Quotes:

“My MBGA experience began with Barb Krantz Taylor [vice president of client and volunteer experience]. She and I spoke initially about the organization and its forte assisting and working with entrepreneurs like myself. I quickly found that the organization was unlike 99% of the others I had  already tried to contact and ask for professional assistance. I was immediately introduced to Mary Armstrong [MBGA volunteer], who reminds me of Robert Horry, coming through in the clutch, assisting with my editorial works, publishing, copyright, submissions for competitions and awards. Working with her has helped increase the quality of my brand. I then was assigned to John Arms, who’s been a great help as I focused on streamlining and increasing my business efficiency, maximizing my time and making more room for self-care and family. John is a sincere and genuine guy who one day I plan to do business with.” 

—Michael Lopez

“Mike is a classic visionary. It’s amazing – his ideas are huge and impactful, and I think the difference between Michael and others is that he always thinks about the social impact. That is needed, and, sadly, rare. His invention is brilliant. From a business perspective, it solves a lot of problems. When he talks about it, it’s in terms of preventing people from getting hurt. Michael always thinks about business from a human perspective. The world needs more of that! His challenge is ‘Which thing gets my energy?’ and that is a classic visionary’s problem. When we started working together, I recommended the book ‘Traction’ [by Gino Wickman], which is the yin to the visionary’s yang. It’s for the person who has 70 ideas by breakfast and helps the entrepreneur decide what to focus on. As for what’s next: I’m super excited to see what the next year brings for Michael. It really feels like his star is rising.”

—John Arms

What’s next: Halo Ramp has commitment from the largest privately held commercial food distributor to install units in their Hyundai refrigerated trailers.