Scot Weiss: His Dream is Making a Difference

Posted June 16, 2010, 10:52 am in Living

**Update (7.28.10) Scot's persistence has paid off! He reports to Growing Bolder that his Parachute Skimmer will now be used in the Gulf to help with the ongoing oil cleanup. Weiss just heard from BP and the Coast Guard, which have ordered 10 demo units of the Parachute Skimmer. This comes after the Coast Guard evaluated the Skimmer as part of its Advanced Research Technology program.

Scot Weiss is motivated to make a difference -- and now, an invention that he's spent years working on is getting big attention for its potential in helping with the Gulf oil spill cleanup.

Oil booms and ships on horizon off Orange Beach, AL

Weiss's invention, the Parachute Skimmer, is designed to pick up debris and dirt from the surface of the water in pools and small waterways. Weiss has been a one-man marketing team since launching the product. He sews each Skimmer himself, and works tirelessly to find people who are interested in distributing and selling the product.

"I always knew that my invention had the potential to contribute to society in a positive way," says Weiss. He just didn't know how.

Then, after seeing the pictures of the BP oil spill and the damage to the Gulf beaches, Scot knew he needed to reach out. So, he took a Skimmer up to Alabama and the Florida panhandle, offering his support to the workers tasked with cleaning the oil from the waters and the sand.

Oil slick entering intracoastal in Gulf Shores, AL

Tar balls on Orange Beach, AL

He knew it was a long shot -- after all, even the government is struggling with the best way to organize the cleanup response! But he had faith in the product, and was able to find a subcontractor willing to give it a try. Scot, along with friend Dave Sanna, were able to work with the crew to send the Skimmer out on a boat, using it to pick up some of the oil. They were able to use special absorption material, inserted into the Skimmer, to help take some of the oil out and bring it back to shore where it could be properly disposed of.

Parachute Skimmer being decontaminated after use in Alabama

Weiss is excited about the results. "I hope to be able to manufacture more Skimmers in Central Florida, which would create jobs," he says. "There is still some work to do to get it through the proper channels, but I'm optimistic about the chances."

Weiss is especially pleased that his dream of making a difference is coming true. "The workers say it's better than anything they currently have," says Weiss. With tens of thousands of barrels spilling into the Gulf every day, every little bit counts.

To learn more about the Parachute Skimmer, click here.

To watch our video about Weiss' journey, click here.

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Rich Little
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Posted 5:18pm June 16th, 2010

What was not said is Scot has traveled not only to Florida, but two weeks ago, he traveled to the Center of the Spill Universe (Venice, LA.) and the Command Center for BP in Houma, LA., at his own expense When Scot say's he wants only to help, he means it!

Reason I know this; I've been working with BP as an on site consultant since day 5 of the Spill and discovered Scot's invention through my attempts to suggest products for cleaning up the Spill. Scot brought his invention to me and simply by looking at it, I knew it was a worthy tool that could help to save our way of life.

We should all remember that this "Event" will not only change the lives of everyone along the Gulf Coast, but indeed the entire earth. Scot has stepped up and with a creative mind and brought us something that will help clean up this mess. So if your a Beach Front Property Owner or the Governor of a State, Scot's device can help you. IF your an investor, this is a good one to consider.

Good Luck Scot, your invention WILL help to save our way of life, and indeed you are one of the "Good Guy's" in this event.

Rich