by: John Vanover

It’s not very often that I get to help my wife with her website. She’s very self-sufficient, and way smarter about the things she works on than I am. That being said, I was really excited when she asked if I could do a review for her. Turns out this one was a guy thing. I know guys — in a world where all the special things seem to be for women, this one was special for us guys.

What she had in mind was a new wallet. Her reasons are two fold. One, she wants a genuine review. Two, she wants me to replace my old wallet.

Much like a certain short bald Seinfeld character, I carry a wallet that is, shall we say, stuffed to the brim. Sadly, it’s not because it’s overflowing with cash. If I take my wallet out of my back pocket when I’m driving I lean to one side in the seat.

I’m prepared for nearly any instance. It’s mainly the usual cards that seem to be needed for everyday life. Driver’s license, ATM Card, credit card, home improvement store credit card, insurance card, and a few others. On top of that, every store seems to have a “rewards club” these days. These reward cards typically give you something for free after you buy so many games, salads, video rentals, mochas, etc.. I just happen to be a sucker for free stuff.

On top of all that stuff, I also carry a tiny metal ruler and two spare keys. I work an hour from home, and you have not seen an angry spouse until you have asked them to drive two hours out of their day to let you in your vehicle. The little ruler just seemed like a good idea. (I’m actually surprised airport security has never picked up on that one.)

This is the point I was at when my lovely wife handed me the Clinch Wallet to check out. This new wallet is the newest item from the folks that created the Grab-It Pack. I would actually use the Grab-It Pack as a wallet if it were sociably acceptable, but it just doesn’t go with khakis and a tie.

Truth be told, I’ve wanted to try a wallet like this for awhile. I just didn’t think I was cool enough to pull it off.

The Clinch Wallet is a longer wallet — the type favored by skaters, surfers and truckers. It comes with a chain and a button on a loop to secure it to your belt loop. A very secure Velcro closure secures it closed.

On the outside the wallet looks pretty standard. Inside though, it’s got it where it counts. There are clear sleeves for credit cards and three large deep pockets. The middle section turns like a book page, and has three sewn pockets on the backside. Without doubling any of them, there’s room for 19 cards!

The design is pretty clever. The pockets are all sewn in the wallet. The problem I’ve had with most wallets is they expect you to carry your cards in one of those little cheap plastic photo carriers. Not the Clinch Wallet. Sixteen of the pockets are sewn with fabric on the inside and a clear layer on the outside. That means you get the advantage of the clear window with durability of a sewn pocket.

The materials and design are such that the cards don’t just fall out of these pockets, either. They are locked in place with a little tension that really gives each card a secure feeling. They are also overlapped in a way that they don’t add much overall thickness to the wallet. It’s a really, really clever design.

At this point, I was obliged to empty out my own wallet. This worked out well as I found several things that were expired, and a few companies that were no longer in business. I loaded up the Clinch Wallet with my plethora of stuff and went to the store. Along the way, I had a strange feeling that I’d forgotten my wallet. Why? Because I couldn’t feel it. The thickness was so reduced — I really did feel like I wasn’t carrying a wallet. Also, because of the way it’s made, there’s some flexibility in it that you don’t get in a standard wallet.

I carried the Clinch Wallet for the next couple of weeks, and I really liked it. There were a couple things I learned, though. The three sewn pockets are where I should have put my frequently used cards. They were easier to get stuff in and out of. I also learned, the three large pockets for folding money worked out well for sorting. I kept my “mad money” in one. My day-to-day cash in the middle one, and receipts in the third.  This works out great for organization.

Now, I work in an a plant environment, so during the week, I’d take the chain off. I know it’s not nearly as cool, but when you work around machinery you get afraid of getting caught or pulled into stuff. I also don’t typically wear cargo pants at work. With jeans,the Clinch Wallet seemed to hang out a slight bit more than I would have liked. That worked out well though, because people would ask about it and I’d get to show off my nifty piece of high-tech money storage.

Over the next couple weeks, I really grew to like the new wallet. There was only one small thing that bugged me about it. The two spare keys I carry didn’t have a real good home. I put them in the pocket where I was keeping my mad money. They tended to bang about in there, and while I never lost them, I was worried about it.

I have to say if this style of wallet appeals to you, I’m not sure you could do any better than this. Every thing is easily accessible, secure and well-organized. You’ll never have one of those embarrassing moments where you pull out one card and 5 others fall to the ground when 10 people are in line behind you at the check out. (Yes, that has happened to me with my old wallet.)

I’d love to see a second version of this wallet that was maybe one card length shorter. It’d appeal to my khaki wearing gadget loving brethren for sure. And if it had a small secure inside pocket for two spare keys, it would be perfect.

If “necessity” is the Mother of invention, then “frustration” must be the Father. These are the words of Makeup Effects Artist and Stunt Man Louis Kiss, inventor of the Grab-it Pack®.

Backpacks, fanny packs and the like left Kiss unimpressed. So, he decided to create his own. The result was the Grab-it Pack®. We were contacted by Kiss to give the Grab-it Pack® a test drive, and we readily agreed. ESB’s own President, John Vanover, shares his findings:

At first, I was skeptical when Traci asked me to review the Grab-it Pack®.  I have a couple of nail aprons and small belt pouches, and didn’t see the need for anything else.  I even have a large leather tool belt with a holster for my cordless drill.

To be honest, most of the time I just end up using my pockets. Despite this, I agreed to give it a try. I had a couple of “honey-do” projects on my list for a recent Saturday afternoon, and figured that would be a perfect opportunity to give Grab-it Pack® a try.  The biggest task I had involved working on cable connections in various parts of the attic and basement.

I have to say the Grab-it Pack® exceeded my expectations. I started by loading all of my cable tools and parts in the large pouch.  There was plenty of space for my small flashlight, wire strippers, crimpers and a variety of splices and connectors.  I put a pen in the top zippered pocket just to try it.  Like most of the world, I don’t go anywhere without my cell phone.  I dropped it in the pocket on the front, and I was good to go.

The first trip was to the attic and I immediately saw the advantages of the Grab-it Pack® over my regular nail apron.  I was able to go up the narrow attic stairs with ease.  I was also able to crouch and not have to worry about everything spilling out or screwdrivers stabbing me in the waist.

A trip to the basement and up a ladder yielded similar results. The leg strap really keeps the pack in place going up and down a ladder, a shortfall of a regular tool belt. This pack offers excellent freedom of movement. It was this point that sold me on it above just about everything else.

In the process of all of my splicing, I realized I was a couple of items short of being able to complete the job at hand. This would require a trip to the hardware mega store. It would eventually require two, but I didn’t know that.  The Grab-it Pack® was as comfortable to wear driving as it had been running around the house.  Of course, the unexpected perk was the cell phone pocket on the front. Traci called to ask me pick up lunch while I was out, and I was easily able to access the cell phone pocket and retrieve my phone. Normally, I darn near run off the road trying to get my cell out of my back pocket.

Score another one for the Grab-it Pack®.

Overall, I was highly impressed with the functionality of the Grab-it Pack®. I would imagine any job you need to keep small hand tools at hand would be a perfect fit. Electricians, cable technicians, and general DIY’ers all come to mind as perfect prospects for this item.  I know it would have made my life easier back in college when I was a stock boy.

My mom is an avid crafter, and I think that the Grab-it Pack® would be excellent for her to use at craft shows, or for the occasions when she is teaching a class. The pouches could hold all of the necessities for booth setup, as well as business cards, change, ID, and cell phone. She always hates having to cart her purse around to these shows – and this offers an excellent alternative.

I’m already thinking ahead to summer fishing trips using this pack. I know I’ll be using it for all of my home improvement projects from now on. I’m actually considering getting the left handed version, so I can have double pouches as shown on the website. I would have all of the room of my largest tool belt, and be considerably more comfortable, and have much more freedom of motion.

The Grab-it Pack® retails for $25.00 each. To learn more, or to place an order, visit their website at http://www.grabitpack.com.

Editor’s Note: Originally appeared earlier this year before the new format — we decided to rerun this for the benefit of all of our new readers.

Couldn’t resist the obvious nod to the 1992 release of R.E.M.’s album by the same name, Automatic for the People. But, given the ever-connected nature of today’s society, it just seemed appropriate.

The truth is, in order to keep up in today’s marketplace, you simply must be willing (and able) to automate certain portions of your business.

Otherwise, you are simply trading time for money. What is the point of having your own business if you are a slave to it?

I am always surprised at the reactions of clients when we express this simple truth to them. They are typically solopreneurs that are hoping to get out of the rat race. That said, they are truly wearing all the hats. And to be clear, there is nothing wrong with that. But sooner or later, if you don’t find ways to lessen the constraints on your time, you’ll quickly burn out.

Consider this — you have a limited amount of hours each day. You can’t work 24/7. Even if you work 16, or even 18-hour days…there will always be a limit on how much you can do. And guess what? That also limits your earning potential.

The good news is that there are a great many tools, software applications and products that can help you get more done in less time. One of my favorite such tools is a web-based software application called DLGuard.

DLGuard has a comprehensive arsenal of features — it serves as a shopping cart, and integrates with a whole host of payment gateways. It can automate the delivery of digital products, and does so in a matter that is secure — eliminating the theft of your products. No more illegal ebook downloads! The DLGuard can also serve as the hub of your membership websites – managing the subscriptions, downloads, renewals and expirations. If the need arises to block ISP numbers or specific customers, these features are quick and simple to implement.

One of the things that impressed me the most about this software was that it was extremely easy to install. Typically I enlist my husband, John (aka tech support) to help me with such endeavors, but I was able to fly solo with DLGuard. If you find yourself in need of support, there is a user forum that can help you get over any hurdles you encounter.

Sam Stephens, the developer of this product, is one in a million. He personally responds to inquiries, and treats every customer like a friend. He continually works to improve the program and implement new features, and welcomes the input of his customers — something that really resonated with me as a fellow small-business owner. Sam’s loyal customers and raving fans are a testament to his superior service — and something that we can all learn from and aspire to.

What kinds of things can you run through the DLGuard?

• Trial offers
• Wholesale catalog or information requests
• Teleseminar reservations
• Ebook sales
• White papers
• audio books
• seminar materials
• E-course materials (syllabus, assignments, etc)
• software trials
• software sales
• Website template sales
• PLR products
• Video tutorials, and much more

Even if you don’t need the DLGuard yourself, you may want to pass along the information to friends or colleagues in your discussion forums and mastermind groups. This is one of those rare time-saving tools that will leave you wondering how you ever lived without it.