Inventor hopes product will create jobs for veterans

A Pocatello investor is trying to launch a product he says will not only make it easier to ravel up cords, but could also create jobs for veterans.

Joseph Gonzales, a Pocatello native and Vietnam veteran, said he came up with the idea for the MultiWinder about five years ago while working as a truck driver.

It allows the user to wind up straps, cords and even Christmas lights.

“MultiWinder is a multi-winder that winds up nearly everything,” said Gonzales.

Gonzales has spent about $90,000 on developing prototypes and now holds a patent. He’s now hoping to produce the MultiWinder on a mass scale.

But it’s not the product Gonzales is most passionate about.

“My goal is to hire as many veterans as I possibly can,” said Gonzales.

Gonzales said he already has a contract with As Seen On TV for 1,400 units as well as another order of 10,000 units from Japan.

But he said he needs about $250,000 to manufacture enough MultiWinders to fill his orders.

He’s trying to raise the money online.

“That’ll give a long-term job security for our veterans,” said Gonzales.