Lonnie Johnson is an engineer who invented the Super Soaker (which has generated over $1 billion in sales over its lifetime). He developed the toy after-hours while working as an engineer for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA. He saw the promise of his super-powered water pistol and persuaded executives at Larami, a company that made knock-off toys, to produce his invention and pay him royalties. Even though that’s the invention he is most known for his accomplishments are well beyond water gun design. He enrolled at Tuskegee University and earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a master’s degree in nuclear engineering. While with the Air Force, he got his first patent, for an invention he called the “Digital Distance Measuring Instrument.” It was an early version of DVD-reading technology. He recalls it as a missed opportunity because he didn’t pursue it further. He’s currently active on TikTok right now @drlonniejohnson looking like a bag of money. Nuff Respect.
enemies too.