Jeff Farris owns and operates Whisper Performance, a motorcycle, UTV, ATV and general-toys storage facility in Carbondale. Born in Nebraska and having lived between Minnesota and Florida throughout his life before ending up in the Valley 10 years ago, he grew up working on a plethora of mechanic projects with his grandfather — an inventor as well as a mechanic — who instilled a belief within Farris that he could design a million-dollar idea.
Fast forward to today; Farris has a patent pending for a hauling device known as the dolly hitch — his million-dollar idea.
According to its website, the dolly hitch is an easy-to-install device designed to simplify hauling cargo, especially for long-distance journeys. It has a built in motorized mechanism for raising and lowering, is durable and rust-resistant and has a weight limit of 400 pounds.
Its features ensure that any cargo is safe and protected during a trip with the device remaining securely attached to the back of a vehicle along with whatever sits on top of it. Plus, it essentially removes the effort of loading and unloading.
“The idea started as a trash can hauler, then turned into a universal hauler and then we turned it into the dolly hitch,” said Farris. “It’s a dolly setup where you can haul your trash cans, dirt bike, lawnmower and anything you need to haul [and] lift up and down. With the dolly system you can wheel in and out of doorways and garages.”
He started brainstorming the hitch after witnessing a man breaking the back window of his vehicle while unloading a dirt bike. He thought back to a conversation he had with a gentleman years ago about a prototype for a product like this. Eventually, he got to work on the concept after discussing it with a customer, Eddy Silva, who would become an investor and partner for the product.
“I was building a motorcycle for a customer … who I showed my idea to,” Farris recalled. “Three days later, he said, ‘I think it’s a great idea … I’ll invest 50/50 with you. Let’s get it going.’”
“I’m just kind of, by the seat of my pants, making it work here in the Valley and hopefully making the dolly hitch take off,” Farris added.
Since their encounter and the spark that ignited the partnership, the duo have been figuring out the manufacturing side of things. Though he did not name the manufacturer they have been working with, Farris confirmed that it is based in the United States.
Additionally, he shared how he has been able work on this project while maintaining his business. “As the business owner, I’m able to make sure that the customers are okay beforehand, then, if I have free time, I jump over to the dolly hitch.
And despite some hurdles Farris had to overcome in bringing this product to fruition, he said that the support he has received has been very reassuring. “The learning experience has been the most rewarding element. I have discussed this idea with so many people and haven’t heard a lot of negativity,” he shared.
“These last few months have been in somebody else’s hands,” he concluded, “and we’re waiting on details from them.”
For updates on the dolly hitch, visit www.dollyhitch.com or Whisper Performance’s website, www.whisperperformance.com