The public often heralds inventors who launch rockets into space or create microchips smaller than a fingernail as innovators. These inventions, however, represent a small fraction of innovation, the kind of innovation that represents true change to daily life and protection for the most vulnerable, typically reside in the neglected corners of the home. Derwin Keith Hunt, Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hunt Innovations LLC, has found his global impact in a simple, yet profound way by making a common but very important place in our daily lives—the bathroom—safe for us. He invented ‘The SoftSide®,’ a patented solution designed for preventing bathroom injuries.
Hunt’s journey is the product of decades of persistence and a focused determination to this one life-changing idea, which allows him now to join the ranks of the ‘Impact Leaders 2026.’ But Hunt’s story is not a fairytale of overnight success; it is the story of a humanitarian inventor who developed a commitment to safety and dignity for others, founded on an accidental observation and the rooted desire to leave a legacy.
The Spark of Enlightenment: Where Innovation Begins
Hunt spent nearly thirty years honing the sharp edges of leadership, strategy, and sales within the demanding, fast-paced world of the car business. These decades were a crucible, forging the determination and tenacity that would later define his entrepreneurial venture. Yet, the spark that ignited Hunt Innovations LLC in 2021 did not come from a boardroom or a manufacturing plant; it emerged from a moment of quiet reflection at his brother’s home.
He noticed a shirt draped over the edge of a bathtub. The mundane sight triggered a series of profound questions. It reminded him of how hotels sometimes use bathtub edges for branding, a practice he found ineffective when towels inevitably ended up on the floor. More critically, the hard, unforgiving edge of the tub brought back visceral memories of personal slips and injuries. In that instant, two seemingly disparate concepts—brand visibility and bathroom safety—collided, igniting his entrepreneurial spirit.
Hunt recognized a fundamental flaw in an essential piece of home infrastructure. The bathtub, a place meant for relaxation, often doubled as one of the most accident-prone areas in the home. His mission became clear: to devise a solution that would not only improve safety but also offer a novel, functional branding opportunity for businesses.
This philosophical approach—translating everyday observations into tangible, purpose-driven solutions—is at the core of Hunt’s success. He rejects the notion that success is merely a product of luck. Instead, he views his journey as a commitment to rigorous validation, driven by an inner conviction that great ideas often hide in plain sight.
“I believe innovative ideas can come from anyone, and The SoftSide® is proof of that.”
The SoftSide®: A Simple Solution to a Complex Problem
The product born from this insight is The SoftSide®. At its core, it is a deceptively simple invention: a U-shaped foam cushion with a non-slip coating designed to fit over the side of any standard bathtub. Its impact, however, is anything but simple.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has repeatedly highlighted the persistent danger in bathrooms. Even the trend of replacing bathtubs with showers has failed to significantly curb bathroom-related injuries. This reality underscored the critical need for a solution that addressed the point of impact when a slip occurs.
The SoftSide® is that solution. It is designed to mitigate injury should a slip or fall happen, effectively filling a critical gap in bathroom safety that had been overlooked for generations. Hunt’s invention is not just a cushion; it is a practical tool for prevention and dignity.
“I created The SoftSide® to bring comfort, safety, and beauty to an overlooked part of the home. It’s about more than just preventing injury—it’s about giving people of all ages, from children to seniors, a safe and relaxing environment in the bathroom.”
Hunt’s commitment to this idea was unwavering, spanning over a decade of tireless effort. He embarked on a meticulous validation process, seeking feedback across nine states, conducting extensive surveys, and consulting legal experts for patent protection. Many dismissed the product in its nascent stages, viewing it as too simple or unnecessary. Manufacturers were hesitant to produce it at scale. Yet, Hunt remained undaunted. He was driven by the conviction that he was solving a widespread, global issue with a transformative product.
His perseverance paid off. Not only did he secure a patent for his innovative solution, but The SoftSide® began to gain significant recognition, validating his eleven-year commitment. Accolades followed, including the prestigious AsiaOne Person of the Year award in 2024 and the title of Most Innovative Product for Medical and Hospital Services in the same year. This industry validation, alongside his inclusion in the distinguished Marquis Who’s Who, affirmed his status as a distinguished humanitarian inventor.
The Philosophy of the Lion: Autonomy and Integrity
Hunt’s personal philosophy is as integral to Hunt Innovations LLC as its patented product. He often likens himself to a Lion—a symbol of autonomy, strength, and a refusal to conform to societal norms. For Hunt, being a Lion means living by instinct, moving at his own deliberate pace, and commanding respect through integrity, not through the relentless pursuit of material success.
His aspirations transcend commercial metrics. Hunt’s ultimate goal is “Global Greatness,” a pursuit fueled by a steadfast belief in historical accuracy as a conduit for enlightenment and a deep appreciation for the world’s interconnectedness. He champions the idea of approaching others with open hearts and minds, fostering appreciation for our differences, and striving to bring out the best in the global community. His quest is to be an exemplar of integrity and inspiration, an example to anyone who believes they cannot contribute to the advancement of people around the world.
“My aspiration to be a ‘global’ exemplar of integrity and inspiration is fueled by encounters with strangers,” he says, who admire and emulate his conduct, propelling him towards his pursuit of ‘Global Greatness.’
This profound sense of mission translates directly into the impact of his invention. The SoftSide® is more than a consumer good; it is a tool for safety and dignity. It is gaining traction in both public facilities and private homes, reducing liability for caregivers and businesses while, most importantly, fostering independence for individuals with limited mobility, those undergoing rehabilitation, or the elderly. Hunt envisions a future where bathers can feel secure, knowing they are protected by his simple, yet essential, solution.
Dreams as Unanswered Questions: The Legacy of a Leader
For Derwin Hunt, leadership is not about command and control; it is about empowerment. He envisions a workplace where he can create an environment where individuals are fueled by collective expertise and passion, enabling them to reach their full potential through collaboration and innovation.
His commitment to his enterprise is inseparable from his role as a devoted husband to LaWanda and father to his three daughters, Lauren, Sequoia, and Mya. His journey is profoundly driven by the desire to leave a meaningful legacy for them—a legacy that inspires them and countless others to pursue their dreams with the same vigor and determination that he has demonstrated.
Hunt offers a poignant reflection on the nature of ambition and dreams, distilling them into a practical, empowering message: “Dreams are merely a series of unanswered questions. By finding solutions to these questions, dreams can materialize into reality.”
This philosophy is the lens through which he sees the world. His life has been a relentless pursuit of solutions: solutions to the challenges of a difficult childhood, solutions to the shortcomings of automotive sales, and ultimately, the solution to the life-threatening hard edge of the bathtub.
His multifaceted achievements span professional excellence, from automotive sales to mortgage banking, and personal fulfillment, celebrated in his strong family life. His recognition, featured in publications like Marquis’ Who’s Who in America and Millennial Magazine, along with acknowledgment from Passion Vista and CIO Today Magazine, underscores his global influence that extends far beyond mere commercial success.
Derwin Keith Hunt is an Impact Leader, not because he created a complex machine, but because he saw a simple, universal problem and dedicated over a decade of his life to solving it. He is a Lion who commands respect through his unwavering adherence to integrity, an inventor whose simplicity is his strength, and a philosopher whose impact is measured in the lives made safer and the dignity preserved. His story serves as a powerful reminder that the greatest innovations are those that empower, protect, and contribute to the collective well-being of the global community. He has transformed a simple foam cushion into a global emblem of safety and enlightenment, solidifying his legacy for generations to come.
