KSBDC - Phil Wylie is serious about his Malt-O-Meal to the degree he spent nearly a decade inventing a device that would make the perfect “lump-free” bowl of Malt-O-Meal. A less dedicated inventor would have given up long ago, but not Phil Wylie, he kept pursuing the prize and we now have him to thank for the Microwave StirMate. This unique invention makes microwave cooking more convenient, yes, you heard right, “make microwave cooking more convenient”. The real genius behind the Microwave StirMate is its patent-pending anchor bar, which maintains constant downward pressure, while using the microwave’s turntable to stir the contents of the bowl, thus eliminating many of the pitfalls of microwave cooking such as lumping, popping, splattering and uneven heating. It’s time for fans Malt-O-Meal, JELL-O, and cheese dip to celebrate as the days have now come where it’s as easy a setting the timer on the microwave, sitting back to relax and enjoying an evenly cooked treat with no mess to cleanup.

In the startup phase the KSBDC assisted Phil in developing a thorough understanding of his target market and the potential benefits to them. Phil was also referred to the Inventor’s Association of South Central Kansas (I.A.S.C.K) where he was introduced to fellow inventors that provided feedback and criticism on the device that led to the ultimate design of the Microwave StirMate. Phil also obtained interest by many forms that wanted to help market the product, but chose to work with Armstrong Shank out Wichita, KS. Much of the decision to use Armstrong Shank for marketing was the fact they supported Phil’s decision to manufacture the product locally in Wellington, KS. From the first time meeting with the KSBDC Wylie made it known that he wanted the jobs from this business to come from Kansas, especially the Wellington area, or it wasn’t going to happen.

One can certainly appreciate the deep conviction and innovation in which Wylie operates his business. Don’t expect Wylie to rest on his laurels any time soon. Phil Wylie Industries is using the money raised from StirMate to fund research and development of future products. Although these future products can’t be discussed right now, one thing is for sure, they will make life easier and create jobs for the Kansas Economy.

Inventors like Phil Wylie don’t come around that often. Working with these innovators and helping them turn their ideas into realities that have real impacts on our local communities, is what the KSBDC is all about. One thing is for sure, we haven’t heard the last from Phil Wylie Industries.