Innovation often begins with a simple problem—one that demands a better solution. For Rick Goren, a visionary entrepreneur and serial inventor, that moment came unexpectedly during a routine checkup.
 
As he sat in the doctor’s office, excited about selling one of his invention companies, his doctor interrupted him mid-conversation. “Be quiet so I can hear your heart,” the doctor said, pressing his stethoscope against Rick’s chest. But he was struggling to hear clearly.
 
In that instant, inspiration struck. Why not create an amplified stethoscope?
 
As an inventor, Rick immediately envisioned a device that could incorporate a high-quality amplified microphone and a headphone output, making it easier to hear heartbeats. Within two weeks, he had a rough prototype—shaped like a heart, complete with LED lights that visually corresponded to the pulse.
 
But turning an idea into a fully functional, manufacturable product requires expertise in engineering and design. That’s where Brian Kamradt came in. As a seasoned mechanical engineer with deep expertise in product development and manufacturing, Brian took Rick’s vision and transformed it into a fully realized device.
 
Brian meticulously engineered the Heartbeats stethoscope, refining the ergonomics, integrating a durable rechargeable battery, and ensuring a sleek, manufacturable design that could be mass-produced. His expertise in materials, tooling, and precision manufacturing ensured that the final product not only worked flawlessly but also looked and felt professional.
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With this innovation, Rick and Brian welcomed a world-renowned surgeon to their team, establishing GKC Ventures.  Greg Chernoff, BSc, MD, FRCSC, is a Board Certified Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon with over 30 years’ experience. He remains involved in the research and development of medical lasers, energy devices and numerous cosmetic products, and specializes in bringing new technologies to market. He brings insight into the integration of medical devices and their utilization into the toy market.
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Heartbeats is now the world’s only electronic stethoscope with a visual pulse indicator—a game-changing tool that allows both listening to and seeing the heartbeat. It’s not just a fantasy; it’s a true innovation brought to life through the combined vision of an inventor and the engineering expertise that made it a reality.