Introduction
Sam Burton, founder of Trust Da Process Renovation LLC, built his business from the ground up—literally. After being let go from a seasonal roofing job and with no income to support his young son, Sam leaned into his natural skill with tools, posted a handyman ad on Craigslist, and took on his first job within a week. That spark in 2013 turned into a full-fledged renovation company, with a growing reputation and a powerful sense of purpose. As his business evolved, so did his desire to innovate. Out of a persistent job-site problem came a bold new product: the Dust Box, designed to reduce micro dust during home renovations.
Challenge and Goals
By the time Sam joined the Innovation Forge Startup Accelerator program, he had already built and tested three very early-stage Dust Box prototypes on his own. The concept was solid, but the design lacked polish and commercial readiness. Sam’s goal was to refine the look, design and efficiency of the product to a standard he felt would be accepted by major home improvement stores—and most importantly, deliver on the promise of cleaner renovation experiences for his customers.
He needed a version of the Dust Box that looked professional, functioned reliably, and was designed for manufacturing and scaling to production. Navigating product design, manufacturing considerations, and investor readiness were key gaps he wanted to close.
Outcomes and Results
The Innovation Forge Startup Accelerator program helped Sam reimagine the Dust Box with a more refined, functional and manufacturable design. With support from mentors and guidance from the Digital Foundry engineering team, he now has a product that meets both his vision and market expectations. The accelerator also equipped Sam with tools to shape his business plan, prepare for advertising, and begin building his online presence.
With a market-ready prototype in hand, Sam is taking the next big step—getting his product in front of potential investors and customers. Though the new Dust Box has yet to launch publicly, he’s confident it represents a significant upgrade and a powerful solution for contractors like himself who face the same challenges he did.
Impact and Next Steps
Sam’s vision goes beyond solving a problem—he wants to raise the standard for cleanliness and air quality in the remodeling industry. In the next year, he plans to attract investors who can help mass-produce the Dust Box and take it to a national level. Thanks to the Innovation Forge Startup Accelerator program, he’s now equipped with a professionally made product that is engineered for manufacturing, a sharpened business strategy, and a clear pitch for future growth.
Sam credits the program not just for the technical improvements, but for the sense of collaboration and support. “I felt like I was operating with my team—not just people who were paid to be there.”
