What began as a fun hobby of 3D printing Star Wars accessories has turned into a career-defining moment for Freed-Hardeman University sophomore marketing major, Kenyon Hope. His latest invention, the Flexible Wall Repair Patch, has been picked up by manufacturing company DPWagner and is being sold under The Gorilla Glue brand – the company behind the popular adhesive. Now, his innovative product is making its debut in 2,000 Walmart stores, with the potential to expand to over 4,000 stores nationwide. “I started out printing Stormtrooper helmets and lightsabers for fun, and now I’m designing products that are in Walmart,” Hope said. “It’s definitely a huge step up.”
The Flexible Wall Repair Patch, which took four years to perfect, makes patching holes in walls more efficient and effective. Hope uses a durable material called TPU (an eco-friendly Thermoplastic Polyurethane) to create the patch, designed to make wall repair easier for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. Manufacturer DPWagner recognized the potential in his invention, covering the cost of his patent and offering a deal that includes a royalty on every sale. Unlike traditional metal patches, which can hold dents and imperfections, the TPU material in Hope’s product reshapes itself to blend smoothly with the wall surface. This flexibility allows the patch to conform without retaining visible damage, resulting in a cleaner, more professional finish. Hope’s entrepreneurial spirit runs deep. He credits his hands-on work ethic for helping keep his father’s business afloat while his father was hospitalized, battling COVID-19. Balancing school and his passion for design, he stays busy, often joking that he’d sleep in the garage to work on new ideas if he could. His parents, Jeff and Quayla, recently drove from the Atlanta area to attend a Presidential Council Celebration where Kenyon shared his story in front of council members and expressed gratitude to his family and his marketing professor, Lee Hibbett, for their support. “He’s always been great at teaching himself, and he never gives up. He has the tenacity to keep moving no matter the obstacles. We’re very proud,” Jeff Hope said. His mother, Quayla, added, “For us, it’s God first and then family.” As he awaits sales reports on the new product, Hope is optimistic about the future.“My ultimate goal is to own a design and prototyping firm,” Hope shared. “I love understanding consumer behavior and applying what I’ve learned in the classroom to real-world products.”