How One Sailor’s Frustration Sparked a Smarter Drink System
Drew Fiscus, a Bainbridge Island dentist and avid sailor, did not intend to become an inventor, but a frustrating experience on the water led him to create a whole new system to keep drinks secure—no matter where adventure leads.
“I was out sailing and had one of those pendulum-style drink holders,” he said. “I swiped my arm by it, broke the thing, and scratched my arm.”
Another drink holder he tried used velcro and was mounted to the front of the boat but it got mossy and gross. He knew there should be a simple solution.
“I wanted something really sleek that could be on your kayak or your boat or your tractor or your RV, and you can wipe it off, and it doesn’t get all messy,” he said.
Then inspiration struck in the middle of the night. The idea kept nagging at him and wouldn’t let him get back to sleep
“I woke up in the middle of the night, and thought I’ve got to do something with magnets and started drawing all this stuff,” he said. “It was kind of weird. I’d never really had an invention before, and then when I woke up I was like “I think that’ll work.”
The Product
That idea became Anchor® Drink Systems, a spill-proof, magnetic drink holder system designed for life in motion.
The system consists of a waterproof, magnetic coaster that adheres to almost any surface – boats, kayaks, paddleboards, RV countertops, and more. A silicone sleeve with a built-in magnetic disc secures bottles and cans to the coaster, while reusable containers can be fitted with connector discs to hold drinks firmly in place.
The system is built to withstand the elements. In fact, Fiscus, an avid kayaker, has had a connector disc on his kayak for five years, and it’s still holding strong.
While the packaging and product do have a nautical feel, the product has many applications beyond watercraft. It can be used anywhere you want to keep your drink secure like pickup tailgates, cooler lids or strollers.
The Process
Through friends Fiscus was introduced to a network of professionals who helped bring his idea to life. A Seattle-based engineer and designer helped him determine the product specifications and to find a manufacturer.
However, developing the product was just the beginning. Fiscus had to navigate the complexities of manufacturing, packaging, and distribution. The initial production run took longer than expected due to COVID-19-related delays, but persistence paid off.
Family and friends helped come up with ideas for the artwork and by brainstorming names for the product.
Fiscus enjoyed the creative process of developing Anchor Drink Systems, from brainstorming names to collaborating with designers on artwork and packaging. He was adamant about avoiding plastic packaging and opted for a more eco-friendly approach.
He valued the experience of working with experienced professionals who guided him through branding, design, and bringing the product to market.
“It was really fun for me, because it’s not dentistry, it’s way more artsy,” he said.
Fiscus’s wife and children were deeply involved in the process and the creative aspect of bringing an idea to life generated a lot of creativity for his children.
“The kids were totally in on the whole thing, looking at the pictures and designs,” he said. “Then they’d say ‘what about this, Dad’ and still come up with inventions all the time, just because it sparked everybody and got everybody going.”
For Fiscus, Anchor® Drink Systems wasn’t just about launching a product—it was about taking a leap, learning something new, and proving that great ideas can come from anywhere.
“The whole time, we were like, if nothing else you’re trying something, you’re not sitting on your butt,” he said. “You’re gonna put some effort and time into something that’s unique and learn a lot.”
Keep in touch with our news & offers
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Thank you for subscribing to the newsletter.
Oops. Something went wrong. Please try again later.
