I grew up in a house full of dogs. My father was a breeder/trainer/shower, vice-president of the Rockland County Kennel Club and the first President of the Dalmatian Club of Greater New York. We used to tease him that if anyone saw the way his obedience champions acted out of the ring, they would come and take the trophies back.

I started my plastics engineering career twenty-five years ago and soon after started sharing my home with an assortment of four legged roommates. Throughout my life I had gotten used to the damage household pets can do and when I finally became a home owner I did my best to pet proof my house. One product I desperately needed was something to protect my window ledges from paw damage. I started looking in catalogues and on the internet but I couldn't find anything. I shamefully admit that it took me a few years before I said to myself, "You're a plastics engineer...make something".

I played around with a variety of ideas but the big problem that I faced was that there is no standard for window sills. I realized that I would have to keep the design simple so that it would work in most any situation.  After some prototypes were made and tested, Sill Shields™ were nearly ready for the public.

Now the question was how to attach it to the wood securely but without the need to drill holes. Then fate stepped in. A rock broke the windshield of my car and I had to have it replaced. I was re-attaching my toll-taking device to the glass with the plastic velcro-like strips when the light bulb came on. I got in touch with 3M, the guys who make Post-Its and Scotch Tape, and they sent me these cool round interlocking things they call Low Profile Dual Lock Coins. They hold like mad and with the use of a razor blade, were easily removed without damaging the wood or paint.

In 2006, I got a trademark for the name SILLSHIELD™ and had a website made so I could offer my product to others. I offer a 60 day 100% money back guarantee with free shipping on every order in the United States. I'm thrilled to say that I have not had one return or complaint but what has truly amazed me is the number of referrals and repeat customers. I've got a bunch of other projects in the works and by popular request I added a door shield in January 2008.

If you have a bright idea or a question about developing a product that requires plastic engineering feel free drop me a line. Maybe I can help.

Gary Castelle, President
Magnum Plastics Inc