By Jennifer Allen
What if you could make any door automatic in about 15 minutes? That’s exactly what Pierre Paul set out to do with the Hero Door Opener, an innovative device designed to transform how we access the spaces around us.
The problem:
Pierre pointed out that there are over 42 billion doors worldwide, less than 5% of which are automatic. The closed doors for people with disabilities are not metaphorical in this situation.
there are over 42 billion doors worldwide, less than 5% of which are automatic.
Jennifer Allen
The Solution:
When asked about the inspiration behind his invention, Paul shared, “It literally came from a dream.” He went on to add, “All of my innovations have come from manifestations or visions in my mind. The idea was simple: open doors more seamlessly.”
The Hero Door Opener fills a critical gap, particularly for people with disabilities. The device integrates with existing mechanisms and allows doors to be opened via a mobile app, a fob, or even voice commands like “Hey Siri.” It’s affordable, quick to install, and practical for businesses and homes alike.
Accessible and Affordable
Priced at $1,750, with options for a $400 push receiver, a $30 universal fob, and a free app, the Hero Door Opener is designed to be cost-effective. Paul’s team even helps businesses find grants and tax write-offs to offset the costs, making the device accessible to more people. Most businesses have been able to implement this game-changing accessibility technology at no cost, transforming inclusion in their spaces.
Organizations like Busch Stadium, Cardinal Stadium, Bradley University, and The Schoolhouse Hotel have already implemented Hero Door Openers, further proving its versatility and appeal.
Business and Personal Impact
The Hero Door Opener has proven invaluable in commercial settings – beyond accessibility and inclusion goals. At the University of Illinois, catering staff struggled with doors closing on carts and knocking over food. With Hero, they just ask Siri to open the door for them, making their jobs easier and safer.
The real magic of the Hero Door Opener lies in its ability to empower. Paul shared the story of a young boy named Zippy, who loves playing in his backyard but couldn’t open the door independently. Installing the Hero on his family’s door and giving him a personal fob transformed his world.
“Now, Zippy can open the door whenever he wants,” Paul explained. “He even helps his mom bring in groceries. It’s that autonomy, that ability to contribute, that’s huge for us.”
“Whether you’re young or old, whether you have a disability or not, we all need to open doors,” Paul emphasized.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
As a start-up, the biggest challenges have been in manufacturing and funding. With its practical design and life-changing impact, the Hero Door Opener is going to change the face of accessibility, but it’s a journey to get to that place where costs are covered before orders are placed.
A Note from Pierre:
You will only ever grow and succeed if you learn how to take feedback from both people who support you and people who don’t. We’ve been appreciative for the skeptics and for the cheerleaders because they both play a valuable role in our journey. We cannot thank Jake and the TravelAbility team enough for the opportunity to meet more of both of those individuals and to prove ourselves as we make the world more accessible.
Watch The Hero Door Opener Pitch at TravelAbility’s InnovateAble Showcase
Visit the Hero Door Opener Web-site
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