Methuen native Paul Fiorello got some national exposure last week, appearing in a New York Times story about the kits he sells that allow kids to build their own robots.
The story in the technology section of last Tuesday's Times accompanied a photo of Fiorello helping his two sons build one of the robots his online electronics business sells.
Fiorello, 45, a 1981 graduate of Methuen High School, works out of his home in Oakland, Calif., running Carl's Electronics. He bought the company from its Massachusetts owner three years ago and moved it to California.
Since then, he's learned a lot about robots from the kits he deals. He told the Times that his business has experienced a 51 percent increase in sales of the kits this year.
— Mark E. Vogler
How did you get involved with robots?
I was involved in a venture capital business with a friend of mine, and I got real tired of traveling all over the country and having two kids at home who barely saw me. I looked around for online businesses for a while. I wanted to get one where I would be happy with the things I'm selling people and something where I have an area of growth. I've always wanted to get into a business where you can build things, where kids can actually do things with their hands.
So, how have things worked out?
I run this from home. I see my kids every day before they go to school and see them after. I test these kits with my own kids to make sure they can put them together, that they're of good quality and have instructions that kids can follow. I don't spend a lot of time at airports now unless I'm visiting Methuen.
What makes robots so special?
They capture the kids' attention. Everyone has their own little notion of what a robot is. It's one of those things where people have a lot of imagination around them. You can buy a sound-sensing robot for less than $20. Something that will hear you. They're fun to build, interesting and a good introduction into hobbies.
How have robot building kits helped your kids?
It sure has helped them with their dexterity, and working with instructions, and small parts and tools. You use a whole different skill set when you're building something. It's a better way to spend time with a parent. It's hard for parents to spend time with kids playing video games.
What's the most interesting thing you've learned about robots?
The variety that is out there. I had a guy who wanted me to custom-build one. He wanted to pay me $100,000 so he could have fun at parties down in L.A. I referred him to somebody who could do it. I'm too busy reselling. I can't do any development. I don't have the time. I am now a small business man.
So, do robotics kits make good Christmas presents?
They make great Christmas gifts, absolutely. I'm already out of the first round of orders. I'm scrambling to cover the short buying season. I'm in my second round of orders now. Parents don't really need a lot of money. The cheapest kit starts at $8.95.
What's the most expensive kit?
It's called a humanoid robot. It retails at $850. That one sells real well, mostly to schools. I'll probably sell 15 to 20 of those over Christmas. It's a little pricey. My kids would have to earn their own money to buy something that expensive.
