# Afterschool Podcast, Episode 11 - Marco Perry and Mark Prommel of Pensa (11/12)

- Show: [Core77 Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast)
- Published: 2013-11-12
- Length: 53m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2013-11-12-afterschool-podcast-episode-11-marco-perry-and-mark-prommel-of-pensa-11-12
- Listen: https://soundcloud.com/corejr/afterschool-podcast-episode-11

## Summary

Marco Perry and Mark Prommel, partners at the Brooklyn design firm Pensa, discuss launching the DIWire, a desktop wire bender, via Kickstarter. They explain how the tool emerged from their prototyping needs for furniture models, evolving from an open-source prototype to a polished commercial product. The episode also covers their Street Charge solar charging station, developed in partnership with Goal Zero and AT&T, highlighting their strategy of open-source sharing and rapid field iteration to validate concepts and build brand credibility.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2013-11-12-afterschool-podcast-episode-11-marco-perry-and-mark-prommel-of-pensa-11-12#t=0) Introduction: Marco Perry and Mark Prommel of Pensa
- [3:42](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2013-11-12-afterschool-podcast-episode-11-marco-perry-and-mark-prommel-of-pensa-11-12#t=222) Origin of the DIWire: Prototyping needs and open-source roots
- [8:31](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2013-11-12-afterschool-podcast-episode-11-marco-perry-and-mark-prommel-of-pensa-11-12#t=511) Product Design: Transitioning from open-source prototype to commercial product
- [11:48](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2013-11-12-afterschool-podcast-episode-11-marco-perry-and-mark-prommel-of-pensa-11-12#t=708) Brand Strategy: Defining 'Modern Craftsmanship' and accessibility
- [15:11](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2013-11-12-afterschool-podcast-episode-11-marco-perry-and-mark-prommel-of-pensa-11-12#t=911) Marketing & PR: The power of openness and community feedback
- [18:39](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2013-11-12-afterschool-podcast-episode-11-marco-perry-and-mark-prommel-of-pensa-11-12#t=1119) Crowdfunding: Managing a high Kickstarter goal and early sales
- [22:29](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2013-11-12-afterschool-podcast-episode-11-marco-perry-and-mark-prommel-of-pensa-11-12#t=1349) Use Cases: Art, education, and short-run production for businesses
- [24:54](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2013-11-12-afterschool-podcast-episode-11-marco-perry-and-mark-prommel-of-pensa-11-12#t=1494) Street Charge: Solar charging stations with Goal Zero and AT&T
- [32:48](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2013-11-12-afterschool-podcast-episode-11-marco-perry-and-mark-prommel-of-pensa-11-12#t=1968) Field Testing: Rapid iteration and learning from public pilot runs
- [39:04](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2013-11-12-afterschool-podcast-episode-11-marco-perry-and-mark-prommel-of-pensa-11-12#t=2344) Business Model: Balancing design consulting with self-started products

## Topics

- [Prototyping & iteration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/prototyping)
- [Crowdfunding & preorders](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/crowdfunding)
- [Industrial & consumer product design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/industrial-design)
- [Marketing & brand](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/marketing-and-brand)
- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)
- [Starting a product company](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/starting-a-company)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Pensa (company)
- DIWire (product)
- Goal Zero (company)
- AT&T (company)
- Street Charge (product)
- Kickstarter (other)
- 3D printers (tool)
- MakerBot (product)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [134: Kevin Kelly Remains Undefeated](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/thoroughly-considered/2026-06-24-134-kevin-kelly-remains-undefeated) (Thoroughly Considered)
- [Episode 205: Thinky Pad and Wippy Pen](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2019-03-08-episode-205-thinky-pad-and-wippy-pen) (Making It)
- [3: Onward](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/thoroughly-considered/2015-10-28-3-onward) (Thoroughly Considered)
- [18: No Cool Cheap Screwdrivers](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/thoroughly-considered/2016-09-17-18-no-cool-cheap-screwdrivers) (Thoroughly Considered)
- [S3 E7: Building Bootstrapped Hardware That Sells with Christian Reed](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-builder-circle/2026-01-13-s3-e7-building-bootstrapped-hardware-that-sells-with-christian-reed) (The Builder Circle)

## Citing this page

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