WHOOSH! Appoints Antimicrobial Expert Dr. Curtis White to Serve as Technical Advisor

Reinforcing its commitment to develop the industry’s best tech hygiene solutions, WHOOSH! today announced the appointment of Dr. Curtis White, PhD to serve as a Technical Advisor to the company. Specializing in antimicrobial agents, Dr. White brings to his new role more than 50 years of experience in biochemistry, inventing, developing, and commercializing various chemicals and formulations.

“We are honored to have Dr. White join our team,” WHOOSH! CEO Jason Greenspan said today. “Curt has been working in biochemistry laboratories since 1962, and has, as a result, a detailed understanding of the science. His expertise will help us to develop the next generation of cleaning solutions that are required by today’s mobile consumer who is increasingly dependent on mobile devices to stay informed and entertained.”

White comes to WHOOSH! after co-founding ÆGIS Environmental Management, a global supplier of solutions to microbial problems in buildings, enclosed transportation units, and consumer and medical textiles including wound care products and construction materials. The company was recognized for its antimicrobial activities focused under the Aegis Microbe Shield Brand serving major retailers and brand name companies. ÆGIS Environmental Management was acquired by Microban International in 2012.

Prior to that, White spent eleven years at Dow Corning, guiding the technical activities for SYLGARD® Antimicrobial Treatment. During this time, White published more than fifteen trade journal articles, seven peer reviewed papers, five chapters in books, produced two video tapes, delivered thirty-five major addresses at technical and trade conferences, and wrote multiple product guides and case histories. White was responsible for the global expansion of the SYLGARD product line and was instrumental in the launching of the SYLGARD/BIOSIL business in Japan and Korea.

White also served as General Manager of the Micronic Filtration Division at machine tool company F. Joseph Lamb. While at F. Joseph Lamb, White was responsible for the development of an industrial filtration business that allowed for the removal of micron sized particles and, by use of proper chemical controls, extended the life of the metalworking fluids almost indefinitely.  

During his time as a researcher at Dow Chemical, White studied the invention of new industrial antimicrobials, understanding their toxicology and utility, and the development of sophisticated analytical techniques. White was responsible for a variety of bench and customer activities in the field of industrial microbiology. He was instrumental in the development of test techniques in the area of the paint preservatives, paint film mildewcides, marine antifoulants, metalworking fluid preservatives, and cooling tower slimicides.  

“With experience in organic chemistry and inorganic chemicals, Curt has experience in all phases of product-feature development and commercialization,” Greenspan added. “Curt will be working with management and the Technical Advisory Board to referee new products and business opportunities.”

Majoring in biology, chemistry, and education, White holds a B.S. degree in Applied Arts and Sciences from Central Michigan University. White has been recognized by the Central Michigan University College of Science and Technology as a distinguished alumnus and sits on the alumni advisory board and executive board of Central Michigan University. 

Core Brands Technologies Help Provide Independence for Wounded Veteran in New Donated Home

Smart homes can change lives. Just ask veteran MSG John Masson and his family, who were recently handed the keys and iPad to their new specially adapted smart home at a dedication ceremony held in Southern Pines, North Carolina.  After losing three limbs in Afghanistan in 2010, Masson was selected by Building for America’s Bravest, a partner program of the Gary Sinise Foundation’s R.I.S.E. program, to receive a smart home that aims to ease daily challenges and afford him independence. With new technologies donated from top manufacturers including Core Brands, almost all aspects of the home can be completely controlled through the family’s smartphones and tablets wherever they go.

“This is truly a blessing and it’s changed our lives,” Masson said of his family’s experience in the home. “I’m thankful every day for everyone involved, from the builders and workers on site to the companies that donated equipment and materials, to Gary Sinise himself who helped get this amazing house built in less than 10 months. The technology is fantastic and it helps me do a lot of things much easier, even something that seems simple like changing a DVD. That could be a challenge for me alone, but now through the ELAN g! iPad app and the Kaleidescape movie server I can change what I’m watching without needing to get in my chair and cross the room, saving me time and frustration. I’ll never be able to thank everyone enough, but I’ll continue to do so at every opportunity.”

Among the many accoutrements in the home are retractable cabinets and shelving, automated lighting, window shades and security systems, transfer benches, whole-home audio and video and more. Nearly $130,000 (retail value) of technology equipment was donated and installed, and the brain that ties it all together is an ELAN g! system that gives Masson and his family easy control.

The home includes two large ELAN in-wall touchscreens and an iPad to make it easy for the family to manage three climate zones, 29 motorized window shades, a full Lutron RadioRA 2 system, two doors with electronic locks, security, surveillance, and multi-room audio and video including a professional home theater, affectionately referred to as the man cave. With an Epson 6030 series projector, Vutec screen, five Sunfire CRS-3 ribbon speakers mounted on the wall, two Sunfire SubRosa subwoofers and six additional Niles speakers for surround, this man cave provides the ultimate home viewing experience for the Masson family.

“The man cave is one of my favorite things about the house,” Masson said. “Anything that makes my life easier or more convenient is a huge help for both functionality and my state of mind. It all comes back to the wonderful people who made this all possible, who’ve given me back a lot of freedom to live comfortably. It was challenging to have guests over since I came back in 2010, and that’s something a family needs. Now we can have our family and friends come to the house without worrying about complications or space and I can set up all the music, lights and anything else form my iPad.”

According to Joel Berrettini, the project’s lead technology integrator and owner of IT and Media Solutions, working on this home is the least he could do. “I would do anything for these men, and I will continue to do so as long as the opportunity is available. Providing wounded veterans these homes, to regain a sense of normalcy and independence, takes a lot of partners and a lot of cooperation. The product donations from Core Brands and our other valued sponsors make these homes possible and we cannot thank them enough.”

Using the latest technologies from ELAN Home Systems, Niles Audio, Sunfire, Lutron, QMotion and others, Berrettini designed a system that gives Masson as much control as possible to stay in charge of his home. In fact, Masson’s home will soon be one of the first in the world to use the new ELAN 6x4 HDMI matrix to deliver HD video throughout the home. Berrettini is expecting to install two of the matrices in early 2015.

From installing touchpanels at a height comfortable for John and using occupancy sensors in key areas to a one-button setup to turn on the home theater, fast access and ease of use is the key. Additionally, Berrettini gave John and his wife some peace of mind by setting the system so the kids can only access controls for the lights, media and window shades. Remote access was also a top consideration, which is simple with the ELAN g! system. The family can now use the ELAN g! mobile app on nearly any mobile device to check their cameras, security, lights and HVAC from anywhere in the world.

Berrettini installed the home’s technology with help from local integrator Sandhills Home Theater, who provided unexpected free labor to help speed up the installation.

Masson has served in the US Army in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm, in the Indiana Army National Guard, the Ohio Army National Guard and the 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne), and was deployed during  Operation Iraqi Freedom an Enduring Freedom. In 2010, while conducting Village Stability Operations in Afghanistan, Masson stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED) and lost an arm and both legs.  Thanks to his training, he was able to assist his fellow Medical Sergeant in treating his wounds – actions which saved his life.  He’s received both the Purple Heart meda

Tech Hygiene Innovator WHOOSH! Inc. to be Featured on Upcoming Episode of CBC Television's "Dragons' Den"

Three-year-old Toronto-based WHOOSH! Inc. (www.whooshinc.com) today announced that it has been selected to pitch its flagship product, WHOOSH! Screen Shine, on an upcoming episode of Dragons' Den, airing Wednesday, March 4, 2015 at 8 p.m. (8:30 p.m. in NFLD) on CBC Television.

“We’re thrilled to demonstrate the importance of tech hygiene on CBC’s Dragons' Den”, WHOOSH! President Jason Greenspan said today. “We hope everybody can tune in to watch!”

WHOOSH!’s appearance on Dragons' Den immediately follows the company’s spectacular performance at CES 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada, where they cleaned more than 10,000 mobile device screens. The company’s CES success was widely broadcasted on both CNET and BeTerrific’s live shows from the Las Vegas Convention Center. The company was also recently profiled in the February 2015 issue of Canadian Business Magazine.

“Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of tech hygiene,” Greenspan said. “Today, our mobile devices are an extension of ourselves. What our hands touch, our phones touch.  We wash our hands every day, so why shouldn’t we clean our phones every day as well?”

Greenspan recalls the moment “WHOOSH” began like it was yesterday.  He and his partners had started out in 2011 making and selling car-detailing products. “I accidentally spilled some of the auto cleaner on my iPad, panicked, and immediately began to wipe the screen.  When I finished I couldn’t believe the result – it was like my screen was brand new again!  That’s when I knew we had our next big idea,” Greenspan said.

According to Greenspan, the company shipped over 350,000 units of WHOOSH! Screen Shine screen cleaner to more than 5,000 retail locations across North America in 2014. WHOOSH! is the only cleaner carried in all North American Apple stores, as well as in Staples Canada, Canadian Tire, Canada Computers and Shoppers Drug Mart stores. 

Leveraging the latest advancements in formula development, WHOOSH! was specifically developed to be a safe yet powerful cleaning solution that eliminates fingerprints, smudges, dirt, skin oils and makeup from any electronic device screen — leaving a clear, streak-free finish that  not only makes the screen shine like new but also resists fingerprints. WHOOSH! is non-toxic and does not contain alcohol, acids, ammonia, chlorine, petroleum distillates, phosphates or volatile organic compounds.

“Dragons' Den is offering us the ideal platform to further spread the word about WHOOSH!,” Greenspan added. “We’re thrilled to pitch WHOOSH! to the dragons and hopefully take this company to the next level.”  

Tech Hygiene Became a Reality at CES 2015!

If there was any doubt that Tech Hygiene was one of the major story lines of CES 2015, it was put to rest today with the announcement by WHOOSH! Inc. CEO Jason Greenspan that an estimated 10,000 mobile device screens were cleaned and polished with WHOOSH! Screen Shine throughout the four-day show. 

“By any measure, CES 2015 was the most successful show in the three-year history of the company,” Greenspan said today. “Our booth was jammed every day with people who wanted to learn more about how to make Tech Hygiene a part of their lives. What’s more, we gave away thousands of WHOOSH! Screen Shine samples to show attendees to get them started practicing good Tech Hygiene.” 

According to Greenspan, the company is now finalizing delivery dates and pricing for the company’s newly expanded line of Tech Hygiene cleaning solutions, which includes WHOOSH! Wipes andWHOOSH! BLAST. “WHOOSH! Screen Shine Wipes and WHOOSH! BLAST provide additional ways for consumers to practice Tech Hygiene and keep their screens, gadgets and devices clean. Our retail partners are excited how we are revolutionizing the category and driving sales,” Greenspan emphasized.

WHOOSH! Screen Shine Wipes combine pre-treated disposable wet and dry cloths into a single serve packages that make them easy to carry and use. Consumers can safely clean, polish, and protect all of their tech and gadget devices by first using the wet Wipe cloth and then polishing it with the dry cloth. “New WHOOSH! Screen Shine Wipes deliver the same great result as our original WHOOSH! Screen Shine screen cleaner spray,” Greenspan explained. “Now it’s available in a different configuration to suit consumers who are very accustomed to regularly washing their hands with handi-wipe type products.” 

Additionally, available in a 10-ounce canister at a suggested retail price of $8.99 (USD), new WHOOSH! BLAST compressed gas duster is designed to enable consumers to maintain a more complete tech hygiene program — particularly as it applies to their notebooks and PCs, which often attract all sorts of dirt, dust, and crumbs in and around the keyboard. “New WHOOSH! BLAST has been designed to deliver a burst of compressed gas that effectively ‘blasts’ dirt, dust, and crumbs out from among the keyboard keys. Then consumers can use their WHOOSH! Screen Shine solution of choice to complete the cleaning and polishing of their device,” Greenspan emphasized. 

WHOOSH! Screen Shine is the next generation screen cleaner that is made with non-toxic and biodegradable surfactants instead of with harsh chemicals that can damage mobile devices. Leveraging the latest advancements in formula development, WHOOSH! is specifically developed to be a safe yet powerful cleaning solution that cleans both screens and devices — making them shine like new while leaving an ultra-thin invisible coating that provides a resistance to dirt build-up, smudges, and fingerprints. WHOOSH! does not contain alcohol, acids, ammonia, chlorine, petroleum distillates, phosphates or volatile organic compounds.

WHOOSH! Screen Shine is available for purchase at all North American Apple stores and at more than 2500 Walmart stores, as well as in Staples Canada, Canadian Tire, and Shoppers Drug Mart stores. WHOOSH! can also be purchased at www.whooshscreenshine.com.

WHOOSH! Screen Shine is available in a number of sizes: Duo+ (one 3.4 fluid ounces and one .3 fluid ounces) is for a suggested retail price of $19.99, Pocket (.3 fluid ounces) for $5.99 and Go (1 fluid ounce) for $9.99. All sizes come with a 6”x6” W! micro-fiber cloth. WHOOSH is also available for the commercial, industrial, and education markets.  WHOOSH! Screen Cleaner made its debut at CES 2014 where it became the only screen and device cleaner to be awarded two coveted CES Innovations Design & Engineering Awards.

CES News Media Take Their Tech Hygiene Seriously

Tech hygiene is definitely a top priority for news media getting ready to attend CES 2015 next month in Las Vegas, Nevada, according to the results of a recent survey of journalist attitudes and awareness conducted by WHOOSH! Inc., manufacturer of the next generation, non-toxic screen cleaner, WHOOSH! Screen Shine.

In October WHOOSH! sent a survey to more than 1,100 journalists who report on consumer electronics as well as mobile technology and regularly attend major industry trade shows.  According to WHOOSH! CEO Jason Greenspan, almost 10% of recipients took the time to respond to a series of questions about their use of mobile technology products, their awareness of tech hygiene, and their tech hygiene practices.

“Not surprisingly, the journalists who cover mobile tech are well aware of the need to practice regular tech hygiene,” Greenspan said today.  “More than 30% of respondents already use a screen cleaner on a regular basis."

In other highlights from the survey, nearly 58% of respondents said that they were aware that 80% of all touch screens are contaminated with bacteria, 47% said they wash their hands five or more times a day, 51% use hand sanitizers at least three times a week, and, perhaps reflecting the journalists overall awareness of hygiene, 71% say they never lend their mobile devices to other people at trade shows.  As for the trade shows they attend, it should come as no surprise that 81% attend CES followed by CE Week at 38%, CTIA at 20%, CEDIA at 19% and InfoComm at 15%.

At CES 2015 WHOOSH! will once again host its free Screen Check-Up for all journalists and show attendees who want to see just how dirty their phone or tablet screen is.  The company will conduct ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) tests that measure the number of actively growing microorganisms through detection of adenosine triphosphate. “And when the test is complete, we will give each person a free trial sample of WHOOSH! Screen Shine. Since our devices are increasingly becoming an extension of our hands, it's just as important to keep your screens clean as it is to keep your hands hands clean!"

WHOOSH! Screen Shine is the next generation screen cleaner that is made with non-toxic and biodegradable surfactants instead of with harsh chemicals that can damage mobile devices. Leveraging the latest advancements in formula development, WHOOSH! is specifically developed to be a safe yet powerful cleaning solution that cleans screens and makes them shine like new while leaving an ultra-thin invisible coating that provides a resistance to dirt build-up, smudges, and fingerprints.  WHOOSH! does not contain alcohol, acids, ammonia, chlorine, petroleum distillates, phosphates or volatile organic compounds.

WHOOSH! is available for purchase at all North American Apple stores and at more than 2500 Walmart stores, as well as in Target Canada, Staples Canada, Canadian Tire, and Shoppers Drug Mart stores. WHOOSH! can also be purchased at www.whooshscreenshine.com.

WHOOSH! Screen Shine is available in a number of sizes:  Duo+ (one 3.4 fluid ounces and one .3 fluid ounces) is for a suggested retail price of $19.95, Pocket (.3 fluid ounces) for $5.99 and On-the-Go (1 fluid ounce) for $9.99. All sizes come with a 6”x6” W! micro-fiber cloth. WHOOSH is also available for the commercial, industrial, and education markets.

WHOOSH! Screen Cleaner made its debut at CES 2014 where it became the only screen and device cleaner to be awarded two coveted CES Innovations Design & Engineering Awards.