We had the good fortune of connecting with Robbie Cabral and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Robbie, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
“Don’t be afraid to dream BIG—If you have a vision or a passion for something, just go for it. And that’s what I did with BenjiLock.”

My message has always been not to let naysayers say you can’t. Be persistent, patient, and able to deal with the emotional distress that life may bring. If you’re able to stay on track, things will eventually fall in place.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Sure! Well, I was born and raised in Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic and came to the United States in 2007 with dreams of pursuing a music career, but things didn’t pan out. The journey has not been as easy as it looks. I faced several challenges on my way here but kept it positive.

I did every other job to make ends meet – from being a waiter and valet to dishwasher and housekeeper, you name it, and I have probably done it. However, I never took any of these positions for granted. All of them taught me different skills that I still apply every day.

Long story short, after being laid off from work, I woke up and decided to do better, not only for myself but also for my family, so I started going to the gym. I started to notice how people were using their lockers and the issues they were having. From leaving their keys inside to forgetting combinations, I wanted to find a solution for that. That’s where BenjiLock was born.

After years of working on this idea, I had a chance to be featured on ABC’s hit show Shark Tank, and the rest is history. Kevin O’Leary became an investor in the company, and we licensed the technology to Hampton Products International, makers of the BRINKS locks.

Today, BenjiLock’s fingerprint technology is expanding into a portfolio of products, including an upcoming line of bike locks, next-generation of padlocks, drawer closets, and cabinet locks, as well as a brand new line of smart home door locks.

I decided to take a risk on my invention and go all out. Nothing is easy in life. Don’t take ‘no’ for an answer. It’s like applying for a job. Keep pushing yourself, stay true to your beliefs, follow your gut, and it will pan out. I’m a true testament to that.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I have to say the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. It’s my favorite go-to for walking and relaxing the mind!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
That shoutout would be to Kevin O’Leary. Not only he’s my investor, but also a mentor and advisor, is a true blessing.

Website: https://BenjiLock.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benjilockofficial/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cabralrobbie/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BenjiLock

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/benjilockofficial

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/benjilock

Image Credits
Image Credits: Michael Hermogeno, Alex King, and BenjiLock, LLC.

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