Concrete Innovation Meets Sustainability: How Sarah Noah Is Reinventing Tools, Materials & Global Development

Bold Inventor

On this episode of The Bold Inventor Show, hosts J.D. Houvener (patent attorney) and Matt Kulseth (trademark attorney) kick things off by exposing a bizarre Amazon trademark scam. Imagine someone registering generic design marks — like outlines of scissors — then using them to file takedowns against legitimate sellers. The duo breaks down how bad actors exploit loopholes, how Amazon’s automated system often enables these tactics, and why small businesses lose millions before appeals catch up. It’s a must-listen for any brand owner navigating Amazon’s complex IP battlefield.

But the spotlight shines brightest on guest Sarah Noah, inventor, founder of Apex Concrete Innovations, and director of global engagement at Clistar. Sarah’s journey is anything but conventional — from growing up in a household of 11 siblings and foster kids, to co-inventing a patented power trowel with her brother John, to spearheading sustainable building initiatives worldwide.

Her patented tool reimagines the ancient hand trowel, attaching to a drill for faster, safer, and more ergonomic concrete finishing. Yet Sarah’s impact doesn’t stop at tools. Through Zeolite Composites and GreenerConcrete.com, she’s advancing low-carbon, high-strength cement alternatives — a breakthrough that not only reduces emissions but also cleans contaminated soil and water.

The conversation covers:

• Why being a female founder in construction tech means breaking stereotypes daily.
• How 3D concrete printing combined with zeolite could transform affordable housing in Africa.
• What it takes to commercialize a patent beyond the grant — including prototypes, safety hurdles, and manufacturing partnerships.
• How global networks like GNII and collaborations with the UN’s SDG Academy are fueling her mission to scale.

Sarah also teases her next big stage: launching at the World of Concrete 2024 in Las Vegas, where she’ll showcase the patented power trowel alongside a book release documenting her founder journey.

This episode blends hard-nosed IP strategy with visionary sustainability goals. If you’ve ever wondered how inventions move from a patent drawing to global impact — or how one founder can juggle concrete tools, greener building materials, and global development — Sarah’s story is proof that innovation knows no boundaries.

📌 Key Takeaways

• 🛡️ Amazon IP scams are real — automated systems often side with bad actors.
• ✍️ Design mark ≠ word mark — know the difference before filing.
• 🛠️ The power trowel reinvents concrete finishing — faster, safer, drill-powered.
• 🌍 Zeolite replaces cement — stronger, lower carbon, and cleans toxins.
• 🏗️ 3D printing with zeolite enables durable, sustainable housing.
• 👩‍🔬 Female founders innovate differently — persistence breaks barriers.
• 🌱 Sustainability partnerships matter — global networks accelerate adoption.
• 🚀 Prototypes > paperwork — investors want to see real-world proof.

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DISCLAIMER
Everything discussed on this podcast is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice.