Hello,
My name is Colleen and I'm going to tell you the story of the Rotator Rod and how it came to be...

...For many years I worked as a bedside nurse in Intensive Care Units. Then, after moving through the ranks of Nursing Management my career took a great turn. I embarked on a unique opportunity to begin, on the ground floor, implementing Electronic Medical Records in large hospitals. After ten years I found my personal life was a mess. So, I took a much-needed break, which included moving out of my house and trading my walk-in shower for a bath tub - Oh, how I missed my shower space!

I began each day having to peel the shower curtain off my body, and don't mention the shock of cold air while drying off! But I knew the answer. I had enjoyed the luxury of curved shower rods in all the hotels I'd stayed in over the past five years. I remembered they provided the space to move that I so needed AND enough room to dry off in the warmth of the shower. So, I bought a curved rod and happily installed it. But there was a problem: it took up too much room in my bathroom...it encroached on my toilet space! I discovered that whatever room was gained IN the shower, was lost OUTSIDE of the shower. Now my stubborn streak came out. I was determined to have the best of both worlds.

Fast forward several months and there, mounted in my shower, was the first Rotator Rod. It was attached to the walls with closet sockets, bright orange Gatorade caps , furniture slides, lots of wire, glue and screws!

Some of my friends saw this site and found it to be useful so I set out to explore the possibility of production. I wanted to keep manufacturing in the United States, but that has proven to be difficult. It seems that forces are aligned to urge people like me to manufacture goods in other countries. These forces include attorneys, sales and distribution people and, in particular, retailers. I've met very few people outside the manufacturing world itself who support making goods in the U.S. Sure, in theory they all nod their approval, but in practice: "You have to go to out of the country if you're going to compete."

I'm proud to report that the Original Rotator Rod is made entirely in the United States, as is the Rod Reacher. The molded plastics are produced in Sarasota FL, where I live. The plating is done in Brooklyn and the boxes are made close by, in Bradenton FL. Until recently, I have been unable to find suitable U.S. suppliers for the curved rod itself, but that problem has been solved and the stainless steel rods come from our very own North Carolina.

Thank you for allowing me to share my story and my product with you. I hope you enjoy them both.

Take Good Care,
Colleen O'Connell
colleen@rotatorrod.com