The Beginning
In 2018, while working in forensic psych, Nathan Lamaster noticed a recurring problem. A nurse friend, with over 20 years of experience, voiced her frustration about the difficulty of opening blister packs. She even resorted to using makeshift tools like trauma scissors or a ring secured with an adhesive bandage. Seeing the clear need for a better solution, Nathan began researching but found that no such tool existed. This sparked his journey to create the first Pill Puncher prototype.

The Creation Process
Living in Tyler, TX, Nathan utilized the local makerspace, the Innovation Pipeline, to design the Pill Puncher using 3D printers. After 26 iterations and feedback from nurses who tested each version, the perfect Pill Puncher was developed—an efficient tool for easily removing pills from blister packs. With the prototype in hand, Nathan secured a patent to protect the invention.

 Challenges Along the Way
After securing the patent, Nathan faced new hurdles when partnering with an invention help company. The company promised to bring the product to market in exchange for 20% equity and $25,000. After nearly 18 months of delays and little progress, Nathan severed ties with the company, and the experience knocked the wind out of his sails. The company gave the equity back but kept his $25,000.

The Revival
In 2022, the Innovation Pipeline reached out to Nathan, asking him to share his success story to help them secure grant funding. This led to unexpected media coverage, and suddenly, there was renewed interest in the Pill Puncher. With two new investors on board, Nathan was able to revive the product and manufacture the first batch of 2,000 units.

Bringing Pill Puncher to Market
Nathan began selling the Pill Puncher online, particularly on Amazon, and to home health companies. One large order of 1,000 units came from a home health company, and local pharmacies also began carrying the product.  Over time Pill Puncher has now grown with the product being sold in pharmacies across America and helping thousands of people solve their medication blister pack pain points. Despite setbacks, Nathan’s perseverance paid off, and the Pill Puncher is now a reality, helping people easily manage their medications.