Introduction

When people talk about the leaders who have shaped America’s invention services industry, Robert (“Bob”) Susa is a name that consistently stands out. As the President and Owner of InventHelp, he has spent more than three decades building one of North America’s most trusted and recognized innovation support organizations. His leadership has redefined what it means to serve inventors—anchoring every decision in transparency, ethics, and results.

For Robert Susa, invention has always been more than business. It’s about helping people believe in their own ideas, giving them a structured path forward, and ensuring they have the resources to take the next step.

Early Life and Education

Robert Susa’s story begins in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a city known for resilience, hard work, and community pride. Those values became part of his DNA long before he stepped into a leadership role. Growing up, Susa developed a deep respect for teamwork and perseverance—principles that would later shape his career philosophy.

After graduating from West Allegheny Senior High School, he attended Youngstown State University, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Communication. His time at YSU reflected both academic excellence and athletic dedication. He consistently made the Dean’s List, served on the Academic Senate, and competed as a starting pitcher for the Penguins baseball team.

The combination of academics and athletics taught him that preparation, focus, and integrity are the cornerstones of achievement. Those lessons carried forward into every stage of his professional life.

Even years later, Robert Susa continues to give back to the university that helped shape him. He has contributed more than $100,000 in scholarships and endowments to support students pursuing education and leadership opportunities. His commitment to education reflects a lifelong belief: true success means lifting others as you grow.

Building a Foundation in Business

Before his name became synonymous with innovation, Susa began his professional journey at Pillsbury, a respected Fortune 500 company. There, he worked as a Sales Representative, learning the fundamentals of communication, client relationships, and strategic growth.

This early experience gave him a front-row seat to how large organizations manage structure, customer service, and brand integrity. It also instilled in him the importance of ethics and accountability. He learned that the most successful companies are those that listen first, act responsibly, and deliver consistently.

Those principles would later guide his transformation of InventHelp into a modern, service-oriented organization.

Joining InventHelp: A Turning Point

In November 1990, Robert Susa joined InventHelp as Compliance Manager, beginning what would become a lifelong professional calling. The company, founded in 1984, was already helping inventors navigate patenting and idea submission processes, but Susa saw an opportunity to make it even stronger.

From the start, he focused on ensuring clear communication, ethical practices, and transparency. He wanted inventors to understand every step of their journey, from prototype development to marketing presentations. His approach built confidence among clients and employees alike, setting a new tone of accountability across the organization.

As he rose through the ranks—first as Compliance Director, then Sales Training Manager, and eventually Sales Director—Susa cultivated a company culture that valued teamwork and purpose over profit.

By 2008, he was named President of InventHelp, and in 2012, he became Owner, solidifying his long-term commitment to guiding the company with integrity and vision.

Defining Leadership: Integrity, Clarity, and Vision

Robert Susa’s leadership philosophy centers on three interconnected values: integrity, transparency, and empowerment.

He believes that every inventor deserves honest information and fair treatment. That belief has driven InventHelp’s evolution into one of the most respected invention service providers in North America.

Under his leadership, the company introduced modernization initiatives that improved both efficiency and trust. Among them:

• Streamlined internal communication and tracking systems

• Enhanced project databases for inventor progress

• Comprehensive staff training programs

• Improved client transparency and follow-up procedures

These advancements helped InventHelp maintain its A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and strengthened its reputation for ethical professionalism.

Advocacy for Inventors

One of Robert Susa’s most defining qualities is his deep respect for independent inventors. He understands the challenges they face—financial uncertainty, limited resources, and the overwhelming complexity of patenting and product development.

Under his leadership, InventHelp became the official sponsor of INPEX (the Invention and New Product Exposition), once the largest invention trade show in the United States. Through INPEX, thousands of inventors had the opportunity to present their innovations to manufacturers, investors, and product scouts.

For Susa, INPEX was never just an event—it was a platform for empowerment. It showcased what happens when people are given a fair chance to pursue their creativity.

“Every good product begins with an idea and the courage to pursue it,” Susa says. “Our job is to give inventors the guidance, structure, and tools they need to move forward with confidence.”

That simple philosophy has shaped an entire generation of innovators.

Inspiring Success Stories

Over the decades, Robert Susa has witnessed countless inventors achieve milestones that once seemed out of reach. Among these are the MixAid beverage-mixing device and the Intellinetix line of vibration therapy products—two standout examples of InventHelp clients whose ideas reached commercial success.

“When I see inventions like MixAid or Intellinetix reach consumers, I am reminded that innovation can come from anyone,” Susa notes. “Each of those inventors started with nothing more than a simple concept and determination. What matters most is the belief that your idea has value.”

Through stories like these, Susa continues to reinforce InventHelp’s purpose: to make innovation attainable, honest, and rewarding.

Community Impact

While Robert Susa’s professional achievements are remarkable, his commitment to giving back is equally inspiring.

His contributions to Youngstown State University have funded scholarships that help students pursue higher education and leadership roles. He also supports community initiatives throughout Pittsburgh, including local education programs and charitable events that align with InventHelp’s core mission of empowerment.

“Success carries responsibility,” he often says. “If you have been fortunate enough to build something meaningful, you have an obligation to help others do the same.”

Recognition and Thought Leadership

Robert Susa has been recognized across multiple business and innovation platforms for his contributions to ethical invention services. His professional insights have been featured in outlets such as Yahoo Finance, Entrepreneur, Inc. Magazine, and The Licensing Letter, as well as interviews with InventorSmart and other industry publications.

In each feature, he emphasizes the same core belief: business integrity is non-negotiable, and true innovation thrives only in environments built on trust.

His reputation for consistency and transparency has positioned him as one of the most respected figures in the invention industry—a leader who represents both the creative spirit of inventors and the stability of ethical entrepreneurship.

Lessons in Leadership

Throughout his career, Robert Susa has shared lessons that extend beyond business.

1. Listen before you lead.
Leadership starts with understanding. Listening builds trust, and trust builds progress.

2. Build culture before growth.
A healthy internal culture ensures sustainable expansion. Without it, growth is temporary.

3. Communicate with honesty.
Transparency earns loyalty that money can’t buy.

4. Empower others.
Delegation and mentorship create long-term strength in organizations.

5. Measure success by impact, not title.
For Susa, the greatest achievement isn’t the position he holds but the lives he has helped change.

The Future of Innovation

As technology and creativity continue to evolve, Robert Susa remains committed to ensuring InventHelp adapts to the needs of modern inventors. The company has embraced transformation expanding online submission tools, improving accessibility, and integrating new resources for invention promotion.

Susa envisions a future where anyone with a great idea can access professional support, regardless of background or experience. He believes that democratizing innovation will continue to fuel progress across industries and communities.

“Innovation doesn’t belong to a select few,” he says. “It belongs to anyone willing to think differently and take that first step. My goal is to make sure they never have to take that step alone.”

About Robert Susa

Robert Susa is the President and Owner of InventHelp, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A graduate of Youngstown State University, Susa has spent more than three decades helping inventors across North America transform their ideas into reality.

His leadership is characterized by ethics, transparency, and dedication to empowerment. Beyond his professional achievements, Susa is a passionate supporter of education and philanthropy, contributing more than $100,000 in scholarships and community programs.

He continues to champion inventors from all walks of life, guiding InventHelp into the future as a model for innovation with integrity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Robert Susa?
Robert (“Bob”) Susa is the President and Owner of InventHelp, an invention services company headquartered in Pittsburgh that assists inventors with patent referrals, prototype modeling, marketing materials, and product submission services.

How long has Robert Susa been with InventHelp?
He joined the company in 1990, became President in 2008, and Owner in 2012.

What is Robert Susa known for?
Susa is recognized for his ethical leadership, modernization of InventHelp’s systems, and commitment to making innovation accessible to everyday inventors.

Where did Robert Susa go to school?
He graduated from Youngstown State University with a degree in Organizational Communication and continues to support the university through scholarships and philanthropy.

What defines his leadership?
Robert Susa’s leadership combines business discipline with mentorship and service. He focuses on building trust, nurturing talent, and ensuring inventors receive honest, professional support.

Final Reflection

Robert Susa’s journey from a young Pittsburgh student to the President and Owner of one of North America’s most trusted invention service companies is a testament to perseverance and purpose. His life’s work reflects his belief that innovation thrives when people are given both encouragement and structure.

For Susa, leadership is not about power but about service. It’s about creating opportunities for others to succeed—whether those others are inventors pursuing an idea, students chasing an education, or employees developing their careers.

Through his guidance, InventHelp has become more than a company. It’s a reflection of his core values: integrity, transparency, and belief in human potential.

In every sense, Robert Susa embodies what it means to lead with vision and heart. His legacy will continue to inspire inventors, entrepreneurs, and innovators to dream bigger, act ethically, and never stop believing in their ideas.