Garage invention goes global

RIO RANCHO, N.M. (KRQE) - Two men who created a self contained power source which can be powered by the sun, wind or water say their product has suddenly taken off and they are now looking at building a plant in Rio Rancho, creating dozens, maybe hundreds of jobs.

Jeff Kleeman and Kerwin Pohawpatchoko created the device in Kleeman's garage after finding a need on a job site where they couldn't bring a generator in. After two years of working on the project the pair began selling the device and the response has been overwhelming. They've received about 1,000 orders, some from as far away as Panama City.

The pair, which still builds the device in Kleeman's garage is now looking at building a manufacturing site in Rio Rancho with the help of the city and small business organization. They hope to bring at least 30 jobs in the first year, if all goes well the number could grow into the hundreds.

Pohawpatchoko says his drive for this project is very personal. A veteran himself he wants to hire veterans who have found themselves out of work after getting out of the service.

Pohawpatchoko also hopes to make people's lives better including those on the Navajo Nation and other reservations who still don't have power to their homes. He hopes the device will also be used in emergency situations like the power outages on the coast following the recent storms.

The pair says they realize they are sitting on something huge that could have an impact around the world. For two unemployed guys, it comes at just the right time.