Tiffin native solves problems with invention

TIFFIN — Aaron Rombach, a local innovator, was tired of losing his writing utensils while working in construction. So he did something about it. He created the hat clip, a pencil and marker-holding device that clips to a hardhat or baseball hat and retails for about $6-$10, depending on where you get it. Rombach grew up in Tiffin and graduated from Calvert in the spring of 2020 and enrolled at Kent State University shortly after to study architecture and construction management. "Architecture wasn't my initial choice," he said. " From junior high through high school, I was a builder, maker and inventor, creating everything from RC foam planes to solar-powered phone chargers and 3D printed projects." Rombach's first choice was engineering, but he said he found that it was a difficult field to pursue due to the heavy math requirements. It was at the recommendation of Calvert art teacher Marla Shultz that he considered architecture, "a field where I could experiment, build and design freely," he said. While in college, Rombach competed in four competitions with his designs that earned him approximately $15,000 and a network of connections in the world of business. While working to earn his bachelor's degree, he worked with Clouse Construction, Janotta & Herner and Mohawk Nursery, all invaluable experiences to him that gave him "hands on insights into how architectural designs come to life … It was hot, sweaty and challenging work, but it deepened my respect for the builders who shape our world." He later said he learned valuable lessons while gaining the experience, including learning that specifications on blueprints weren't just numbers on a paper. As he puts it, "they are labor-intensive tasks." While working for Clouse Construction in New Riegel, Rombach discovered the age-old problem of having misplaced his writing utensils while at a job site. "Romby Innovations formally started in 2022 while I was working at Clouse Construction," he said. "The idea for hat and hardhat clips originated from my own frustration with constantly losing pencils and markers on site." Currently, all clips are printed on a single 3D printer Rombach bought with his own money while in high school. Even after creating a working design that solved a common issue for a group of people, Rombach wasn't finished innovating. "Over the last two years, we've continuously refined the design, enhancing durability and functionality," he reported, saying 3D printing has been helpful so far, but traditional manufacturing methods may become necessary as his business continues to grow. So far, Romby Innovations has garnered 1,000 orders, selling over 3,000 clips to customers in six countries. "All without paid advertising," he said. Looking forward, Rombach said he has ambitious plans for Romby Innovations, working especially on marketing projects for the company and a dedicated workspace for him and his team. He's also developing other innovations, such as a carpenters' pencil that never goes dull and custom LED signs. Rombach is working hard to make his dreams a reality. Though he says he is still deciding what he wants to do with his life, he has big ambitions for the projects in front of him. "My vision is for Romby Innovations to grow into a hub for creative solutions and I am actively looking for collaborators, supporters and anyone passionate about innovation to join our journey toward making impactful and innovative projects," he said.