By Adriana Avila, Managing Editor | Photo courtesy Greg Mascarena
In just three months Business Administration major Greg Mascarena and former Health Information Technology major Daisy Mascarena invented a hands-free smartphone accessory which they hope will prevent texting and driving accidents.
The product is a wrist strap that attaches to a smartphone so that wearers can talk on speakerphone while doing other things, said Greg Mascarena.
“This is an age where people are driving and texting while holding their smartphone and what we’re hoping is to prevent this with the iStrap where you can wear it on your wrist and talk on your speaker phone or use voice to text on your speaker phone and have your hands free to drive,” said Greg Mascarena.
The idea and the preparation for his product came to him from CNM and he believes it has been a worthwhile experience, he said.
“It happened in school, when I saw the phone and I do believe going to CNM has helped improve my skills to be a better person and be more creative and more innovative,” he said.
Greg Mascarena earned a Business Certificate and will receive his associate degree during the spring graduation ceremony, he said.
“I feel good about going to CNM. My experience at CNM has been great,” he said.
Daisy Mascarena had taken the spring semester off to take care of their two daughters, he said.
The iStrap is being sold in the Cottonwood Mall at the “Phones Gone Wild” kiosks, as well as on Amazon, eBay and the couple’s website, SmartphoneStraps.com.
With the recent acknowledgement by the State Governor’s office and the support of the community, Smartphone Straps, LLC’s future is looking bright, he said.
Mascarena said he will be receiving an acknowledgement letter from the governor recognizing his new business, the creation of jobs and its positive standing.
