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The banana bunker, pure and simple, protects bananas while in your briefcase or purse. “People are on the go, and they have no time for breakfast,” says Stremple, a student of architectural design who has worked for Polo and Gucci. Now you can bring your bananas along with you, without worrying about them getting crushed along the way.

How he got the idea:

His sister complained that her bananas kept getting crushed in her briefcase — and the idea was born. That was back in 2000. It took until 2005 to perfect the design, and to find the right manufacturer (in upstate New York). Along the way, Stremple also decided to invest time and money — about $40,000 — on legal fees to obtain 10 patents protecting the idea. And now, he’s currently looking at making the product in China to cut down on costs. “It’s too expensive to make here,” he says.

Where it’s sold:

Online at bananabunker.com; at the Museum of Modern Art gift store; and distributors in Japan and Denmark. Stremple says the product — with its suggestive shape and practical functionality – pretty much sells itself.

The big challenge:

Stremple learned the challenges of keeping up with demand early on. The first real exposure for Banana Bunker was when it was featured on the trendy email tip sheet, Daily Candy, in January 2005. “It was almost too good, too soon,” he says. Within a day, he had 800 requests for Banana Bunkers — forcing him to scramble to fill orders.

With his design background, Stremple was talented enough to get the product chosen for design shows at high-profile places like MoMA. Now, a national chain of grocery stores is interested in the product, as is shopping network QVC. “The potential for making a lot more financial success is there,” he says.

The next step:

Stremple plans to spend the next year finding a manufacturer that will automate the process, allowing him to slash costs and increase volume. And he wants to take on other fruit shapes: the Peach Purse, Pear Pouch, Apple Attaché and Grape Shape.

Tip for other entrepreneurs:

“You have to be patient, and you have to have the drive to continue,” he says. “It takes a long time.”

www.bananabunker.com

(brought to you by SmartMoney)