Local Engineer Designs CarDek For Pets, Begins Sales

Joe Volpe, a mechanical engineer in Siesta Key, has spent his career finding solutions to problems. So when Volpe had trouble traveling and finding space in his car for his two dogs as well as his luggage, he knew he had for find a solution. After four years of designing and experimenting, he came up with the CarDek/PetDek.

“It is technically a rear seat polypropylene shelf,  think picnic cooler lid,” Volpe says. “It essentially covers almost all of the foot well area so that cargo and/or pets don’t fall down into this area when stopping.”

Volpe explains that most backseats are sloped, making it difficult for pets and cargo in the back to stay where you put them, especially when making stops. The patented rear seat shelf keeps everything level and more secure.

“It has two hinged, adjustable height legs that swing down to support it in the foot well area so it does not tip,” Volpe says. “To store, you just fold the legs up and fold the shelf in half. It is easily stowed in the trunk when not in use.”

Volpe says he is working with Design Marketing Group in Sarasota to help with his website and advertising; he used Adjust-A-Brush in St. Petersburg for production of the shelf legs and Palm Printing in Sarasota to print his brochures.

The CarDek/PetDek went to market earlier this month and samples are just starting to be shipped to pet store chains and distributors. Volpe hopes to hire a marketing manager in Sarasota and eventually employ individuals to help with order processing once sales roll in.

To view and purchase the CarDek/PetDek, visit the company’s website.

Writer: Kimberly Patterson
Source: Joe Volpe, CarDek/PetDek