Blind Engineer Builds Life-Saving Technology & Businesses | James Kubel
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Even after losing his sight, this visionary still paints a vivid mental picture for every project he touches.
In this episode of The Mark Haney Show, James Kubel, founder of JK Engineering and Electric, explains his unique approach to design — from “graphic design” and product design to complex electronics — guided not by sight, but by imagination, structure, and timeless design principles. His story proves that creativity doesn’t depend on vision, and that innovation has no bounds.
James is an accomplished electrical engineer, inventor, and entrepreneur who lost his vision due to diabetes in his 20s — but never lost his drive to build. From rebuilding a car at 15, to designing speech-synthesizer technology used by the blind community and organizations like the FAA and Lockheed Martin, James has spent decades turning challenges into breakthroughs.
In this conversation, James shares how he designs technology by “painting the picture in his mind,” why he refuses to accept the word can’t, and how accessibility-driven inventions often lead to unexpected real-world impact far beyond their original purpose.
This episode dives into:
• Designing electronics and products without sight
• Using imagination and design principles to solve complex problems
• Assistive technology, accessibility, and innovation
• Entrepreneurship, resilience, and overcoming bias
• How AI and emerging tech can empower people with disabilities
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, engineer, creative, or someone facing obstacles of your own, this episode will challenge how you think about design, ability, and what’s truly possible.
👇 Subscribe for more conversations on entrepreneurship, innovation, and the Backyard Advantage.
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Mark Haney is a serial entrepreneur that has experience growing companies worth hundreds of millions of dollars. He is currently the CEO and founder of HaneyBiz
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This video includes personal knowledge, experiences, and opinions about Angel Investing by seasoned angel investors. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax, investment, or financial advice. Nothing in this video constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, or endorsement.
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