When people talk about modern innovation and the entrepreneurial spirit behind invention, one name that consistently comes up is Robert “Bob” Susa, the President and Owner of InventHelp. For more than three decades, Robert Susa has built his reputation as a leader who blends ethical business practices with a deep commitment to helping others achieve their dreams. His career reflects the same creativity, persistence, and optimism that he encourages in the inventors he serves.

Today, Robert Susa is recognized as one of the most respected figures in the invention services industry. Under his leadership, InventHelp has grown into one of North America’s most established and trusted organizations for independent inventors, known for providing professional support and resources that help transform ideas into market-ready products.

Early Life and Education: Building the Foundation for Leadership

Robert Susa was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a city long known for its work ethic, community pride, and innovation. Those qualities shaped his character and outlook early on. After graduating from West Allegheny Senior High School, Susa went on to attend Youngstown State University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communication.

At Youngstown State, he balanced academic excellence with athletics. He was named to the Dean’s List, served as a member of the Academic Senate, and was a starting pitcher on the university’s baseball team. Those experiences taught him teamwork, focus, and resilience—qualities that would later define his approach to leadership.

Susa has remained deeply connected to his alma mater. Over the years, he has donated more than $100,000 in scholarships and endowments to Youngstown State University to help future generations of students pursue education, leadership, and innovation. His philanthropy reflects a personal belief that education is one of the most powerful tools for creating lasting opportunity.

The Early Career That Shaped His Philosophy

Before joining InventHelp, Robert Susa began his professional career as a Sales Representative for Pillsbury. That early experience taught him the importance of communication, client relationships, and integrity. Working within a respected corporate structure allowed him to develop the discipline and professionalism that would later help him lead and scale a large organization.

These early lessons stayed with him. He often credits his time at Pillsbury for teaching him that success is built on consistency, reliability, and the ability to adapt to change—all of which would prove essential in his next chapter.

Joining InventHelp: A Career Built on Purpose

In 1990, Robert Susa joined InventHelp as a Compliance Manager, marking the beginning of what would become a lifelong mission. InventHelp, headquartered in Pittsburgh, was founded in 1984 to help inventors navigate the challenges of developing, patenting, and marketing their ideas. From the start, Susa was drawn to the company’s purpose: making invention assistance accessible, transparent, and ethical.

His commitment to improving the inventor experience quickly became evident. Within two years, he was promoted to Compliance Director, where he implemented new systems designed to ensure that inventors received clear information, fair treatment, and professional service. He then advanced to Sales Training Manager, Sales Director, and ultimately, in 2008, became President of InventHelp.

In 2012, Robert Susa became Owner of InventHelp, solidifying his long-term vision and stewardship of the company.

Leading With Integrity: A Culture of Transparency and Trust

Under Robert Susa’s leadership, InventHelp has become synonymous with trust, professionalism, and results. His leadership style centers on three core principles: transparency, accountability, and opportunity.

He believes that every inventor deserves honesty and respect, no matter how early they are in their journey. InventHelp’s structured approach provides inventors with key tools such as patent referrals, 3D modeling, prototype creation, and marketing materials, giving them a professional foundation to pursue potential licensing or manufacturing opportunities.

Susa has also prioritized modernization. Over the past decade, InventHelp has implemented digital tracking systems, online communication tools, and customer feedback processes to ensure that inventors stay informed every step of the way. His efforts have strengthened the company’s reputation as a transparent and ethical leader in the invention support industry.

Today, InventHelp maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, reflecting the company’s long-standing commitment to client satisfaction and ethical business practices.

A Champion for Inventors

One of Robert Susa’s defining traits is his unwavering advocacy for independent inventors. He understands the challenges they face—turning an idea into a viable product requires creativity, resilience, and the right guidance. Through InventHelp, he has worked to remove barriers and create pathways for innovators to succeed.

Under his direction, InventHelp supported INPEX (Invention and New Product Exposition), once the largest invention trade show in the United States. INPEX gave inventors a national stage to present their ideas to potential investors, companies, and manufacturers. For many creators, it was their first opportunity to see their concepts taken seriously in a professional setting.

Susa’s approach to leadership extends beyond business metrics. He views innovation as a form of empowerment, and he often speaks about how invention brings out the best in people by encouraging them to think differently and solve problems creatively. His philosophy is simple but powerful: great ideas can come from anyone, anywhere.

Balancing Growth and Purpose

As the company expanded, Robert Susa faced a pivotal decision—whether to pursue rapid growth or focus on strengthening InventHelp’s internal foundation. He chose the latter. Instead of expanding too quickly, he prioritized building strong systems, enhancing training, and maintaining a consistent company culture.

That decision proved to be one of the most impactful of his career. By emphasizing quality and stability, Susa ensured that InventHelp could sustain growth while maintaining its integrity and client focus. His approach demonstrates that true leadership means thinking long-term and protecting the values that define an organization.

Philanthropy and Community Leadership

Beyond his professional achievements, Robert Susa is known for his philanthropic efforts and dedication to community service. His contributions to Youngstown State University have helped fund academic scholarships and leadership programs. He also supports various charitable initiatives in the Pittsburgh region, often involving InventHelp employees in volunteer events that give back to the community.

He believes corporate success carries a responsibility to help others. That belief has shaped InventHelp’s company culture, inspiring employees to take pride not only in their work but in their impact beyond the office.

Susa has also encouraged InventHelp’s involvement in local causes such as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s “Light the Night” Walk, reinforcing the company’s commitment to philanthropy and social good.

Lessons in Leadership

Robert Susa’s leadership journey has not been without challenges, but each obstacle has strengthened his commitment to ethical business practices and continuous improvement. His leadership lessons are practical and deeply rooted in experience:

1. Listen before leading. The best ideas often come from within your team or your clients.

2. Build trust through honesty. Transparency is not always easy, but it always pays off.

3. Invest in people first. Systems can be taught; integrity and passion must be nurtured.

4. Adapt with purpose. Change should strengthen your mission, not distract from it.

5. Lead by example. True leadership means modeling the values you expect from others.

These principles continue to shape how InventHelp operates and how Robert Susa mentors the next generation of leaders within the company.

Recognized Expertise and Media Appearances

Over the years, Robert Susa has been featured in multiple business publications and media interviews. His insights have appeared in Entrepreneur, Inc., and Yahoo Finance, where he has discussed topics such as invention protection, innovation strategy, and leadership habits.

He has also shared his expertise through Licensing Expo, InventorSmart, and community-based innovation events. Across each platform, his message remains consistent: leadership is about service, and innovation is about giving people the tools to believe in themselves.

The Human Side of Leadership

What sets Robert Susa apart as a leader is his humility and genuine care for people. Colleagues often describe him as approachable, steady, and focused. He takes time to mentor employees and listens to their ideas with the same respect he gives to executives and clients.

He often says that success in business is built on relationships. Every conversation, every decision, and every client interaction has the potential to strengthen or weaken trust. For Susa, maintaining that trust is non-negotiable—it is the foundation of leadership.

Looking Toward the Future

As the invention landscape evolves, Robert Susa continues to guide InventHelp toward new technologies and opportunities. The company now integrates AI tools, digital design platforms, and virtual inventor resources to better support clients in the modern era.

His vision for the future focuses on education, accessibility, and innovation equity—ensuring that people from all walks of life have the chance to bring their ideas forward. He remains optimistic about the next generation of inventors and believes that technological advancement will continue to create new opportunities for creativity and entrepreneurship.

A Legacy of Innovation and Integrity

After more than 30 years of leadership, Robert Susa’s legacy is defined by consistency and purpose. He has built a career around empowering others, maintaining ethics in business, and proving that success and integrity can coexist.

Through InventHelp, he has created a platform that has helped thousands of inventors take the first steps toward turning their ideas into products. Through his philanthropy, he has opened doors for students and strengthened his community. And through his leadership, he has set a standard for what responsible business looks like in the modern age.

Robert Susa’s story is not just about corporate achievement—it is about persistence, compassion, and the belief that innovation is one of the greatest expressions of human potential.

He continues to inspire inventors, entrepreneurs, and young professionals with a message that is as practical as it is timeless: dream boldly, act ethically, and never stop learning.

About Robert “Bob” Susa

Robert Susa is the President and Owner of InventHelp, headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With over three decades of experience in leadership and innovation, he has guided InventHelp into one of North America’s most respected invention service organizations.

A graduate of Youngstown State University, Susa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communication and has donated more than $100,000 in scholarships and endowments to support education and leadership programs.

He is an advocate for ethical entrepreneurship, community engagement, and lifelong learning. His work continues to shape the invention services industry and inspire countless individuals to pursue their ideas with confidence and integrity.