At 67 years old, Lonnie Johnson is the brilliant mind behind one of the most iconic toys of all time—the Super Soaker water gun. Since its debut in 1990, the Super Soaker has generated over $1 billion in retail sales, becoming a staple of summer fun for generations. But Johnson’s journey to success is anything but ordinary.
A former engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, Johnson developed the Super Soaker during his off-hours, blending his passion for innovation with a keen eye for opportunity.
Born in Mobile, Alabama, Johnson attended an all-black high school before earning a master’s degree in nuclear engineering from Tuskegee University. He also served in the U.S. Air Force, all while tinkering with his own inventions on the side.
Despite having no prior experience in the toy industry, Johnson recognized the potential of his high-powered water gun and successfully pitched it to Larami, a company known for producing knock-off toys. His persistence paid off, and he secured a royalty deal that would change his life.
Since 1981, Johnson has been running his own engineering firm, Johnson Research, based in Atlanta. With 25 employees and modest revenue, the company serves as a platform for his ambitious projects.
Now, Johnson is channeling a portion of his fortune into two groundbreaking devices that he believes could revolutionize electrical power generation and storage.
In a recent interview, edited and condensed for clarity, Johnson reflects on his career, the challenges of turning inventions into products, and his vision for the future.
From NASA Engineer to Toy Inventor
Johnson’s work at NASA was far from ordinary. As an engineer, he contributed to critical projects, including the Galileo mission to Jupiter and the Cassini mission to Saturn. But it was during his free time that he stumbled upon the idea for the Super Soaker.
While experimenting with a heat pump that used water instead of Freon, he accidentally created a high-pressure water stream. Recognizing its potential as a toy, he refined the design and began pitching it to companies.
“I had no experience in the toy industry, but I believed in the product,” Johnson recalls. “I knew it was something special.” His persistence eventually led to a deal with Larami, and the Super Soaker became an instant hit.
The Challenges of Innovation
Despite the Super Soaker’s success, Johnson’s path hasn’t been without setbacks. He has faced numerous challenges in bringing his ideas to market, from securing funding to navigating the complexities of product development. “Invention is just the first step,” he explains. “Turning an idea into a viable product requires persistence, resources, and sometimes a bit of luck.”
Johnson’s Atlanta-based firm, Johnson Research, has been a labor of love. While it hasn’t yet achieved significant commercial success, it has allowed him to pursue his passion for innovation.
“I’ve always been driven by curiosity and the desire to solve problems,” he says. “Money was never the primary motivation.”
The Next Big Idea
Today, Johnson is focused on two revolutionary technologies that could transform the energy sector. The first is a solid-state battery that promises to be safer, more efficient, and longer-lasting than traditional lithium-ion batteries.
The second is a thermoelectric energy converter that can generate electricity from heat, potentially providing a new source of clean energy.
“These technologies have the potential to change the way we generate and store power,” Johnson says. “If we can make them commercially viable, they could have a massive impact on the world.”
Lessons from a Lifetime of Innovation
Johnson’s career is a testament to the power of perseverance and creativity. From his humble beginnings in Alabama to his groundbreaking work at NASA and his success as a toy inventor, he has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible.
His advice to aspiring inventors is simple: “Believe in your ideas, and don’t be afraid to take risks. The road to success is rarely easy, but it’s always worth it.”
As Johnson continues to work on his next big ideas, he remains committed to solving the world’s most pressing challenges. Whether it’s creating the next iconic toy or revolutionizing energy technology, one thing is clear: Lonnie Johnson’s legacy of innovation is far from over.
