David J. Ludlow is bubbling over with ideas.
As a child, Ludlow planned to become an inventor and got a good start on his goal, dreaming up improvements to paper clips, popcorn butterers and tents.
As an adult, he designed and patented the AquaLogic 100, an aquarium filter that cleans the debris from the bottom of bare aquariums used by fish breeders.
But Ludlow's innovative nature has blossomed fully since he turned his attention to portable spas by founding Bullfrog Spas, a Bluffdale manufacturer. His patented JetPak technology lets spa buyers choose from a variety of jetting options, and the spa is then manufactured to the buyer's specifications using Bullfrog's modular system.
That approach to hot tubs is inventive in itself, but Ludlow was just getting started. The company's SpaDesign software lets prospective customers design a hot tub online, then directs them to the nearest Bullfrog dealer. Bullfrog's Web site also helps users track orders and shipments.
The company supports its dealers with a program called AdShare, which helps sellers with marketing, advertising, promotions and support services.
And in an unusual step, Bullfrog recently signed contracts with the Utah State Prison to have inmates help make the company's spas. A portion of inmates' wages goes to a fund for crime victims.
Regular Bullfrog employees all are part of the company's incentive program, in which workers receive bonuses based on targets set at the beginning of each year. Company managers also distribute Bullfrog Tokens, rewards for good work that are entered into a drawing for prizes ranging from dinner gift certificates to $5,000 hot tubs.