Sam Winkler: Turning Innovation Into Impact
The visionary CEO behind one of the largest accessory consumer electronics brands redefining innovation, leadership, and lifestyle technology.
In the competitive world of consumer technology and entrepreneurship, few stories capture both vision and execution like that of Sam Winkler, Founder and CEO of Liquipel. A global force in innovation, Liquipel stands today as one of the largest consumer electronics brands in the world, leading the way in device protection and power technology. Its products are sold in over 30,000 locations worldwide, and the company has generated more than $1 billion in retail sales. Recognized as one of the top 5 tech accessory brands in the United States and the fastest-growing accessory company based on Circana national retail data, Liquipel continues to redefine how fashion and function intersect in mobile technology, achieving massive revenue growth since Winkler took over as CEO.
Winkler’s story is one where innovation truly meets impact. His entrepreneurial journey began early, as he founded his first company at just seventeen, setting the stage for a lifetime of bold ideas and relentless execution. While working in mobile electronics, he identified one of the industry’s biggest challenges: water damage. Together with co-founders Danny McPhail and Kevin Bacon, Liquipel developed a superhydrophobic nanocoating that made electronics water-resistant. In 2012, the team unveiled the world’s first water-resistant smartphone, capturing global attention and transforming how consumers think about device protection. Since its debut at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Liquipel has earned prestigious honors including an Edison Award, a FierceWireless Fierce 15 Award, and being named Popular Science’s Grand Award Winner in the Gadgets Category for Best of What’s New. It has also been recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine’s “100 Brilliant Companies,” featured in The New York Times, The Today Show, and CNN International, and ranked on the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing companies in America.
Under Winkler’s leadership, Liquipel has redefined the landscape of “Power Technology,” a fusion of fashion and function that transforms everyday electronics into lifestyle statements. The brand’s evolution from device protection to stylish power solutions has sparked a category of its own, offering fashion-infused charging cables, power banks, and premium lifestyle accessories designed to perform and impress. Its LiquidPod and proprietary nanotechnology coating make devices up to twenty times more resistant to scratches setting new standards in durability and design. Liquipel’s rise is also fueled by strategic partnerships and equity collaborations with cultural icons including Pharrell Williams, Steve Aoki, and Nyjah Huston. These partners are more than ambassadors; they are equity owners who work directly with Winkler to infuse the brand with creativity, energy, and authentic lifestyle appeal, keeping Liquipel connected to culture, fashion, and global influence.
At the core of Winkler’s success lies family, foundations, and leadership.
“I learned so much from my dad,” he shares. “He always told me three things that stuck with me: imagination, persistence, and patience. Those principles became my foundation.”
Winkler attributes his achievements to building a strong, talented team that shares his vision. “Building Liquipel has never been a solo mission,” he explains. “It’s about surrounding yourself with my team and partners who believe, execute, and guide in the right direction. They’ve been instrumental in taking this brand to where it is today.” He adds that comfort is the enemy of progress. “The worst thing you can do in business is get too comfortable. The moment you get comfortable, you stop growing. You have to constantly evolve, find new ways to innovate, and keep pushing forward. Growth doesn’t come from staying still; it comes from challenging yourself and your team to reach higher every day.”
Beyond business, Winkler’s influence extends into philanthropy and community. His ventures — including Liberty First Lending, Instaprotek, Nano Fit Water, and InvestSmart, an investment company that helps fund and scale startups, marketing initiatives, and real estate ventures — reflect his belief that innovation should create meaningful impact. As Chairman and President of the Aoki Foundation, he leads initiatives that fund research and awareness around Parkinson’s, dementia, and brain longevity. “It’s about creating impact through science, creativity, and compassion,” he says. A proud member of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO), Winkler continues to grow alongside other visionary leaders who, like him, value purpose-driven success. “YPO has helped shape my perspective on leadership,” he notes.
“It’s about surrounding yourself with people who elevate your thinking and push you toward excellence.”
Looking ahead, Winkler sees the future of smart protection as one where technology seamlessly enhances life. As Liquipel continues its global expansion and pioneers the next generation of nanotechnology and lifestyle-driven products, his philosophy remains clear: innovation should make life better. “The real win,” he says, “is when technology enhances lives, inspires creativity, and creates impact that lasts.” From a teenage entrepreneur to the visionary behind a billion-dollar brand, Sam Winkler’s story proves that true success is built on imagination, persistence, and the courage to never get comfortable
