By Dale Schaefer on June 26, 2025
In a world where innovation often comes from big tech giants or established industry players, it’s the stories of everyday problem-solvers like Michael Turpin that remind us of the power of persistence, ingenuity, and heart. Bed Buddy USA, the brainchild of this Marine veteran and devoted father, is more than just a clever truck accessory—it’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the lengths a parent will go for the future of their child.
Michael Turpin’s story begins with service. He joined the Marines in 2000, spending a decade in uniform that included two tours overseas—one off the coast in 2003, and another on the ground during the 2005 Iraqi presidential election. The latter experience was particularly intense, and after returning home, Michael was ready for a change. He transitioned to a non-deployable unit before leaving the military in 2010, eager to start a new chapter.
That chapter took him to the oil fields of South Texas and northern Mexico, where he spent seven years working hard and learning the ropes of a demanding industry. Halfway through, Michael realized the immense profits being made—and that he was only seeing a fraction of them. “I got tired of making millions of dollars for people and they were giving me peanuts,” he recalls. So, he and two partners bought a lease on eight wells and started producing oil themselves.
For a while, things were good. At 32, Michael was making $300,000 a year and feeling on top of the world. But when oil prices plummeted to $20 a barrel due to market changes, the business struggled to survive. “We were scraping by just to pay the bills,” he says. “When you’re 32 and you’re making that kind of money, you think you know everything. And we didn’t, obviously.” Eventually, Michael walked away from the oil business, ready for a fresh start.
Michael and his wife decided to move back to Western New York to be closer to family. Their son, then four years old, was nonverbal and had recently been diagnosed with autism. As many parents do, Michael blamed himself for his son’s struggles. “It was a perfect storm of a lot of things,” he says. “I never really dealt with all the military stuff, my business kind of petered out, and we moved across the country.” Finding work was tough, and Michael found himself at a breaking point.
On December 5, 2016, Michael was ready to give up. “That was the night I was going to eat a bullet,” he admits. But in a moment that changed everything, his nonverbal son came downstairs and, for the first time, told him he loved him. “I realized that I need to live my life for my son. And so I did.” Michael got help through the VA, got his life back on track, and devoted himself to being the best father he could be.
Fast forward to last August. Michael’s wife encouraged him to treat himself after years of putting the family first. He bought an F-150 and, as the family’s grocery shopper, quickly discovered the frustrations of hauling groceries in the truck bed. “The first few times I went grocery shopping, like an idiot, I had all my groceries in the back of the bed of the truck,” he laughs. “By the time I got home, everything was everywhere.” Determined to solve the problem, Michael built a simple bed divider, then kept improving it until he had a working prototype.
He hired a patent attorney to protect his invention, and by August of last year, Bed Buddy USA was officially in business. The company now offers four models of its signature truck bed organizer, each designed to keep cargo secure and organized, no matter what you’re hauling.
Bed Buddy USA’s products are more than just dividers—they’re engineered solutions for real-world problems. Here’s what sets them apart:
Bed Buddy USA is still in its early days, but the response has been overwhelmingly positive. “People have always wanted something for their truck,” Michael says. “This is it.” The company has already sold eight units and is in talks to sell through Walmart.com, with hopes of expanding to physical stores by the end of the year.
Manufacturing is currently a one-man operation, with Michael building each Bed Buddy by hand in a 3,000-square-foot barn on his property. It takes about four to four and a half hours to assemble each unit, and custom orders—like the popular Pittsburgh Steelers edition—are built to order. “If there’s anything special ordered, it’s going to take 14 to 21 business days,” Michael notes. “I have to make sure that it fits and it’s going to work.”
For Michael, Bed Buddy USA is about more than just business. “I have three manufacturers across the United States that are waiting for a larger PO to come across,” he says. “One of them offered to purchase it from me for $500,000. I appreciate it, but I have long-term goals for the thing, and it’s to ensure my son can have a life.”
Michael’s ultimate goal is to see Bed Buddy in 10% of the 48.5 million registered pickup trucks in the United States—a lofty target, but one he’s determined to reach.
Bed Buddy USA is quickly building a loyal following. The company’s YouTube channel, Bed Buddy USA, offers step-by-step installation guides and product demonstrations, making it easy for customers to get the most out of their purchase. Social media is a key part of the marketing strategy, and the company is always looking for new ways to connect with truck owners and enthusiasts.
With plans to expand manufacturing, grow its online presence, and partner with major retailers, Bed Buddy USA is poised for rapid growth. But for Michael, the real measure of success is the legacy he’s building for his son. “Ultimately, the goal is to ensure my son can have a life,” he says. “And be happy.”
Website: www.bedbuddyusa.com
Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
By Billie J Lynch Feb 14, 2025
Meet Walter Mills, a dynamic entrepreneur based in Mesa, Arizona, who’s making waves in the financial services industry. With a rich background in small business, military service, and a passion for helping others, Walter has dedicated himself to providing affordable and accessible financial solutions to everyday Americans. From Humble Beginnings to Visionary Entrepreneur Originally […]
By Rick Jablonski Apr 30, 2025
Nestled in the heart of Arizona’s Northwest Valley, Dr. Johnyee Beasley—affectionately known by her clients as “The Lash Diva”—has been enhancing natural beauty one lash at a time for nearly two decades. With a reputation built on artistry, expertise, and genuine care, Johneey’s boutique lash studio in Glendale has become a go-to destination for women […]