Inventor makes the jump - without the rope

Brad LaTour's business can be found at C Dock, slip 208, at Mears Marina.

Working off his boat with a laptop and wireless card, he's recently gone out on his own, quitting his day job and starting his life as a full-time entrepreneur who hopes to sell his fitness product and help others sell theirs through his new company, Under Sail Marketing.

The 37-year-old Annapolis resident got his inspiration nine years ago when he discovered his clumsiness and inability to master what he believes is one of the best exercise tools - the jump rope.

Now, at 145 jumps per minute, he's jumping at the speed of a boxer, and he's shed 50...