Product design can range from a consumer product design all the way to a process design. It is the way a product looks, feels, functions and provides value to a customer. Innovative product design should be important to business owners because that is what is going to separate them from the competition. If you design a product like everyone else’s products then your product is a “me to” product and that isn’t innovative. There are plenty of other companies doing “me to” products just to gain a small piece of the market.
Where do you see your business in the next 3-5 years?
-I see my business growing to 20-30 employees as we add more capacity and different capabilities that will help our customers get their products to the market faster and more cost effectively. We will start to utilize 3D printing more in the production environment and market testing we perform. I think we will see a shift in entrepreneurs and companies wanting to make their products in the US and that will help us grow as we become more and more efficient internally.
If you could summarize your entrepreneurial journey in 1 word, what would it be and why?
This is a tough one….I have felt so many different emotions along the way! “Exciting” would be the word. I think exciting can be used in many different forms. When I hit a low I am excited for the future and the strategy to get to the high and when I hit a high I am excited about what was accomplished to get there. Every day is different and that makes me excited about the future of BeraTek. I am excited that I am forming a team that is in this 100% and wants to see our company succeed.
What advice or golden nugget would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners?
Work your butt off and don’t settle until you’ve reached your goals. Make sure you understand who you are and what you want to do and play to your strengths. Hire people who are better than you around the things you aren’t so good at. You can’t build a successful business overnight or by yourself. Find the right people to surround yourself with and work together as a team.