TSD Partner Spotlight highlights key aspects that make our Partners stand-out in their field.
TSD
Dave Hicks, Manufacturer’s Rep. | dhickstsd@aol.com
Manufacturer Representative
Tell us about TSD. How do you differentiate yourselves on your approach?
I started my career working for motor and permanent magnet companies in sales engineering and regional sales roles for the first eleven years. Next, I had the opportunity to acquire a rep business – a goal I had for many years. Looking back 24 years later, it was the best decision I ever made, and I enjoy my work very much. I represent and focus my attention on a relatively small number of supplier partners to ensure success and growth. Additionally, I keep up with market opportunities and trends by networking with salespeople in various industries.
What intrigues you most about Motus Labs or its products?
I have sold many gear motors in the past and never thought an innovative, geared solution design technology like Motus Labs’ ML1000 series was possible! It is refreshing to see, and I am excited to be part of the team. I am an entrepreneur at heart and enjoy introducing new technologies to customers who need a Motus-type solution to meet their customers’ demands and move their projects forward.
Can you share an entertaining industry experience?
I started in 1997 as a manufacturer’s rep for a line of vibrator motors. Vibration in cell phones was a very new feature. I had an innate suspicion that everyone would request this feature on their phone. I focused my sales efforts for over a year on Qualcomm because they designed and produced entire phones.
Eventually, I connected with the Qualcomm engineers that were responsible for designing-in vibrator motors. Over the following two years, we supplied prototypes & samples, designed custom tooling, and received production approval. Phone production ramped up over the next years, and our sales for vibrator motors reached over $10M per year.
What was your most rewarding or challenging project?
About seven or eight years ago, I received a lead from one of my supplier partners. Unfortunately, the person listed their residential address instead of their business address and other incomplete information, which made me think it may be an invalid lead.
Fortunately, I kept following up with the contact name and eventually scheduled a meeting. The company turned out to be a new start-up that was funded by Qualcomm. We got our product designed-in early, our factory team performed very well at every challenge. Eventually, it led to a value-add opportunity, and we started production. Today, that company employees over 1000 people and is a leader in the unmanned vehicle market.