With SCORE’S Help, an Inventor’s Better Idea Becomes a Promising Business in Miamisburg, OH
Metallurgist and mechanical engineer Bill Merten will gladly testify to Thomas Edison’s observation that success is “one percent inspiration, and 99 percent perspiration.” Merten, the owner of a Miamisburg, OH consulting engineering firm, spent three years developing and building a microprocessor-controlled system that automatically dispenses hazardous liquids and chemicals. For laboratory workers and students, Merten’s invention is a long-awaited dream come true. Along with eliminating waste and spills the dispenser also protects users from accidental exposure to the potentially harmful substances, making work environments safer and more efficient.
Based on his own research, Merten estimated that domestic demand for the dispenser among potential industrial, education, and metallurgical customers could be as high as 44,200 units. This led him to spin off a new subsidiary in 2000 called Liquid Logic LLC, which would focus on producing and marketing the dispenser.
Merten realized that he needed help bringing his concept to market, as well as outside funding to support further development and production without infringing on his existing company. Luckily, he knew exactly where to find help. Prior to launching his consulting firm in 1994, Merten attended a SCORE-sponsored course on how to start a business. Recalling all the valuable lessons he learned then, he was certain that SCORE could assist with his latest venture.
Retired marketing executive Arnold Sandness and former bank vice president Lee Senne reviewed the business plan for Liquid Logic, providing input and suggestions that subsequently helped Merten receive an SBA-backed loan from a local bank. They also analyzed Merten’s pricing strategy for the dispenser, and brainstormed ideas for promoting the product to various target markets.
September 30, 2002, was a landmark day in the short history of Liquid Logic, as the company officially sold its first dispenser to an industrial customer. Merten is now working on selling the next ten units, while gradually shifting the company’s focus from development to sales and day-to-day production issues. Though still relatively small, Liquid Logic has high aspirations. Merten hopes to grow the business to nearly 40 people over the next three to five years. In addition, full-scale production of the dispenser will support as many as 20 machining jobs outside the company.
“"SCORE definitely played an important role in helping get this company off the ground,” Merten says. “I expect to call on them again for help in adding a sales staff and identifying sales representatives. They are a very knowledgeable and helpful group of people" |
LIQUID LOGIC STAT SHEET
Company: Liquid Logic LLC
Location: Miamisburg, OH
Formed: 2000
Phone: 937/865-3068
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