Growing up in a machine shop in Bishop, California, when Dean Davis needed something, he built it. Years later, while pursuing his hobby as an amateur motorcycle racer, Dean was constantly searching for a way to get a better grip on the motorcycle with his legs in order to improve control and handling. Tired of grip tape tearing up his expensive motorcycle apparel, one day in 1998 he walked into a Home Depot and bought some sheets of rubber which he attached to the fuel tank of his motorcycle. With this simple action the idea that would eventually become TechSpec USA was born.
TechSpec USA manufactures and sells Gripster Tank Grips, thin sheets of rubber that attach with a releasable adhesive to various parts of motorcycles to improve grip. Out of their 5,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Minden, Nevada, TechSpec USA sells Gripster Tank Grips all over the world.
In 2010, with only two employees, Dean needed a loan in order to expand his business. Dean’s Nevada SBDC advisors in Carson City and Reno put him in direct contact with a banker at Borrego Springs Bank. With a business plan written, demonstrated cash flow, and growth projections in place, Dean remembers it as a really simple process. As he said, “As soon as Borrego Springs saw our application, it was amazing how fast they approved [a $100,000 SBA loan].”
With this loan, Dean immediately hired two new employees, improved his manufacturing processes, and ordered more inventory. Since that time, TechSpec USA has enjoyed steady growth. Not only are they currently looking into adding an additional 2500 square feet to their facility in Minden, they plan to increase their workforce from six to eight employees by the end of 2013.
The relationship Dean has developed with his Nevada SBDC advisor continues to this day. It began with getting help on a loan application and has since covered topics such as managing employees, securing his supply chain, and developing new products.
Dean Davis has built many things throughout his life. Surely one of the creations he can be most proud of is the business he continues to build today.
To learn more about TechSpec USA, visit their website at techspec-usa.com.
To learn more about how the NevadaSBDC can help you build your own business, visit us at nevadasbdc.org or call (775)-784-1717.