Suntactics, Dean Sala
Suntactics has increased its production not only for everyday applications but also to help customers prepare for emergencies such as tsunamis, earthquakes, floods and hurricanes, where power can be interrupted for days or even weeks. Increased demand has led to a workforce increase from one to three employees, and Suntactics was able to nearly double its revenue in just a year's time.
The company was recognized as one of the 10 Best Eco-Inventions of 2010 by The Green Market, one of the web’s most comprehensive resources on the business of the environment. Suntactics received the Outstanding Green Small Business award at the 2013 SCORE Awards.
Suntactics started as a prototype product built in a garage in 2010. When founder Dean Sala realized he needed help to develop and launch his business, he immediately contacted SCORE. The result: a growing, profitable company with eco-friendly products manufactured in California's Silicon Valley.
Suntactics solar chargers for cell phones and other small electronic devices have become especially popular among the lightweight trail hiking community; the product line has also been tested in various adventurous locales and proven to withstand even the harshest of outdoor conditions.
"With SCORE’s help, I have taken an idea and actually turned it into a tangible product that produces positive cash flow," Sala says.
SCORE counsellors Ray Muzzy and Frank De Turris worked with Sala to develop sales, marketing, and manufacturing strategies as he launched Suntactics. As the business grows, “We continue to work with SCORE counselors," on aspects like marketing, Sala says.