Out of some 1,200 nominees, a northern Iowa manufacturing company has made the top ten in a national contest celebrating free enterprise and innovation. Plas-Tech Tooling of Garner is a semi-finalist in the Patriot Pitch Competition, part of the US Small Business Administration’s Freedom 250 initiative. Dean Sonquist and his wife Marcia founded the technology-driven company in 1993, specializing in precision machining and injection mold design.
Sonquist says he’s thrilled that his company has done so well in the national spotlight and hopes they can continue on to the finals, and the winner’s circle.
There’s a one-million-dollar prize pool, and the top company will take home 400-thousand dollars. Sonquist says he has dreams about expanding and purchasing new equipment, including robotic loaders for the C-N-C lathes. The company with very humble beginnings now has 50 employees, and Sonquist is excited to share his success.
The SBA says the contest centers on companies “that drive innovation, create jobs, and generate economic growth for local communities…small businesses whose innovation, leadership, and growth reflect the promise of the American Dream.” The competition finale is in September. Find out more at www.SBA.gov/freedom250.
