Max-Bilt

Mike Helfman's metal-working skills planted the seed for what is now a growing business with eight employees.
The former UW-Stout student and his wife, Luisa Gerasimo, started Bubbling Springs Solar as a part-time venture at their farm west of Menomonie. The company manufactures solar thermal collectors that heat water for domestic use and industrial applications.
"Mike took apart several old collectors on our farm that needed repairs and wondered if it might be better to start over versus trying to fix them," Gerasimo said. "Friends in the solar world told him no company was making solar thermal collectors in our area and that they wished someone would, as shipping large, breakable items from the coasts does not really make sense."
The fledgling company opted to base its operations at the UW-Stout Technology and Business Incubator. More than 70 percent of the incubator's clients remain in business today, and a survey of current and former tenants found they have a total of 393 employees and more than $73 million in annual sales.
"One of the early challenges a business faces is accessing the funds necessary for operating a business," said Randy Hulke, incubator director. "Our incubator assists in keeping costs down by providing low-cost space so the business can invest their funds in the areas of equipment, materials, human resources, etc."
Bubbling Springs Solar moved out of the incubator in May and now is located in the Stout Technology Park. Gerasimo said the incubator was critical in fostering growth that saw the company's sales triple.
"It gives us an affordable roof over our head and access to talented students and knowledgeable faculty and staff," she said. "(We had) great interns, easy access to skilled labor, help with computer and accounting questions, (and) opportunities to interact with diverse people at conferences and tours.
"People in the state reacted well to our association with Stout. Rent included utilities and some important equipment like a forklift and spray booth. Some of the rent was delayed and is being paid back as a loan now that we have the company up and running."
New tenant
Phil Norvold, who graduated from UW-Stout in May, started Max-Bilt in 2005. Norvold restored his father's 1985 Jeep CJ7, and the project launched an idea to create consoles with modern conveniences that were not available in stock-model Jeeps. The company moved into part of the space previously occupied by Bubbling Springs Solar on July 1.
Max-Bilt is best known for the Command Center Console, which features secure storage, lighting and a waterproof, marine-grade 12-volt power socket to charge cell phones, small air compressors and other equipment. The company has expanded to include total Jeep restorations, fabricated and specialty products and an inventory of used Jeep parts and customizations.
Norvold said the incubator already has been invaluable.
"Like many entrepreneurs, I had lots of ideas and little focus, partially because while working at home I was able to be easily distracted," he said. "The incubator acts as a large magnifying glass, focusing my ideas into a routine with enough space to organize my materials and thoughts. I am finally able to give my company the respect it deserves."
Norvold also is looking forward to students returning when summer ends. He plans to work with the marketing department on market research, graphic design classes on developing brochures, and manufacturing classes on finding new products.
Space currently is available in the incubator. Rates depend on the company and its space requirements, Hulke said. They are set at a modest level initially and increase after the first year. Tenants generally leave the incubator after 2 to 3 years.
The 6,000-square-foot on-campus incubator has an open manufacturing space of 4,500 square feet, 800 square feet of material and tool storage, and 600 square feet of office space. Requirements include that the company: is technology oriented, shows potential for significant job creation, plans to remain based in northwest Wisconsin and displays a need for the resources available at UW-Stout. Another business recently started up at the incubator that is researching and developing technologies in the energy sector.
There also is incubator space at the Oaklawn Harmony Centre, 3375 Kothlow Ave., in Stout Technology Park.
"The more that I am involved with students, I hope the more they will take an interest in business, as they will be able to see that their ideas can make a difference instead of (being) hypothetical lessons and theories," Norvold said. "Being that my age is close to others, I hope to instill some confidence in other students who may have an idea or passion to start their own business."
Marlaire can be reached at 833-9215, 800-236-7077 or liam.marlaire@ecpc.com.

	JP Magazine : November 2009 New Products - Switch Stickers Switch Decoding There is nothing worse than a bank of switches with no way to tell what switch does what. It's like your very own game of memory every time you drive your Jeep. Well, no more guessing games here. These inexpensive decals are made to apply over Carling switches, such as those provided with ARB Air Lockers, and can be ordered individually or in bulk. Some available icons are: check engine, air compressor, engine fan, defrost, auxiliary lights, 4x4, and more. If you want to organize and customize your dash, this is a great way to go. Information: Max-Bilt, 715-210-0256, maxbilt.com
	JP Magazine : August 2009 New Products - TJ Command Center Console Now for the serious TJ enthusiast, Max-Bilt has unveiled a security console with a max-duty cam-lock, stainless steel hinge and weather-resistant riveted construction in a variety of flavors. The Economy console features a cupholder while the Command Center console offers internal and external LED lights with weather-proof switches and a 12-volt outlet. Both the Economy and Command Center trim levels are available in brushed aluminum or powdercoated steel. Information: Max-Bilt, 715/210-0256, maxbilt.com
	Leader Telegram: 7/26/2009 Eau Claire, WI Universities addressing market needs By: Liam Marlaire Mike Helfman's metal-working skills planted the seed for what is now a growing business with eight employees. The former UW-Stout student and his wife, Luisa Gerasimo, started Bubbling Springs Solar as a part-time venture at their farm west of Menomonie. The company manufactures solar thermal collectors that heat water for domestic use and industrial applications. "Mike took apart several old collectors on our farm that needed repairs and wondered if it might be better to start over versus trying to fix them," Gerasimo said. "Friends in the solar world told him no company was making solar thermal collectors in our area and that they wished someone would, as shipping large, breakable items from the coasts does not really make sense." The fledgling company opted to base its operations at the UW-Stout Technology and Business Incubator. More than 70 percent of the incubator's clients remain in business today, and a survey of current and former tenants found they have a total of 393 employees and more than $73 million in annual sales. "One of the early challenges a business faces is accessing the funds necessary for operating a business," said Randy Hulke, incubator director. "Our incubator assists in keeping costs down by providing low-cost space so the business can invest their funds in the areas of equipment, materials, human resources, etc." Bubbling Springs Solar moved out of the incubator in May and now is located in the Stout Technology Park. Gerasimo said the incubator was critical in fostering growth that saw the company's sales triple. "It gives us an affordable roof over our head and access to talented students and knowledgeable faculty and staff," she said. "(We had) great interns, easy access to skilled labor, help with computer and accounting questions, (and) opportunities to interact with diverse people at conferences and tours. "People in the state reacted well to our association with Stout. Rent included utilities and some important equipment like a forklift and spray booth. Some of the rent was delayed and is being paid back as a loan now that we have the company up and running." New tenant Phil Norvold, who graduated from UW-Stout in May, started Max-Bilt in 2005. Norvold restored his father's 1985 Jeep CJ7, and the project launched an idea to create consoles with modern conveniences that were not available in stock-model Jeeps. The company moved into part of the space previously occupied by Bubbling Springs Solar on July 1. Max-Bilt is best known for the Command Center Console, which features secure storage, lighting and a waterproof, marine-grade 12-volt power socket to charge cell phones, small air compressors and other equipment. The company has expanded to include total Jeep restorations, fabricated and specialty products and an inventory of used Jeep parts and customizations. Norvold said the incubator already has been invaluable. "Like many entrepreneurs, I had lots of ideas and little focus, partially because while working at home I was able to be easily distracted," he said. "The incubator acts as a large magnifying glass, focusing my ideas into a routine with enough space to organize my materials and thoughts. I am finally able to give my company the respect it deserves." Norvold also is looking forward to students returning when summer ends. He plans to work with the marketing department on market research, graphic design classes on developing brochures, and manufacturing classes on finding new products. Space currently is available in the incubator. Rates depend on the company and its space requirements, Hulke said. They are set at a modest level initially and increase after the first year. Tenants generally leave the incubator after 2 to 3 years. The 6,000-square-foot on-campus incubator has an open manufacturing space of 4,500 square feet, 800 square feet of material and tool storage, and 600 square feet of office space. Requirements include that the company: is technology oriented, shows potential for significant job creation, plans to remain based in northwest Wisconsin and displays a need for the resources available at UW-Stout. Another business recently started up at the incubator that is researching and developing technologies in the energy sector. There also is incubator space at the Oaklawn Harmony Centre, 3375 Kothlow Ave., in Stout Technology Park. "The more that I am involved with students, I hope the more they will take an interest in business, as they will be able to see that their ideas can make a difference instead of (being) hypothetical lessons and theories," Norvold said. "Being that my age is close to others, I hope to instill some confidence in other students who may have an idea or passion to start their own business." Marlaire can be reached at 833-9215, 800-236-7077 or liam.marlaire@ecpc.com.
	Press Release Start-up Businesses Thrive in UW-Stout’s Technology and Business Incubator Contact: Frank Borg, STTI Marketing Manager UW-Stout 278 Jarvis Hall, Menomonie, WI Email borgf@uwstout.edu or call 715.232.1548 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 22, 2009 What do a solar thermal collector company and a Jeep center console manufacturer have in common? Both fledgling companies received assistance from the Technology and Business Incubator on the University of Wisconsin-Stout campus. The incubator is one of the Stout Technology Transfer Institute (STTI) centers, established to promote technology transfer between UW-Stout and industry. The Institute draws on Stout's impressive technical resources, including the expertise of its faculty, staff, and students and its well-equipped and diversified laboratories. These resources are made accessible to industry through STTI's technical centers. Until recently, Bubbling Springs was located in UW-Stout’s Applied Arts building, in the STTI incubator, where they resided for about 2 years. Prior to inhabiting the incubator, Bubbling Springs was a part-time business hatched by husband and wife team Luisa Gerasimo and Mike Helfman on their Bubbling Springs farm west of Menomonie. Helfman, a former Stout student, identified a need for locally built collectors while working as a carpenter. After building collectors on their farm for several years, they moved into the Stout incubator and experienced triple sales. With Wisconsin offering a federal tax credit for solar thermal equipment for another eight years, they anticipate that their sales will double this year. You can learn more about Bubbling Springs Solar at http://bubblingspringssolar.com. Phil Norvold, founder/owner/president of Max-Bilt™ LLC, is hoping for similar success. Max- Bilt began in 2005 as a Jeep restoration project. Phil Norvold restored his dad’s ’85 CJ-7 and that was only the beginning. The idea was launched to create a console incorporating modern conveniences not available in stock model Jeeps. The result turned out so well, they decided to share their product with the Jeep world. Norvold founded the company three years ago when he was 20, after realizing a need for modern features in a center console like lights, auxiliary switches, and a 12-volt power socket. Max-Bilt snatched a corner of the console market in March 2008 at the Easter Jeep Safari, where they debuted their product. Featured in several magazines, including Off Road, Four Wheeler, and Jp Magazine, the young entrepreneur realized the need for his product. “For Jeepers by Jeepers” is how the Jp Magazine article about the command center console began, followed by the comment “it’s a wonder why no one has thought of it before.” The expansion of Max-Bilt consoles from a 1,000 square foot garage to a 6,000 square foot manufacturing facility combined with the support from UW-Stout will enable this passionate, inventive, and fun company to explode into the off-road aftermarket industry. Max- Bilt corporate offices are located at E9893 408th Avenue, Eau Claire. For more information, visit www.maxbilt.com, email sales@maxbilt.com or call 715.210.0256. UW-Stout’s Technology and Business Incubator fosters technical businesses through close relationships with faculty, students, industry, and the UW-Stout community to better enable Wisconsin to compete in the global economy and sustain employment within the region. New businesses receive affordable facilities, services, and professional support in areas that include marketing, packaging, product development, and plant layout. Some start-up costs are deferred until graduation. The UW-Stout incubator eases the way into the private sector to promote further economic development in west central Wisconsin. The incubator has created over 100 new jobs in the region with over 70% of the incubator clients operating successful businesses today. Data collected in a survey of (current and former) incubator clients reported 393 employees, over $73 million in annual sales, and an excess of $15 million in investments. This unusually high success rate for start-up businesses is due in part to the quality of services provided by the incubator staff and the numerous resources provided by UW-Stout students and faculty. Criteria for acceptance into the incubator also helps ensure the success of new businesses. Incubator staff members work closely with students, faculty, and the Center for Innovation and Development (CID) -- another Stout Technology Transfer Institute center. UW-Stout is currently the most active campus in invention disclosures, according to the WiSys Technology Foundation, with 35 disclosures from June 2000 through June 2009. Check out the Incubator website at: http://stti.uwstout.edu/centers/incubator.asp
	JP MAGAZINE: JP Magazine's : September 2008 New Products - CJ Command Center Console By Pete Trasborg The Command Center Console By Jeepers, for Jeppers, the Command Center Console from Max-Bilt has features we have all wished we had from time to time. With an open-top Jeep, a locking steel center console is almost a necessity. It keeps your stereo and all the junk you probably never use safe with its locking storage. The Command Center adds thinkgs that are sorely missed from normal consoles. With front, rear, and internal LED lighting, a power outlet, and on-board fuses for all of its electrical stuff, this console solves so many issues we wonder why no one thought of it before. Information: Max-Bilt, 715/210-0256, maxbilt.com
	Four Wheeler: August 2008 4x4 Truck Parts & Accessories - What's New By Robin Stover "All-Inclusive Center Console This is the new Command Center Console by MaxBilt. It is designed for Jeep CJs and YJs and features waterproof exterior LED lighting so that you will never feel lost in your Jeep at night again. Made from heavy-duty 16-gauge steel, the unit provides peace of mind knowing all your valuables are locked securely inside. Additional features include a weatherproof 12-volt accessory power socket, a locking stereo compartment with a prewired plug-and-play harness, a durable powdercoat finish, stainless steel hinges, an easily accessible fuse panel, dual accessory switches for whatever you want to power at your fingertips, and oversized cup holders that accommodate 24-ounce bottles with ease. Info: 715/210-0256,"
	Offroad Business Magazine: Spring 2008 Easter Jeep Safari's COOL PRODUCTS "Max-Bilt Debuts Command Center Console Newcomer Max-Bilt introduces its Command Center Console. Designed for the CJ and YJ series of Jeeps, the console features lockable dual lids so that stereos, CD players and other personal belongings are secure. A high "lighting" feature on thsi product is the switched, twin LED lighting, both front and back, as well as an interior lighting element. The goal was to offer a solution to the absence of lighting in CJ and YJ Jeeps. Durability and security are achieved with a powdercoated steel body and heavy duty cam-lock. The console features also include stainless hinges, a waterproof 12v outlet, extra large removable cup holders, dual rocker accessory switches, and an easily-accessible fuse panel. For more information, contact: Max-Bilt, Eau Claire, WI ,715-210-0256, MaxBilt.com"