NACET Alumni
Aspen Communications
A full-service integrator of telecommunications systems, Aspen Communications sells, installs, and services telephone and computer networking equipment. Aspen also specializes in telecommunications consulting, RCDD services, structured cabling and fiber optics, broadband satellite communications, and wireless distribution. Aspen entered the incubator program in July 2001 and now employs nine full-time and two part-time staff.
NACET assisted Aspen with financial analyses to assess sales growth, marketing, and staffing. Sales grew by 25 percent, and CEO Don Richardson obtained a Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD) certification — the only one in northern Arizona. During the incubation period, Aspen assembled a highly experienced management team. The company graduated in October 2002.
Kahtoola, Inc.
The creator of a new paradigm in snow travel, Kahtoola’s first product was a lightweight crampon that flexes naturally with footwear for running, hiking, or light mountaineering in snowy and icy conditions. In 2006, Kahtoola introduced the FLIGHTsystem®, which replaces conventional snowshoes with a neoprene overboot and detachable “deck.”
Kahtoola entered the incubator program in July 2001. NACET (then NATBI) helped lower manufacturing costs, conduct financial analyses, expand sales (nationally and internationally), and establish a local advisor network. During this time, Kahtoola created retail agreements to expand sales to over 81 retail outlets and five online sites, including REI. It also secured U.S. and international patents and earned kudos from industry publications.
Novakinetics, LLC
Novakinetics produces composite components to the aerospace industry — pylons, nacelles, airframe outer skins, ballistic panels, and materials for aircraft applications, as well as refurbishment / prototype products for wind turbines. NACET has assisted Novakinetics in developing a strategic plan, a “free cash flow” system to support operational management requirements, a marketing and distribution strategy, and a comprehensive training program. The company secured a training grant from the Arizona Department of Commerce, which is in the deployment phase. Since joining NACET, Novakinetics has hired 25 employees and gained tier-one supplier status with the U.S. Department of Defense.
Thorhost, LLC / Indigo 8
Founded in 2002, Thorhost, LLC, was a Flagstaff web design, optimization, and hosting enterprise. They host sites for more than 100 clients; the company has also designed sites for many clients and performs ongoing search-engine optimization.
Thorhost entered the NACET program in September 2004. Many of its employees were NAU graduates. NACET helped Thorhost develop a business strategy and a plan for inserting new products; we also helped the company establish an enterprise accounting system, a quoting template, and a project management process. Thorhost graduated from NACET’s program in 2006.