Loading
Dulond Tool and Engineering Inc., a Bradenton-based company that specializes in machining and assembly, has found a niche in an unexpected market: Marching bands.
The 13 employee-firm recently moved into a new 13,000-square-foot facility in Manatee County, where it intends to kick up its marketing efforts for the LoadMaestro — a cart designed to move marching band equipment on and off the field quickly and efficiently.
Dulond has sold at least 50 LOADMaestro carts so far, which cost $1,899 each. It has signed with a Chicago-based distributor to market the products nationwide.
The LoadMaestro carts have been a hit in the marching band community. During competitions, bands have between 15 and 30 minutes to perform shows that involve the use of large instruments and sets. In order to fit in a three-song show, the band must be able to transport all of their equipment with ease.
Dulond president and owner Jeff Benson came up with the idea for the LoadMaestro five years ago, when his daughter was a member of the Lakewood Ranch High School marching band. The prototype was manufactured at the request of one of the band boosters and Benson gave it to the school for free.
Since then, the amount of competitions the band participates in has been a natural advertising campaign, as Dulond has been receiving calls from competing schools for orders.
Benson projects $100,000 in revenues from the carts in 2009. But even if that is not achieved, the sale of the carts over the past two years has done quite a bit to offset the slowed business during the recession, Benson adds.
Your free article limit has been reached this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited digital access to our award-winning business news.
Join thousands of executives who rely on us for insights spanning Tampa Bay to Naples.
