This year, NZ will celebrate its 29th anniversary in business. While it isn’t a typical milestone anniversary, staying in the game for nearly 30 years is a pretty significant accomplishment. Think about it, we survived ’80s hair bands, parachute pants, side ponytails and so much more. See what Maureen Petrasko, President and CEO of NZ Manufacturing had to say about the company during the Q&A session below.
Q. How did NZ begin? Who founded it and what inspired them to do it?
A. Chris Hughes, a mechanical engineer for Boeing and a master swimmer, founded the company in 1985 after he noticed a need for resistance products for in-water training. As time went on, swimmers began making recommendations about existing products and suggesting possible new products, helping the line evolve and grow. Chris saw opportunities for the new products in other markets and expanded the lines to include MediCordz® and TurfCordz®.
Q. When did you first become involved with NZ?
A. I had just started a consulting business, and Chris was one of my first clients. During the period of time that we worked together, I was offered an opportunity to acquire the company. I decided to go for it, and it turned out to be a great decision and an even better adventure.
Q. What was one of NZ’s greatest successes?
A. Fifteen years ago, we introduced the Drag Belt Tow Tether, and that really took us by surprise. It was a hit from the beginning, and it’s still one of our Best Sellers in the StrechCordz® line.
Q. Have the products changed much over the years?
A. Adding the Safety Cord to some of our products about 15 to 20 years ago was a significant change. This addition provided an extra element of safety to coaches and athletes alike.
Q. What are NZ’s plans for 2014?
A. We started moving into other markets last year like water aerobics and water fitness, and we found that our products fit well in those markets. This year, we’ll be looking at adding more products that can be used for applications like water-resisted walking or running.
Q. Why have you kept the products “Made in the USA?”
A. When you’re working with athletes, you want to be sure that you have high quality products that won’t fail on them. You lose some of that control over the product when you manufacture overseas.
Q. Can you describe a time when NZ overcame a challenge and exceeded expectations?
A. Every Olympic year, we are inundated with orders to fill. We make it a point to never back order anything. Since we handle the entire process from manufacturing to shipping at our headquarters in Tallmadge, we’re able to live up to that commitment.
Q. What has been most rewarding for you as the owner of NZ?
A. I can’t name just one thing. I’ve been able to go to amazing places and meet amazing people, from Olympians to professional football players. But, it’s really rewarding to see everyday users take our products and use them to accomplish a dream like swimming the English Channel. It’s a privilege to be a part of that, even if it’s only in a small way.
NZ has big plans for 2014. We’re jumping headlong into our thirties by introducing new products, attending new conferences and keeping our customers, our company and ourselves in great shape.
