Welcome to the first of a new BioBuzz series, where we talk with Maryland biotech industry executives about their business, and what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur.
How did you get started?
It was “a complete accident.” I have an information technology (IT) and computer background. I started Frederick’s technology and biotech business incubator, the Frederick Innovative Technology Center, Inc. (FITCI), with a couple other people in 2003, and served as chairman of the board for four years, where I learned a lot more about biotech through FITCI’s clients.
BridgePath started as a consulting company, and I expected to stay in the IT space. Then one of our clients at FITCI needed help negotiating a better price for lab equipment. We were able to help the client get a better price, so they could purchase more equipment with their available funds. Then another FITCI client needed help locating a used microscope. We were able to find one within their budget, and then began helping them source all of their equipment needs.
When we came across a biotech company that was going out of business, we purchased all of its equipment, borrowed some warehouse space, and started calling companies to see if they needed any of the items we now had in inventory. Basically, we saw a big need—affordable, quality refurbished lab equipment—and solved it for the biotech industry.
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