Aquateko Brings Jobs Back “Onshore”
OutdoorHub 02.24.12
This isn’t just your ordinary “feel good story” about domestic job growth or a measurable decrease in unemployment. No, this is about fishing industry entrepreneur Keith Kessler and his company Aquateko actually improving product quality while simultaneously giving back.
Previously, Kessler’s technologically advanced InvisaSwivel and Knot2Kinky products were wholly produced and or packaged in Taiwan. But it didn’t take long for Kessler to realize his production and packaging standards wouldn’t be met. He frowned on everything from the haphazard stapling of plastic bags to cardstock – no consistency. When the offshore manufacturer told Kessler how much it would cost to improve the results, immediately Kessler began searching for alternative means, which included reconsideration of his own backyard. (Kessler’s actual family did the deed during Aquateko’s first few months in business.)
During Kessler’s quest to return manufacturing to its native land, he happened into a Jacksonville outfit called Pine Castle. The philanthropic company’s mission is to manufacture at a high level while using a workforce of physically challenged adults. And that they do.
Now In the Pine Castle workshop, employees package both Knot2Kinky and InvisaSwivel products. Getting paid a fare wage, and handling these techy pieces of terminal tackle, Aquateko has been able to assure quality manufacturing while eliminating the headaches and overhead of having product shipped. Gone is the great mystery of Kessler opening that first case, praying that the product looks as promised. Gone are the sometimes erratic “float times” as shipping containers trudge toward our shores.
Gained is quality control and on time delivery…not to mention job creation for citizens who often struggle to join traditional workforces.
“These guys have been all over it,” said Kessler. “They’ve been phenomenal. I can’t tell you how happy I am. I’ve had zero complaints from any of my customers about quality. In fact, quite the opposite is true – Aquateko products have improved since I partnered with Pine Castle.”
