We applaud the hedge funds and private investors who are brave and smart enough to invest today for the technologies of tomorrow.  Early stage technologies, which historically had the highest risk profile, now have a better outlook given the stagnant macroeconomic environment. 

As everyone knows, traditional safe industries have been whacked the past few years and others may be on the brink of new unknown disasters. At least many people are sitting on the sidelines on their cash and their backsides.  However, these once conservative plays in steady state businesses are no longer your dad's (or mom's) blue chips - and most have very little upside potential.  On the other hand, investments in R&D for emerging technologies and new product development have enormous upside potential with the right mix of success factors and players. 

More importantly, investing in U.S. based entrepreneurship and new product engineering provide, and importantly grow, local know-how and good living wages. These are both critical assets that are fundamental to any sound economy and nation and also important for our families and neighbors.  So big kudos to those with the guts to go for the glory of spurring new technology commercialization and local engineering services and manufacturing in New Jersey during these uncertain times. 

Onward and upward!

A successful entrepreneur and a Stevens Institute grad, our newest member, 

Nicholas Faust, who began as an intern in January 2011, was hired full time in May 2011 and has settled nicely into the Sigma team. 

Nick's success with helping to launch a successful skateboard start-up company that relies on human energy dovetails nicely with one of his first assignments at Sigma - a renewable energy project to prototype a vehicle energy harvesting device.  

Nick is excited by such green technology/renewable energy projects and also aspires to be involved with industrial automation technologies.  Nick earned both a Masters of Engineering in Product- Architecture and Engineering (May 2011) and Bachelor's of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering (2009) from Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey.

When asked what he most enjoys about Sigma, Nick shared: "I think the breadth of projects at Sigma Design Company - from consumer products to medical devices to renewable energy projects, keeps it interesting and challenging. I've learned a great deal about the challenges of manufacturability. It has been a great transition from the academic to the professional world."

Welcome aboard Nick!