From a Garage to a Global Company Pollack got into the business in 2009 as part of the “home brew” 3D-printer movement, printing items for others from his garage in Shaker Heights. Without any venture capital or outside funding, he has since grown MakerGear into a local manufacturing company with global sales. The company employs about 20 people at its Commerce Park facility and works with several local manufacturers for part production. Pollack has always had a knack for electronics. Growing up in Cincinnati, he says that he was “obsessed with technology” and was “constantly tinkering and creating.” Later, he earned a B.S. in computer science from the University of Cincinnati. He points out that when he started his company, he came to the enterprise with no manufacturing background. He attributes his success to “a little bit of ignorance” (not 216-600-0811 WWW.GOARCO.COM knowing what he can’t do) and “lots of energy and persistence.” The company’s efforts have been rewarded with some national recognition. For the past two years, it received the Best of 3D Hubs Enthusiast Award and is continually top ranked in terms of customer ratings on Amazon. The MakerGear M2, the latest model, retails for $1,825. The machines weigh about 30 pounds and require about 30 minutes to setup. While the technology allows imaginations to run wild, the process of dreaming up and designing 3D objects requires an understanding of computer-aided design (CAD) software. Pollack acknowledges that this is a learning curve that is not for everyone, although many new software options on the market offer better entry points for those new to the technology. Printing time can range anywhere from 30 minutes to 24 hours, depending on the size of the creation. A spool of black printer plastic, similar to that for thread but 20 times larger, comes with the machine and should provide at least a couple of weeks’ supply. Additional color options are available. Looking toward the future, Pollack says, “We want to develop new and better products with different machine sizes and additional features, and I’d like to expand our global reach.” He adds that the company is also looking for ways to serve the education market to ensure that students become familiar with the technology early, so they can be a part of shaping it in the future. Compare the current state of the Internet to where it was 20 years ago. That’s what 3D printing is like. The advancements will be stunning! Rick Pollack Founder and CEO, MakerGear Pictured from left, opposite page: German Chancellor Merkel, President Obama, MakerGear CEO Rick Pollack and Lieutenant Governor of Ohio Mary Taylor at the Hannover Messe Trade Show. Pictured left: The MakerGear M2 3D printer, designed and manufactured in Beachwood, and its ‘8d Shadow’ artistic creation. BEACHWOOD RESIDENTS CALL NOW TO ACTIVATE YOUR GIFT CARDS! CALL NOW TO ACTIVATE YOUR GIFT CARDS ! GIFT CARD GIFT CARD $25 off A/ C Tun e -U p o r R e p ai r * to schedule call: 216-600-0811 WWW.GOARCO.COM 216-600-0811 $500 off Heating & Cooling System* to schedule a free estimate call: Valid until: 10/31/16 216-600-0811 Valid until: 10/31/16 No Breakdown Guarantee! We service all brands! *Offers not valid on prior purchases and may not be combined with any other offer or coupon. Void where prohibited. Offer applies to residential units only. Homeowner or adult representative (over the age of 18) must be present at the time of maintenance. Mileage may apply if customer is more than 25 miles away from Arco location. An additional fee may apply if home is not principal residence. There may be an additional charge for repairs or non-included items. Arco HVAC specialists are prohibited from working in any conditions that, in the specialist's opinion, would be unsafe or a violation of local/safe codes. Customer is responsible for clearing around system of any obstructions. CALL NOW TO ACTIVATE YOUR GIFT CARDS ! 216-600-0811 216-600-0811 WWW.GOARCO.COM WWW.GOARCO.COM ATE YOUR GIFTCALL NOW TO ACTIVATE YOUR GIFTn Beachwood Buzz! 11 YOU CARDS ! CALL NOW TO ACTIVATE CARDS October 2016 GIFT CARD GIFT CARD D140111