Local entrepreneur and owner of Nx Stage Security, Rich Ison, has seen sales grow following his big win at the San Joaquin Entrepreneur Challenge in late March and predicted Stanislaus County can expect to see job growth as a result.
Ison’s company makes an entire line of bar-less security products made from galvanized steel for existing doors and windows. Ison said there is a growing need to invest in home protection due to the increase of concern in home security.
“Since the Challenge there has been an increased awareness about a product that meets a growing need,” Ison said. “We have been receiving calls from the entire Bay Area, in particular the East Bay as well as all over San Joaquin Valley because of this win.”
The San Joaquin Entrepreneur Challenge is an ‘American Idol’ style, multi-round entrepreneurial competition presented by the San Joaquin Angels in partnership with regional economic development and academic organizations. First and Second place winners were awarded a total of $24,000 in cash and business services.
“Over the next few years, we will need to hire over 200 people across the board in metal fabrication, operations, sales, administration, and marketing; in the process becoming the Riverbank’s largest private employer,” added Ison.
The company is located in the Riverbank Industrial Complex on Claus Road, the former Army Ammunition Plant. Ison and his company were recognized with a special proclamation and plaque presented at the Monday afternoon Riverbank City Council meeting.
Second place winner Jamie Norwood of Oakdale, whose website DigUsOut.com connects consumers to companies that provide US made products, has also seen more traffic.
“Since the win a good amount of local Stanislaus companies have connected with me to be listed on the site,” Norwood said. “Placing second has opened exciting new doors … and has also helped me take important steps forward in securing future venture capitalist funding for DigUsOut.com.”
The mission and responsibility of the Stanislaus Economic Development and Workforce Alliance is overseeing both economic development and workforce training activities for the county. Under its leadership, the Alliance is committed to creating a blueprint for success, which can make Stanislaus the strategic business choice for existing and expanding businesses by focusing on job creation, business assistance, and workforce preparation activities.
