Making Technology Work

It’s been thirty years since we re-located from Southern California to Raleigh, North Carolina. When we made the transcontinental move back in 1993, I embarked on a Quality Control program to increase the reliability and accountability of Martek’s procurement, production, and customer service departments. Obviously, it’s been a success because we’re still in business and our customers are quite happy with the products and services we provide not only in the U.S., but all over the world.

At that time thirty years ago, I decided to emblazon our shipping boxes not only with our name and logo, but with a phrase or motto I believed would encompass what we were trying to accomplish. Martek was one of the first companies to introduce microprocessor-driven electronics in the late 1970s, but the challenges were many back in those early days, especially when it came to user-interfaces. This got me thinking and that’s when I came up with the motto, “Making Technology Work.” Because if the technology is too hard to use or comprehend, no one will take the time to use it to its full potential. There are many examples in a variety of industries where this caveat was borne out. Older readers will certainly remember the Sony Betamax versus VHS controversy of the early 1980s where Sony won the battle of quality and performance, but eventually lost the war of overall market acceptance due to price and compatibility.  

At Martek, we’ve chosen both quality/performance AND value/compatibility. That’s why our on-line analyzers carry a 10 year warranty and our flow-through conductivity sensors carry a lifetime warranty. As for compatibility, all our sensors work with all of our analyzers regardless of make or model.

There’s been talk of changing our unofficial company motto from “Making Technology Work” to something more reflective of today’s culture. “Ruthless Efficiency” and “You’re Not The Boss of Me!” have been floated as possible alternatives, but I still like the original motto. 😉