Goggle & Refill Canister Manufacturers – Our Story
According to the Center for Women’s Business Research, woman-owned businesses are increasing, and not all woman-owned start-ups follow the stereotypical service based industry. More and more women are entering into male-dominated industries such as manufacturing. One such entrepreneur, Julie Todd, took the helm of PTQ Safety in 2012.
PTQ Safety manufactures safety goggles designed by and made for painters. This product contains a unique feature which allows for a quick lens change without the need to remove goggles. Unlike stick-on lenses, PTQ lenses may be quickly pulled off and thrown away leaving no mess.
These comfortable, high impact, ventilated anti fog lenses help keep the user safe from debris while also preventing the obscuring of vision due to fog. Additionally they fit easily over prescription glasses. Easy to use, the PTQ system is designed specifically for wear while spray painting. Unlike regular goggles which become useless once back spray reaches the lenses, with PTQ Safety Goggles, the user simply pulls a tab which advances a new film across the permanent lens instantly restoring visibility. No need to remove or clean messy goggles. A canister conveniently attached to the goggles provides thirteen easy frame advances. After using all thirteen frames, simply throw away the canister and begin anew.
Todd charted a stellar career path when she borrowed seed money to buy a small, twenty year old company whose owner planned to retire. She now represents one woman who is a cutting-edge player in the present era of entrepreneurship, beating the odds and epitomizing boot-strap success.
“I don’t want to take all the credit for the success of PTQ Safety,” Todd humbly said. “My supportive husband Darrell gave me the initial push to get started. I took his advice to heart after watching him build a successful company, T-Tex Industries. He told me to remember that effective decision making is an important skill in leading a company, and that’s what I continually strive to do.”
What began in 2012 in a small warehouse in SE Houston laid the groundwork for a manufacturing company that is ANSI certified and now boasts three locations serving the United States, New Zealand, and South Africa. Todd has always believed in the American Dream and her vision parallels that dream. “I think it is all about freedom and the opportunity for success.” The packaging of the safety goggles proudly displays the banner “Made In America.”
As a female business owner she wants to provide the opportunity for other women to share the dream. Three years ago, she hired a babysitter for her five year old son, and then hired a twenty-year-old woman to work for her in the production area of PTQ Safety Goggles. She saw that the machinery being used was old and inefficient, so she budgeted wisely, and purchased new machinery used for the manufacturing of the disposable canisters.
Marketing her company in an honest way is also important to Todd. Networking is a cornerstone of any successful company, and social media is a leading industry tool to bring company awareness to the forefront of customers. She also said that Trade Shows remain a hallmark of business networking. The potential to recruit new customers or build long-standing relationships is boundless.
Additionally, Todd said that customer satisfaction is extremely important in an economy where vendors must work hard to win new business and keep existing ones. A company must ensure that in its relationship with customers, whether it is orders, delivery or everyday communication, the needs of the customer are met.
“My ultimate goal, said Todd, “is to continue to develop a base of loyal customers who only want to get bids and proposals from PTQ. I believe customers buy from me because I intentionally develop a trusted relationship with them. “
Rick Youngblood, Coatings Manager of the Houston,TX operations of Oil States Industries is only one of the many satisfied customers who highly recommend PTQ’s Safety Goggles. “Our safety program at Oil States is extremely thorough. Eye protection for our employees remains a high priority.”
Youngblood said that historically painters used Vaseline on their eyes to prevent debris from sticking to brows and eyelashes. Solvents can burn the eyes and are dangerous. The old type of eye protection was inefficient and expensive to use. “Each painter would go through several pair in a day. When back spray reached the lenses, they became virtually useless.
PTQ Safety Goggles have made a positive impact at Oil States Youngblood said. “Our workers don’t even have to remove or clean the messy goggles anymore. They just pull one of the thirteen frames across the lenses and continue to work.”
Julie Todd remains excited and confident about future opportunities for her company. Three years ago she hit the ground running and she hasn’t slowed down yet.
Betty Haskins
Call (713) 504-8546 to work with our team and let us customize your goggles for your specific needs.
