BodyGuardz designs cases for handhelds, smart phones, media players, tablets and notebooks. All are made in the United States. In 2004, it rolled out its first Apple-specific product: an iPod protector. Later, the company rolled out cases.
"The Apple ecosystem, in my mind, drives this industry," said CEO Kirk Feller. "Now that we are 'in,' there's a loyal following and we love Apple users. I really believe that Apple has a tight hold on the industry, especially for cell phones."
During iPhone launches, BodyGuardz has experienced an average of 34 percent growth in sales over the previous quarter.
Eighteen months ago, when Apple added scratch-resistant screens, thereby lessening the need for a protective case, Feller responded by offering anti-glare screens. On the days new Apple products are released, BodyGuardz employees stand in line with everyone else. (Apple has historically kept a tight lid on details about upcoming releases.) Once the product is in hand, a case can be made -- but never before.
"We can actually create our products in less than 24 hours. As soon as we have that device, it takes us four hours to make it and then we get into production," said Feller. "If you have to send it off to China and wait 30 days, well, you know how that works."
Be polite and professional when giving an employee the boot. And if the person getting fired starts to lose it, duck.
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