:: about us ::

about us

Our Product History

Widget Works, formerly RackStand LLC, was initially created around a single product idea, a combination hitch rack and bicycle repair stand. The first showing of a RackStand product to the public was at the 24 Hours of Moab, October 2000. As a consumer product, RackStand proved to be extremely difficult to market. Production constraints didn’t allow the prices and volumes necessary to access traditional bicycle industry distribution channels.

While developing the RackStand product, a more stationary version that could be used for product durability testing was created. This new product, called ROCKStand is a repair stand for use in bicycle shops. As a business to business product, ROCKStand proved easier to market and to create awareness. In the summer of 2004, ROCKStand caught the attention of the second largest bicycle tool retailer, Pedro’s USA and we signed a licensing agreement. Through Pedro's, ROCKStands are available in 36 countries and in 2006, ROCKStand was recognized as one of Bicycle Magazine's Products of the Year.

Our Move Into Design and Prototyping Services

One thing that became apparent as we began developing the RackStand product was that there are very few suppliers and manufacturers who are geared up to do business with small companies. Whether we were assessing various materials or having components machined, vendors expected a certain level of expertise and volume. They weren’t set up to give advice or produce small volumes. As a result, we had a number of early product performance issues and we paid extremely high prices.

Eventually, we were able to cultivate relationships with vendors who were smaller companies themselves, and we bought the equipment necessary to bring almost all production in house. Through networking, we started to work with other entrepreneurs who experienced the same difficulties that we had in developing our idea - services were too expensive, incomplete, or non-existent. As a result, we used our excess production capacity to serve other small businesses including a custom machine building company, a skiing accessory company and a foundation designing solar flashlights for use in Africa. Click here to read more about client projects.

Joining Forces

In March of 2007, Widget Works was acquired by Applied Engineering, Inc. (AE). The acquisition extends AE’s capabilities to offer a more comprehensive approach to its product development services. AE will leverage Widget Works’ capabilities to build upon their existing experience in the development and design processes to now include prototyping and fabrication. Click here to read the full press release.