Consumer Products
Keys to innovation
How Richard C. Adamany develops innovative products at Swiss+Tech
By Matt McClellan
Smart Business Akron/Canton | September 2008
Crestwood Partners LLC does business as Swiss+Tech Products, a
name that draws comparisons to the legendary versatility of the Swiss Army
knife and the quality and dependability of a
Swiss watch.
Richard C. Adamany, the company’s president and CEO, has worked to ensure that
Swiss+Tech lives up to its name. The company’s success is derived from a combination of genuine Swiss craftsmanship and
American innovation.
Adamany has created a new category of
consumer products — key ring tools.
Swiss+Tech’s unique products have patented integrated locking systems that attach
to any key ring, eliminating the need for an
additional ring or belt holster.
The tag line of Adamany’s company is,
“Really cool tools that are with you when
you need them.” Swiss+Tech’s tools are
designed to work just like their full-size
counterparts and are covered by a lifetime
limited warranty.
Adamany has brought Swiss+Tech’s
innovative products to the public through
several channels. The company’s products
are available through major
retailers, Web sites and specialty
chains — such as Wal-Mart,
Target, Costco, Brookstone,
HSN, Eddie Bauer, Restoration
Hardware and Think Geek.
In order to secure and retain
coveted retail space at the chain
stores and to successfully compete for consumer dollars,
Adamany has made a commitment to constant innovation at Swiss+Tech. To stay
competitive, the company must continually add unique and innovative offerings to
its product line.
Each year, new products account for
nearly 50 percent of Swiss+Tech’s revenue.
Adamany says innovation is the lifeblood
of its continued growth.
All new product ideas originate with
Adamany and Bennett S. Rubin, executive vice president and chief operating
officer. When developing new ideas for
products, Adamany looks at several key
factors: minimizing existing
tools, creating a unique method
of attaching tools to a key
chain, addressing consumer
needs and desires, packing as
many features as possible onto
each product, and coupling an
emergency device with tools
that have everyday uses.
One of Swiss+Tech’s innovative products is the BodyGard emergency tool. Like all of the company’s
products, it attaches to a key ring.
However, the BodyGard is designed to
be a lifesaver in auto emergencies, with
its glass breaker, seat belt cutter, flashlight, emergency signal, tire gauge and
thermometer.
HOW TO REACH: Crestwood Partners LLC, (440) 573-1000 or
www.swisstechtools.com
