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How Dan T. Moore III keeps busy at Dan T. Moore Co. Inc.
Smart Business Cleveland | September 2009
Dan T. Moore III, President, Dan T. Moore Co. Inc.
Dan T. Moore’s ideas and approaches drive the entire organization. Founded in 1969, Dan T. Moore Co. Inc. is a research and development and acquisition entity and business incubator, starting one new business per year based upon internally generated technology.
Moore has a remarkable ability to identify and pursue potential business opportunities. He is particularly adept at identifying how the physical properties of materials can be investigated and modified to meet customer needs, e.g., new sound vibration deadening techniques for the auto industry, new impact absorbing material for military helmets and new polymers for the tire industry.
The company actively manages the other companies in the portfolio and oversees 28 noncontrolling private equity investments.
Currently, there are 11 entities that are part of the company. They range from a one-person company pursuing a new approach for quickly identifying sleep disorders to 100-plus person companies supplying advanced materials to various industries.
DTMCo. is currently involved in impact-absorbing helmet pads, auto-sound and vibration damping, polymers to enhance tire performance, the Whiskey Island Marina, and start-ups relating to sleep disorders, military vehicle armor and converting autos to run on compressed natural gas.
Combined revenue in 2007 topped $110 million and operating profits exceeded $21 million. The portfolio includes Team Wendy LLC, which started after the death of Moore’s 27-year-old daughter in 1997 due to head-trauma after a skiing accident. The company produces a line of recreational helmets using Zorbium, a patented viscoelastic energy-absorbing foam. Zorbium is also used in the army’s new advanced combat helmet and in other applications requiring energy-absorbing materials.
Another entity in the business is Flow Polymers Inc. The company manufactures rubber-homogenizing aids for the tire and rubber industries. These products compatabilize rubber compounds, enabling rubber to be mixed more rapidly and more thoroughly with less heat history.
And another example of a company in the organization is Soundwich Inc. The company produces high hysterisis oil-resistant polymers for damping automobile engines and body components. They are developing metal/ceramic composites for engine exhaust systems.
Moore also spends time outside his businesses. In May 2004 through June 2004, he took a motorcycle tour from Istanbul, Turkey, to Xian, China. He captured the various cultures in writing and photo at his blog, www.dantmoore3.com.
How to reach: Dan T. Moore Co. Inc., (216) 771-8444 or www.dantmoore.com
