Every remarkable journey begins with a serendipitous meeting, and so it was for Adam Zajac and Patrik Psenak, two ambitious individuals with a shared background in swimming for the Slovak national team. Their paths crossed once again, leading to the inception of VOLTEQ. This article delves into their inspiring journey, from their early beginnings to the establishment of VOLTEQ and their ambitious road trip across America.
Background and Involvement in Electric Equipment
After leaving Slovakia, Adam pursued an engineering degree in the United States while competing as an NCAA athlete. Patrik, on the other hand, decided to conclude his professional swimming career and focused on his business pursuits, obtaining degrees in finance, banking, investment, and marketing. Both Adam and Patrik collaborated on the business development of the world’s first electric skid steer loader, where they spearheaded the establishment of the North and South American market. However, their visions diverged from the company’s direction, leading them to set off on their own venture: VOLTEQ.
The Birth of VOLTEQ and the Development Phase
Fuelled by their shared passion for electric equipment, Adam and Patrik embarked on the creation of VOLTEQ. The journey encompassed an intensive development phase, involving meticulous research, design, and testing, to bring their innovative ideas to life. Their unwavering dedication and perseverance pushed them forward in turning their vision into reality. During this phase, VOLTEQ also gained a valuable experienced team member, Mike Slattery, who joined as the VP of Business Development. With his extensive knowledge and expertise in the construction industry, Mike brought relevant insights that proved invaluable to the company’s growth and development.
“Our road trip was an incredible adventure that allowed us to connect with industry professionals, dealers, and potential customers across the country. It was inspiring to witness the enthusiasm and positive response to our SKY 1000. We traveled from coast to coast, conducting demos, meeting with suppliers, and building relationships with dealers who shared our vision. Our journey reinforced our commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction. We are honored to have embarked on this road trip and look forward to making VOLTEQ a trusted name in the industry.“
Following 18 months of hard work, VOLTEQ initiated a soft launch in October 2022, offering a sneak peek of their groundbreaking product, the SKY 1000. This allowed industry insiders to witness the unique capabilities of VOLTEQ’s creation. The official public launch kicked off in January of 2023 at the AED Summit in Chicago, IL followed by a national roadshow across the US, to introduce VOLTEQ and the game-changing SKY 1000.
The Purpose of the Road Show and Boots on the Ground
Recognizing the importance of building a strong dealer network and establishing VOLTEQ’s presence across America, VOLTEQ’s leadership team embarked on an ambitious road trip. The aim was to demonstrate the SKY 1000 and explore opportunities to partner with equipment dealers serving construction, landscaping, and agriculture. In just 5 months their boots-on-the ground approach connected VOLTEQ with dealers in almost every state to forge lasting partnerships and serve the market with VOLTEQ solutions.
A Journey Across America
Their 5 month road trip commenced on the vibrant East Coast, with stops at the AED Summit in Chicago and the Fort Wayne Farm show in Indiana, followed by visits to Toledo, Ohio, New York, Maine, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Georgia, and Florida. Their journey continued to the ARA Trade Show in Orlando and the National Farm Show, in Kentucky where they were showcasing the SKY 1000.
With 2 trucks and trailers the road show continued to destinations like Louisiana, Texas, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and California where the team met with potential dealers. The road show reached a milestone at CONEXPO, where VOLTEQ introduced two new concept machines while featuring the SKY 1000 and attachments, garnering remarkable feedback and capturing the attention of industry experts. Demonstrations of the SKY 1000 followed in Oregon, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Illinois and California, reflecting the boundless determination and unwavering entrepreneurial spirit of the team.
“The road trip was an incredible opportunity to showcase the power and capabilities of the SKY 1000 while personally connecting with industry leaders and enthusiasts. Traveling through various states allowed us to witness the diverse needs and interests of potential customers. We were humbled by the warm reception and genuine excitement surrounding our product. From the East Coast to the West, we met with dealers, conducted demos, and participated in major trade shows, gaining invaluable insights and forging partnerships that will shape the future of VOLTEQ. We are thrilled to have secured a strong network of supporters and partners and look forward to establishing our presence across North America.”
With the SKY 1000’s production launch approaching, VOLTEQ diligently worked to secure a diverse range of suppliers. VOLTEQ’s commitment to local assembly and decentralized locations promotes job creation and economic growth. VOLTEQ is proud to manufacture the SKY 1000 in the US in order to support domestic suppliers and empower local communities.
Crowdfunding and Vision for the Future
During the road trip, VOLTEQ witnessed a groundswell of interest and enthusiasm from the public. The overwhelming response inspired VOLTEQ to initiate a crowdfunding campaign that has allowed everyday individuals to be part of the VOLTEQ journey and own a stake in the company. Looking ahead, VOLTEQ envisions a future focused on developing high-quality, American-made products that set new industry standards. Their goal is to establish a strong presence in North America before expanding into new markets, staying at the forefront of innovation and continuously listening to partners and end-users to drive improvement.
“This road trip has been a transformative experience for us as entrepreneurs. We are grateful for the support and encouragement we received from industry associations, such as AED, ARA, and AEM, as well as the opportunity to contribute to organizations like I Make America. Our vision for VOLTEQ has always been rooted in creating a new standard for American-made quality products. We will continue to stay ahead of innovation, listen to our partners and end-users, and strive for excellence in all aspects of our business. With a young, hungry, and entrepreneurial mindset, we are determined to make VOLTEQ a leader in the electric equipment industry, developing top-quality American-made products for years to come.”
