Staying relevant by continually innovating.

• Author: Taylor, Craig
• Position: UB Voices by Blendtec - Company overview

Blendtec, a manufacturer of high-speed commercial and residential blenders, is one of the most successful and wellknown blender manufacturers in the world--and they call Orem, Utah, home.

Tucked away in an unassuming business park, this once-hidden gem is now virtually impossible to miss. After a complete remodel in 2014, the front entryway was transformed into the world's tallest blender, making it a standout among the rows of traditional businesses in the area. It's a fitting statement for a company that prides itself on being disrupters and challenging the status quo.

Blendtec was founded on this philosophy by Tom Dickson in 1989. His life mantra of disrupting the norm has become so deeply imbedded in Blendtec culture that all other employees, including CEO Craig Taylor, have followed suit.

"We're always looking for new ways to stay relevant by continually innovating," says Blendtec CEO Craig Taylor.

It's a mantra that has served Blendtec well and positioned the company for substantial growth. In 2014, Blendtec sales doubled, and ten new blenders were introduced to Blendtec's product lineup.

Handling explosive growth is no easy task, and growing pains can present a challenge for any company. Such growth requires a special type of leadership and guidance, one that Tom Dickson felt confident entrusting with Craig Taylor.

With nearly two decades of executive level leadership, Craig has the knowledge and skillset needed to prime companies for increased growth by improving operations for better financial results. Under his direction, he has helped guide Blendtec through the unique challenges that growth can bring.

Part of this has included building teams and hiring the talent needed to help elevate the company to the next level. In the past 18 months, the number of employees at Blendtec's Orem manufacturing facility and corporate office has doubled to over 500. This necessary move not only helped keep up with the increase in production and sales, but it has also helped the local economy by providing jobs to hundreds of Utahans.

While many companies have taken production overseas in order to cut costs, Blendtec has remained unwavering in their commitment to remain a proud American company. "We make each and every blender here in Utah," says Craig. "As the company continues to grow, it only furthers our commitment to keeping production in our facilities and jobs in the USA."

Keeping production in-house allows Blendtec to ensure each and every...