We started developing most of these “green” technologies many decades and centuries ago.  When did we start recycling in our towns?  Decades ago.  The History of waste production shows dates going back thousands of years with some crude attempts at recycling.  The EPA was established in 1970.  The Silicon-based solar cell was developed in 1941.  Alternative fuels have been discussed since the 19th century where diesel oil was considered along with peanut and vegetable oils for Rudolf Diesel’s new engine design.  Water purification dates back thousands of years.  

Okay, I think we’ve established that these “green” technologies are not new.  So what’s all the fuss?  Well, let’s assume that you do not agree with former VP Gore that global warming is coming, and I don’t, but that’s another discussion.  At the same time, most people realize that crude oil will not last forever and we generally need to clean up after ourselves better than we have in the past in order to become better stewards of the planet. People also know that renewable and sustainable sources of energy are better for the overall environment.  But let’s not delude ourselves into thinking that making solar panels or wind turbines does not consume energy or use materials from the earth.  They certainly do.  It’s the overall impact of the construction and operation of these devices that is important.  in a similar way, the refining (cleaning) of various types of alternative fuels such as coal, tar sands, nuclear, ethanol, vegetable oils, sugars, etc all have some level of environmental impact.  None have zero impact.  Materials and energy are needed to plant, harvest, refine and deliver.

The reason these are all “hot” topics today is because the world is awakening to these technologies, and development money is flowing into them at ever increasing rates. Smart business people, scientists, and engineers are dusting off and improving these old methods to more effectively compete with existing “legacy” equipment and processes.  That’s all good.  I’m lucky because the businesses I worked for were early adopters of many of these improving technologies, so Focused Solutions Group can leverage that experience to help support these changes in a cost effective way.

These changes are real and will not go away.  As the price of oil fluctuates the investments may ebb and flow, but they will continue.  For those looking to capitalize on this movement, look for any training opportunity you can get and do your due diligence on potential investments.  Like the Gold Rush days there will be a lot of fly-by-nighters who are looking to take your money and run.  But this sector will become an increasingly active sector and one you should consider, for your career and your investments.

Tom Smith
Focused Solutions Group
www.fsgnj.com

Manufacturing has been the primary focus of my career.  Sure there was engineering, design, installation and service, but manufacturing was always the core process.  Over the years this background has served me well.  For the last 20 years, the management roles have enabled me to mentor and develop others.  My depth in the manufacturing details that has enabled me to excel in this area.

Many in New Jersey lament the decline of the manufacturing base.  It’s true that about half of the manufacturing jobs have disappeared over the last 20 years.  That’s about 270,000 jobs!  (source BLS/SAE data www.bls.gov/sae/)  At the same time inflation rose 65% and the productivity roughly doubled in current dollars so NJ’s real manufacturing base declined roughly by inflation.

Labor costs and the cost of doing business in NJ are factors, of course.   This is the point.  We should use NJ’s skilled worker knowledge base to the fullest!  Germany has been doing this for years.  NJ has over 500 incubator companies, all trying to develop products and ideas.  One aspect of my business is helping connect those companies with ideas and no products with the folks that make the products.  We also provide other product development services.  See www.fsgnj.com.  I’ve found many NJ firms often make the prototypes in a short time and at a low cost.  Once the product has been developed, and a prototype proven out, it often makes sense to move production to a lower cost labor area.  I tell clients: “That’s fine.  Move on to make the next prototype!”.

In my opinion, New Jersey is moving toward a “prototyping market” as small companies connect with manufacturers who need to have work that justifies their high costs.  For my interim assignments, my targets are larger revenue generating companies, but product development is a passion of mine.  And I’m proud to leverage my network to help this effort.

Tom Smith