Mainebiz

Q. How was the idea for Hawkin Dynamics born? A: I have worked in motion analysis since 2009, previously working as a U.S. partner for several European motion capture and analysis outfits. While working for that firm, the market started to change in response to new developments in technol- ogy. In prior years, high-quality biomechanics tech was extremely cumbersome and cost inefficient, forcing sports clubs and schools to outsource testing to laboratories. We decided to bring the lab to the customers with a wireless, portable, and highly accurate force plate and software solution. Q. What is a force plate and what is it used for? A: A force plate is a very high-fre- quency scale, collecting 1000 data points per second. People perform a movement on the plate or plates (jumping, lifting, etc.), and we mea- sure their force output in real-time displaying it in a simple and clean mobile app. The information gained can be utilized to better understand how the individual using the plate interacts with the ground (remem- ber, force production is essential for any human movement, even walk- ing!). From this information, we can gain deep insights into movement patterns and deficits, hopefully us- ing it to make actionable decisions later in the training or rehab process. Q. Who is your primary customer base? A: Our primary customers are uni- versity athletics departments, phys- ical therapy clinics, tactical military, and professional sports clubs with customers in 50 countries. We work in all major professional leagues in the U.S. and many of the larger sports leagues around the world, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, and Premier League. Our solutions are utilized at every level of professional, amateur, and youth sport. Q. Why is Hawkin headquarters in Westbrook? A: My family has deep ties to Maine. I spent the first fifteen years of my life spending most summers in Camden. My wife and I knew that Southern Maine was where we wanted to live and raise our two girls. The quality of life, and the people were huge draws for us. Our headquarters is in the Dana Wrap Mill in Westbrook where we have enough space for our offices and manufacturing to be in one place. I feel incredibly lucky to start a business here in Maine and hopefully bring value to the South- ern Maine community. Q. What advice would you have for other Maine entrepreneurs? A: Get involved in your community. The state of Maine and the city of Westbrook are extremely welcom- ing and helpful. Which has been immensely beneficial for us. We have also had an awesome experience working with the Maine Manufac- turers Association, and the Small Business Administration. S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T Movement solutions — so you can focus on what matters most Ask the Expert By Ben Watson, the Founder and CEO of Hawkin Dynamics. Ben has cultivated a team of engineers, scientists, and creatives impacting the sports technology industry. " The state of Maine and the city of Westbrook are extremely welcoming and helpful. Which has been immensely beneficial for us. We have also had an awesome experience working with the Maine Manufacturers Association, and the Small Business Administration." " The state of Maine and the city of Westbrook are extremely welcoming and helpful. Which has been immensely beneficial for us. We have also had an awesome experience working with the Maine Manufacturers Association, and the Small Business Administration."

• Cover