Margaret Bezerko is president of SensComp in Livonia. The company specializes in non-contact sensing devices that use electrostatic ultrasonic transducers renowned for their high sensitivity and ability to detect objects precisely at long distances—the same technology once used for self-focusing Polaroid cameras. When the company purchased Polaroid’s ultrasonic sensor and component division, it recognized that it had acquired a business built on a foundation of millions of dollars in research and development that could be applied in the agriculture and manufacturing segments, to name a few.. 

Margaret quickly realized, however, a key obstacle in her role: gaining an “in-depth understanding of the data needed to manage the business.” To achieve this, Margaret needed a system for informed decision-making. She was referred by the Edward Lowe Foundation to the Michigan Small Business Development Center, where she was connected with Business Growth Consultant Dan Brophy.

Their partnership quickly became instrumental. At no cost, Dan helped Margaret implement the Focus Four program, where she learned how to build a management team of “A” players working toward shared goals and by establishing powerful tracking tools. “Working with Dan has made me a more confident and informed business owner and leader … I know the decisions I make are based upon data and I can quickly spot issues before they become big issues,” shared Margaret.

Dan attends SensComp’s bi-weekly management meetings, where the team reviews scorecard numbers, compares them to their goals, plans for priorities, and develops to-do list items. Margaret notes, “I am impressed with his understanding of our business,” highlighting the relevant guidance Dan provides.

This solid foundation has set the stage for SensComp’s next phase: scaled growth. Margaret is excited to share the company’s recent milestones: a new e-commerce website, supported by a substantial marketing campaign, was recently launched and almost immediately garnered its first two orders from international customers in Switzerland and Canada. The company’s goal is to sign on more sales representatives and distributors both in the U.S. and internationally.

Margaret encourages other entrepreneurs to remember two key pieces of advice: you need great people (an “A” team) to have a great company, and to “seek out assistance from the Michigan SBDC. I’d like to say thank you to Dan and the Michigan SBDC for being part of SensComp’s ‘A’ team, and for their unwavering commitment to SensComp’s success.”