For our first edition of 5 Questions with CAMA, we’re featuring Dan Livingston, Vice President and Co-Founder of Golden-based Freedom Trax. Dan shares how the company is approaching accessible manufacturing, where he sees technology changing the industry, and what Freedom Trax needs to take its next step forward.

What do you make, and what makes your operation unique?

We make a mobility device allowing people to traverse off-road terrain while staying in their own wheelchair. We've designed our shop to be as adaptive as possible. Our lead assembler, who uses a wheelchair, performs assembly and powder coating along with other general tasks. We're a very small company and don't have the resources of a large manufacturer, although we've developed simple processes and workflows incorporating a wheelchair-friendly environment.

What opportunity or challenge should manufacturers be paying attention to?

I've grown up in a manufacturing environment and have seen the transformation from analog to digital. The only way to stay competitive in a worldwide market is to keep up with technology and invest resources into streamlining production. Although AI is relatively new, I anticipate the changes we will see over the next few years will compound. Especially around QMS, generative design and any large data capture.

What have you changed or invested in recently that made a meaningful difference?

We recently built worktables with rotating tops allowing someone in a wheelchair to rotate our device during assembly. It's a small project, but it will evolve and hopefully help other manufacturers looking to broaden their workforce options.

What have you learned about building and retaining a strong workforce?

It's no secret that there is a lack of skilled tradespeople in our country. I think a strong manager understands each employee at a personal level and manages them to grow their positive attributes and help where they may be lacking. Keeping everyone focused on the same goal and creating motivation around your core mission is vital as well. If people feel like they are being exploited, your end product will reflect that.

What’s next for your company - and what connections could help you get there?

We've grown our business organically through hard work and determination. Our products have evolved to a point where the only way to move forward is to put significant resources into tooling. Investment in our company would help grow our production capability and enhance our product.

Learn more at https://freedomtrax.com/