SEACOMP (Displaytech, HDP Power, MH MFG)

Help Innovators Deliver Awesome.

We design, engineer, and manufacture consumer, medical, and industrial electronic devices.

HQ in San Diego, CA. Manufacturing at our wholly-owned factories in Tijuana, Mexico and Dongguan, China.

Partnerships & Sales

Conduit Venture Labs

Conduit is a venture studio focused on enabling founders, inventors, and strategic innovators to focus on solving the problems that face our planet and its inhabitants working at the intersection of the physical and digital.

Fellow

The New Way Inc.

Helping families, that are experiencing homelessness, to find help, homes, & hope.

Executive Director

GTM United

Ambassador of a private community of go-to-market professionals united by a mission to put their development first. Giving feedback, asking questions, practicing self-care, and making real connections.

Content Advisor

Instawork

Our vision at Instawork is to create economic opportunity for local businesses and professionals, globally.

Instawork is the on-demand staffing app for hospitality & light industrial shifts. We quickly and reliably match businesses with nearby qualified workers. We’re excited to enable our Professionals, a new generation of the emerging, diverse workforce, to be a part of the growing gig economy.

Senior Account Executive

Gemini Legal

Gemini is a legal copy service that compels and obtains document evidence for California attorneys representing injured workers.

The will and hope of Gemini is to embrace and meet our clients’ true needs by providing a safe, stable and competitive work environment where employees, clients and vendors enrich their community and themselves personally and professionally. We meet our challenge through principled, personal leadership.

Business Development Manager

Quartzy, Inc

Laid off due to COVID-19
-------------------------
Quartzy is a free web-based platform for managing research labs. It is used worldwide by 360,000 scientists in the academic, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical labs. 

Quartzy saves labs time and money!

As a Business Development Associate at Quartzy, I am responsible for building the supplier relationships and product portfolio that enable Quartzy to be the only free online laboratory management platform offering an extensive lab supply ordering system. 
See our rapidly growing list of supplier partners HERE:
https://www.quartzy.com/suppliers

Business Development Associate

BlueGrace Logistics

Business Development Executive

Sales Director

Senior Sales Executive

Sales Executive

Account Manager

Wolf Creek Brewery

Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with key retailers and restaurants. Assume leadership role in implementing key brewery initiatives with distributors, retailers, and restaurants. Work closely with distributor on new product releases, seasonal releases and pre-orders for brewery. Drive and grow sales. Act as the face of Wolf Creek Brewery within a given territory.

Territory Manager

Wesco Aircraft

Provide pricing analysis for management. Perform margin and pricing analysis in order to support business initiatives. Validate sales quotations for accuracy and profitability; exercise and manipulate data via analysis techniques. Develop a system of communication, documentation and review of internal and external comparative pricing data. Identify opportunities to optimize sales and profitability through pricing strategies. Confer with sales and marketing teams to develop proposals. Prepare multi-year cost and pricing models. Engage suppliers and branches.

Corporate Sales Analyst

We Design & Build Your Hardware

We design & manufacture
Industrial, medical, & consumer electronics
Small enough to fit in an oven

HQ in San Diego, CA. Manufacturing at our wholly-owned factories in Tijuana, Mexico and Dongguan, China.

I need to get something off my chest.

It is time to come clean...

I do not know everything about hardware manufacturing!

Ah, that feels better to say out loud. So, yeah, I do not have all of the answers. I have some degree of mastery of my specific part of the journey. But, that is maybe like .04% of what is needed to cross the finish line.

Scaling from prototype to mass production is a GRIND. And, we will all need to leverage the knowledge of experts once or twice or 100 times along the way. 

Here are some people, way smarter than me, who are providing FREE information on some of the more complex parts of the path to mass production.

What worked for units 1-10 might not work for units 11-1,000,000. In that light, check out these resources:

☑ Optimizing Design for Manufacturing (DFM): Caleb Vainikka writes about this a ton. What worked for one-off builds likely will not scale.

☑ Secure Funding: You are looking at $100,000 - $1,000,000 to go from prototype to mass production. How will you pay for that? Grants, loans, crowdfunding, VC, pre-orders? Mark Pecota 🚀 has the playbook for crowdfunding, check out his YouTube videos to get it for FREE. Check local, state, and federal sites grants. Explore niche or industry specific grants if applicable (NIH, cleantech, etc)

☑ Prepare Documentation: You need to relay, to strangers, how to make your widget. Get your BoM, Gerber files, CAD and test plans ready. Clear communication with your CM is crucial. (lean on your favorite PD firm, dm me for personalized recs)

☑ Tooling & Setup: Develop any necessary molds or fixtures. You did not need these at unit 1-10. You will likely need this for tens of thousands of units. Validate them for efficient production. Declan Coyle has a ton of good info here.

☑ Smaller Production Run: If you are just prototyping now, and are not ready to go full mass production, but still need some scale, a local/boutique CM might be a great in-between solution on the road to a mass-production partner. Performant Manufacturing Fitz-Thors Industries Andrews Cooper 

☑ Quality Control: Set up testing processes to ensure consistent, high-quality products. Maybe you tested by hand when prototyping, will that method scale? (work with your CM on quality or find a consultant like Joshua Charles Woodard or Kevin Brisebois to assist. Especially if your CM is overseas and you cannot get there directly). DO NOT FORGET test fixtures. Either BYOB style, designed by your PD firm, or see if your CM offers this service.

☑ Logistics: Plan your supply chain to optimize shipping, warehousing, and inventory management. Unexpected tariffs, fines, or penalties can quickly nullify any profit. (for trade compliance, see Gabrielle Griffith)

For those who’ve been through this scaling journey, what lessons or strategies have helped you the most?
--------------
One of our customers went from building in their basement to scaling with SEACOMP. Link in comments to read about that.

Connor Bush 🔋🖥📟

We Design & Build Your Hardware (USA, Mexico, & China)

Howdy!

My name is Connor Bush - I help people scale their hardware devices into mass production. 

✅  The jump from making 10 of a thing to 10,000 of a thing brings many challenges:

>>> Manufacturing Process Optimization 

>>> Quality & Consistency 

>>> Supply Chain and Component Sourcing

>>> Cost Management

>>> Regulatory Compliance & Certification

... and about 47 other major hurdles.


✅ Every product, company, & situation has unique & different obstacles:

>>> We focus on the the major hurdles of scaling hardware

>>> So that you can focus on scaling your business

>>> We understand the complexity involved with electronics manufacturing projects, and our team finds joy in solving those problems

>>> Together, we collaborate with you to deliver your vision efficiently


✅ Ready to scale your next big idea? Let’s connect.


credit to the homie Dave Fustino for this great template.

give Dave a holler if you are building from 0 - 1000+

give me a shout if you are going from 1000-10,000+

Most folks engage with us early in their product development process. 

Much of the time, we are a great fit for the manufacturing but NOT the product development. 

Naturally, we look to lean on our network and make introductions to product development firms. 

The innovators inevitably ask us -- How do we choose the right Product Development firm for our project? 

(that will be another post for another day. go talk to 3-5 firms, in different places, at different sizes, and see who you like)

The NEXT question folks ask is -- How much will this cost? 

($100,000 - $1,000,000 is a canned answer) 

Ok, really though, hourly rates range from $75 to $500+, why the disparity—and how do you decide what’s right for you?

Again, SUPER high level. Every project is different. BUT, at a glance...

Here’s a quick breakdown:
1️⃣ Hourly Rates Vary by Expertise:
Small firms/freelancers: $75–$150/hour
Mid-sized firms: $150–$300/hour
Large, specialized firms: $300–$500+/hour

The differences are often due to experience, location, tools, and risk management.

I am also seeing more firms do away with hourly and swap to a monthly retainer or per-project / per-stage fee structure.

2️⃣ How to Decide What Fits Your Needs:
Low Budget (<$50k): Startups and simple designs? Freelancers or small firms can work great.
Mid-Range Budget ($50k–$150k): For balancing expertise and cost, mid-sized firms are ideal.
High Budget ($150k+): Complex, regulated projects? You’ll need a full-service partner.

3️⃣ Find Your Perfect Match:
Define your goals: What stage are you in—ideation, prototyping, or scaling?
Evaluate portfolios: Look for firms with experience in your product’s niche.
Start small: Test with a limited-scope project before committing to the full journey. Maybe toe in the water with a feasibility study.

4️⃣ Domestic vs. Overseas Firms:
USA-Based Firms: Offer closer collaboration, reduced communication gaps, and a better understanding of local compliance requirements. Ideal for high-touch projects or when speed to market is critical.
Overseas Firms: Typically more cost-effective but may involve longer lead times, language barriers, or timezone challenges. Best suited for well-defined projects with clear deliverables.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t overlook mid-sized firms for their mix of efficiency and expertise, especially for scaling production or optimizing designs for manufacturing.

What questions do you wish you could ask a PD firm?

I am toying with the idea of an interview series... Throw some questions in the comments that you'd like to have answered by subject-matter experts.

Conversation I had today, summarized...

Person: I need to find a metal manufacturer in mexico
Me: Ok, can totally help make some intros there. But, I am curious, why?
Them: To lower costs 
Me: Makes sense. Have you look into any other ways to lower costs? 
Them: No
Me: Well....... (see post below)

Some thoughts to lower costs for your hardware device:

☑ Design Optimization: Simplify designs, standardize parts, and embrace DFM principles.
☑ Volume Pricing: Negotiate bulk discounts and increase production runs.
☑ Material Substitutions: Use cost-effective materials without compromising quality.
☑ Manufacturing Location: Explore regions like Mexico for cost advantages.
☑ Process Improvements: Automate and implement lean manufacturing to boost efficiency.
☑ Outsource Smartly: Leverage CM partners (I heard SEACOMP is pretty cool).
☑ Logistics Optimization: Streamline the supply chain. 
☑ Lifecycle Cost Management: Design for modularity and quality to reduce future expenses.

Lowering unit costs isn’t always about cutting; it’s about optimizing across the board.

I think for this one, some cost-down engineering & dfm will be a game changer and do the heavy lifting. But, time will tell!

In the interim, they have been connected to some metal factories! 

What cost-lowering strategies do you think are most overlooked?

🛠 Getting a new front door installed today.

COULD I have done it myself?
Sure (maybe).

SHOULD I be spending hours on YouTube learning how to demo the old door, rip out the frame, buy, install, and paint the new one?
Probably not.

Instead, I called my contractor friend. A week later, he showed up with the door, a crew member, and got it done—quick and professional.

Why didn’t I do it myself?
It’s not my expertise. It is not the best use of my efforts. My time is better spent as a dad, husband, and SEACOMP employee.

⚡ Startups often face a similar decision point.

They built version #1 of their device in-house. It worked. They learned a ton, and the business grew. Now they’re asking themselves:

Are we a Hardware Manufacturing company? Or are we a [insert product] company?

COULD they continue manufacturing themselves? Probably.
SHOULD they? Probably not.

For many, manufacturing isn’t their core strength—it was just necessary to get started. As they scale, it’s smarter to focus on what they do best: software, customer success, growing their business, etc.

Curious, for folks who have been through this sort of growth -- How do you choose what to keep in house and what to outsource?

I read an article on why manufacturing is relocating from China to Mexico. 

But it got me thinking... What other countries are also receiving an influx of EMS business? 

The electronics manufacturing landscape is shifting, with Mexico, emerging as a key player. Factors driving this trend:

➡️ Rising labor costs in China
➡️ Skilled workforce and proximity to the U.S.
➡️ Trade benefits under USMCA and reduced tariffs
➡️ Supply chain resilience and logistical advantages

OK, so which other regions are EMS providers ALSO moving to? 

📊 Top Alternatives to China:

Mexico: Proximity to the U.S., cost-effective logistics, trade benefits.
Vietnam: Competitive labor costs, strong manufacturing ecosystem.
India: Large workforce, government incentives for manufacturing.
Malaysia: Advanced tech manufacturing capabilities, stable trade environment.

OK but tons of orgs are choosing to remain in China (SEACOMP included!)

💡 Why Stay in China?
China still offers unparalleled infrastructure, mature supply chains, experienced labor, and advanced tech manufacturing. For companies producing complex, high-tech products, these advantages remain critical.

What are your thoughts on this global shift? Drop some knowledge in the comments. 

🔗 Read more (link to article in the comments)

The NPI Jungle: Why You Shouldn’t Play the Game Alone

Bringing a product from development into production is like stepping into the world of Jumanji. On the surface, it seems like a straightforward adventure—just roll the dice and keep moving. But as anyone who’s been through the New Product Introduction (NPI) process knows, the journey is full of unexpected challenges.

Supplier lead times suddenly stretch out. Designs that work in small prototype runs reveal new issues at scale. The testing phase uncovers problems you didn’t see coming. It’s a jungle out there, and going it alone makes the process exponentially more difficult.

Think back to the original Jumanji. Could the kids have won without Alan Parrish, the character who knew the game inside and out? Maybe (probably not)—but his experience was the game-changer. The same applies to navigating NPI. Partnering with someone who’s been through it before—someone who understands the pitfalls and knows how to get to the finish line—can make all the difference.

From ensuring your design is production-ready to setting up supply chains and refining processes, NPI is as much about strategy as it is execution. It’s a critical bridge between a brilliant idea and a product that delivers on its promise.

What’s been your biggest hurdle in the transition from development to manufacturing?

I’d love to hear your hardware horror story!

Hopefully, it will save someone else as they prepare to enter the NPI jungle.

Manufacturing in China vs. Mexico: Weighing the Trade-Offs

The choice between China and Mexico for electronics manufacturing depends on more than just labor and material costs.

Make sure you are comparing apples to apples in the true landed cost. 

Here's what we've found:

China remains a leader in cost efficiency, goods on the floor. Pros, the most skilled labor, broadest component availability, and spoiled for choice in terms of CM/EMS providers.

Suppliers in China can also be more agile in pulling in and/or pushing out forecasted builds. B/C so much of an average BoM is pipelined from abroad, nearshore suppliers tend to be more rigid re-production schedules. 

However, with tariffs on U.S.-bound products (up to 25% & climbing) and longer shipping times (ouch cash flow), the total landed cost can rise significantly.
------------------------------------------
Mexico, on the other hand, is typically 15-20% more expensive, goods on the floor.

Once you factor in lower shipping costs, no tariffs under USMCA, and reduced lead times to the U.S., the overall cost can become more compelling and even result in an overall savings. It’s worth noting that while Mexico offers proximity to the states, many components still rely on imports from Asia, which can affect turnaround times.

The decision often hinges on a combination of cash flow, logistics, and market strategy. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—just a careful balance of priorities.

How are you currently navigating these trade-offs?

As more loom on the horizon, how are you preparing? 

Drop some knowledge in the comments!

#Nearshoring #Electronics #Manufacturing #Hardware

How do you go about finding the right contract manufacturer?

It is a big task. You're entering into a marriage. 

Choosing the right CM is a critical decision that can make or break your product’s success.

Here are some high-level steps to guide you:

1️⃣ Define Your Needs: What’s your product type, volume, budget, and geographic preference?
- Can the CM accommodate your timeline and volume?
- There are problems with your CM being to big or too small. Work to find that just right. 

2️⃣ Research Potential Partners: Look for CMs with industry experience, the right capabilities, and a solid reputation.
- Ask around. Get references. 

3️⃣ Evaluate Technical Expertise: Do they offer design for manufacturability (DFM), strong quality control, and supply chain management?

4️⃣ Visit the Facilities: Nothing beats seeing their operations firsthand.

5️⃣ Request Quotes: Compare pricing, lead times, and terms. Transparency is key!
- Make sure this is apples to apples. One CM's quote might include warranty or testing. And another might charge for those alacarte. 

6️⃣ Test Communication: A strong partnership depends on responsiveness and clear communication.
- The person selling you on the CM today is likely not going to be your day-to-day contact moving forward. Meet the team, check the vibes. 

7️⃣ Think Long-Term: Your CM should scale with your growth and stick around for the long haul.
- Is your CM financially stable? Are you too much or too little of their revenue? Can they accommodate you not only today but as you grow as well?

If you have any specific questions, my DMs is always open!

Any tips for finding the right CM for the right project?

Drop them in the comments to spread the good word!

#ProductDevelopment #ContractManufacturing #Hardware #ElectronicsManufacturing

Manufacturing Costs & Drivers: China vs. USA vs. Mexico

Cost differences between regions play a huge role when deciding where to manufacture electronic devices. BUT it is not the only deciding factor...

Here's a quick snapshot of what to consider:

💡 China:

Lowest labor costs, efficient supply chains, and high economies of scale.
Ideal for large-volume production but tariffs and shipping costs add to expenses.

Driver: Low costs and unparalleled supply chain efficiency.
Ideal for large-volume production where price is the top priority.

💡 USA:

Labor costs are 3–5× higher vs China, but proximity to the market, possibly better quality control, and no tariffs can help to offset the cost difference.

Driver: Quality, IP protection, and proximity to market.
A great choice for high-complexity products, fast lead times, or when "Made in the USA" matters to customers or is legally required. 

💡 Mexico:

Labor costs are higher than China but significantly lower than the U.S. (~40–60% less than the U.S.).

Driver: Nearshoring balance of cost savings and faster delivery.
Labor is cheaper than the U.S., and trade agreements like USMCA reduce logistics and tariffs, making it an attractive middle ground.

Choosing the right region involves balancing cost, quality, and logistics—not to mention customer preferences for labels like "Made in the USA."

 What is the right choice for your organization? 

Maybe, it is not an either-or -- I encourage folks to leverage/explore the benefits of each region if possible. Prototype in one, scale in another, dual source when appropriate. 

Recently, I've heard more people tell me about EMS in India, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Colombia, Canada, the USA, Mexico, and more. I am not entirely sure what is driving this diversification, but I am here for it! Great to hear of people building physical things in more and more locals.

Business Development @ WHIPSAW | Designing Connections

Thursday, maybe, but even if this doesn't happen live, you can look forward to the conversation between me and Connor Bush 🔋🖥📟  here on LinkedIn later this week. 

Why should you care? Well, many of you are hardware enthusiasts or are interested in the way the things around you are brought to life. Connor and I will work to be as helpful as possible in sharing some of the common questions and pitfalls that first-time hardware founders face on the journey. I'd welcome your questions and thoughts ahead of our conversation and I'm looking forward to this dialogue later this week.

Marcelo Neyra Naya, Dave Fustino and 14 other attendees

It is Friday. I am pretty sure I have the flu. 🤒 

I was not able to make a couple of meetings this morning. 

BUT, my SEACOMP team came in clutch and handled business... It is likely because we have a great relationship, partnership, trust, action plans, communication, etc. 

In life, much like in manufacturing, things will go wrong. 

Do not expect your CM to be perfect, it will only lead to disappointment. 

Instead, score them on how well they navigate the situation when things inevitably DO go wrong.

How are the communicating? Were they forthright? Did they have a plan? Do you have a partnership? Is there trust? 

Happy friday! Time to go make some more theraflu.

Mark your calendars!

#Hardware #ProductDevelopment #GoToNetwork #Manufacturing

Taplio

Connor Bush 🔋🖥📟's Linkedin Analytics

What is Connor talking about?

Who is engaging with Connor

's Best Posts (last 30 days)

Want to drive more opportunities from LinkedIn?