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w w w . i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 8 • I NSIGH T | 23 with GE Healthcare, while at the same time the company is willing to take on small players. "We're able to cater to that level of customer as well as a startup," he says. Marianna DeMyer, founder and CEO of Oconto-based portable water purification system company Roving Blue, turned to QAL to manufacture some of her products as well as handle logistics and shipping. She says entrusting those services to QAL lied a huge burden for her. "When you're a startup and you have an unsure future, most companies (only) want to deal with you when you're established," DeMyer says. "QAL was one of those companies that will take you no matter how small you are." DeMyer says QAL's openness has helped her business grow, and the company's reputation inspires confidence in her customers. "ey have been very willing to give a plant tour," she says. "e plant is what sells the company. It's what sells me. eir beautiful organization helps me." is year, the company is pursuing work with new clients and hopes to begin building fixtures for a lower Michigan company that specializes in LED industrial lighting and working with a company that produces a medical laser. Also on the horizon: the next phase of life for both Meyerhofers. ey're working on succession plans, with aspirations to retire within the next three to five years, retaining ownership of the company and hiring a general manager. In the meantime, though, Guy Meyerhofer is proud of what he, Sara and his employees have built — products that ease people's recovery and may even save lives. "I always hope employees go home and talk to their family about what they built that day," he says. "e products that we produce make a difference in people's lives. Many people throughout the world benefit by our products." Jack of all trades QAL provides electro-mechanical assembly across many markets doing new production, aftermarket and refurbishment. Its major areas of focus include: Medical equipment • CPM medical devices • Portable X-ray machines • MRI machines • CT scanners • MR tables Health • Pneumatically controlled bumper turrets Aerospace • Cable and control assemblies • Aircraft seat frames • Wire harness assemblies Fire suppression • Foam pumping systems • Foam distribution valves • Diaphragm control valves It's challenging to find workers in the Northwoods, says QAL CEO Sara Meyerhofer. To attract workers, the company pays a little more than average for the area and provides amenities such as juice, snacks and monthly lunches for employees. The Meyerhofers say they take pride in providing an income to 35 to 40 families. P H O T O G R A P H S B Y B R YA N A S C H E N B R E N N E R