About Us
Who hasn’t been part of something...a company, a sports team, a volunteer organization...where you just knew... that whatever it was that made it work, it could be done better?
That’s how Wavelink Antenna came to become the newest premium antenna company in North America.
Ross Westenfelt and Todd Berreth were discussing business opportunities in-mid summer of 2009.The recession was in full swing, and many companies throughout North America were drastically downsizing and restructuring in the face of seriously reduced demand. What an opportune time to consider starting a new company!
The conversation soon came around to Wireless Communications as an area of tremendous potential, as well as an industry that, like many others, is becoming dominated by large conglomerates that tend to focus more on their stock price than customer service.
Todd Berreth, who had co-founded an innovative Canadian antenna manufacturing company in the late nineties, helped it grow into a very well respected brand name, particularly for SCADA applications on a global basis.
The assets were acquired by a large antenna conglomerate in March 2008, and differences in culture and corporate procedures soon made themselves apparent. Among them: reduced product options, extended delivery schedules that drove deliveries out by weeks, and fewer Sales and Customer Service staff for more customers. Todd strongly believed that he could launch a new antenna company that could do it better.
Ross Westenfelt was already the sole owner of three diverse, very successful service companies operating in Calgary. Stringent devotion to his customer’s needs, and a profound understanding of successful business methods, are his strong suites. He understood the limitations of large manufacturers in any industry; the opportunities in the communications industry seemed too good to pass up. The two partners incorporated Wavelink Antenna in early November 2009.
Todd immediately sought out and hired a cadre of former employees, most of whom were able to start within days. Several this core group had each more than 10 years experience in the antenna manufacturing business; the others ranged from 2 months to 8 years.
In early December Wavelink Antenna had been staffed with over 100 years of design, manufacturing and sales experience. Before the month was out, working from a temporary home, Wavelink Antenna staff began producing a broad selection of gain and omni antennas destined primarily for the oil & gas SCADA industry.
Ross conducted a deliberate search for a well-situated location spacious enough to accommodate the milling and fabrication machinery, a multi-station welding area, and assembly and storage areas. Ample space was required, as all the components for the antennas are manufactured in-house before they are put together into sub-assemblies which make up the finished products.
This is a more expensive option compared to other antenna companies that rely heavily on jobbers, but it’s the best solution to ensuring optimal quality control and timely delivery.
A new location was confirmed and a long term lease was worked out: the move to a permanent, consolidated corporate headquarters was completed in early March 2010.
For 2011, Wavelink Antenna exhibited at three industry trade shows: Distributech (Feb 1-3) in San Diego; iWCE (Mar 9-11) in Las Vegas; and ENTELEC (May 24-26) in Houston.
In addition to a website at http://www.wavelinkantenna.com, you can follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Linked-in.
