Powerblanket

For the next several programs, I will be highlighting Utah companies with national and international business ties in honor of the Zions Bank Trade and Business Conference that will be held next month. I begin the series today by talking about Salt Lake City-based Powerblanket.

As a concrete contractor, David Naylor was frustrated that he had to stop business during the winter months because it was too cold to pour concrete. He came up with the idea of inventing some type of electric blanket that would thaw out the ground so he could continue pouring concrete during the cold months.

He started testing different materials until he found one used to spread heat in electronics. He developed a product called Powerblanket and began manufacturing and distributing it at trade shows. Two years later, in 2007, he sold a controlling interesting in the company to his brother-in-law Brad Terry and Brad's former college roommate Aaron Evans. The acquisition was a good fit since Aaron is a certified public accountant and has many manufacturing/construction clients while Brad has led several national sales organizations.

Powerblanket has two goals: to keep things from freezing and to provide optimal temperature control. The company has already secured two patents and seven more are pending. Aaron says the products can be used to cure concrete; thaw the ground; heat barrels, drums and buckets; warm engines and machinery; and avoid expensive construction delays. The company is happy to provide custom orders and can produce blankets in a variety of sizes.

Blankets are manufactured in Salt Lake City but are distributed nationally and internationally. Aaron says Powerblanket provides unique technology, is UL and CFA safety certified and offers a green solution since it uses very little electricity to heat large areas.