Hawk Ridge Systems is a leading provider of 3D software, 3D hardware, services, and training. The company’s comprehensive solutions include the full portfolio of Dassault Systèmes offerings, manufacturing software from HCL CAMWorks, 3D printers from Markforged, HP and Formlabs, scanners from Hexagon, Artec3D, and more. Pulse 2.0 interviewed Hawk Ridge Systems SVP of Engineering Cameron Carson to learn more about the company.
Cameron Carson’s Background
What is Cameron Carson’s background? Carson said:
“I have always been interested in mechanical engineering and design and manufacturing technologies. After graduating from Cal Poly Pomona with a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering, I started my career as a mechanical design engineer at Lockheed Martin Space Systems. I joined Hawk Ridge Systems in 2006 as an applications engineer, as the organization grew, so did my involvement and leadership role. I joined the Senior Leadership Team as SVP of Engineering in 2012, and I am responsible for leading the engineering design and manufacturing solutions for our customers.”
“As the SVP of Engineering, I oversee the technical sales and professional services teams, which include applications engineers, product specialists, trainers, consultants, and project managers. I also work closely with the senior leadership team to define the strategic direction of the company, identify new opportunities, and set technical sales objectives. Additionally, I help shape the product portfolio and ensure that we offer the best solutions for our customers’ needs.”
Favorite Memory
What has been your favorite memory working for the company so far? Carson shared:
“There are so many, but one that stands out is when we launched our additive manufacturing business line in 2013. I saw the potential of 3D printing as a game-changer for the design and manufacturing industry, and I proposed to the CEO that we should invest in this technology and offer it to our customers. He agreed, and we started to build our 3D printing capabilities and partnerships. It was a challenging but rewarding process, and I am proud of the results we have achieved so far. We have become a leader in 3D printing technology, and we have helped many customers adopt and benefit from this innovation.”
Core Products
What are the company’s core products and features? Carson explained:
“Hawk Ridge Systems is a leading provider of engineering design and manufacturing solutions. We offer a wide range of products and services, including software, hardware, training, consulting, and support. Some of our core products are SolidWorks, a 3D CAD software for product design and engineering; CAMWorks, a CAM software for CNC machining; 3DExperience, a cloud-based platform for collaborative innovation; and Markforged, HP, and Formlabs, a portfolio of 3D printers that address a comprehensive range of applications from rapid prototyping to end-use product parts. We also offer custom solutions and integrations for specific customer requirements.”
Challenges Faced
What challenges have Carson and the team faced in building the company? Carson acknowledged:
“One of the biggest challenges we face is the rapid pace of change and innovation in the engineering design and manufacturing industry. We must keep up with the latest trends and technologies and adapt to our customers’ changing needs and expectations. We overcome this challenge by being agile and flexible and by investing in continuous learning and improvement. We also leverage our strong partnerships with leading technology providers, such as Dassault Systèmes, Markforged, HP, and Formlabs, to offer the most advanced and reliable solutions to our customers.”
Evolution Of Hawk Ridge’s Technology
How has the company’s technology evolved since launching? Carson noted:
“The company’s technology has evolved significantly since launching in 1996. We started as a reseller of SolidWorks, a 3D CAD software that revolutionized the product design and engineering process. Over the years, we have expanded our product portfolio to include other areas of the design to manufacturing workflow, including PLM, CAM, MES, and more. We have also added hardware solutions, such as 3D scanners and 3D printers along with their software and hardware support echo systems. Over the years, our product portfolio has become more complex and sophisticated, so we have enhanced our service offerings, such as for training, consulting, and support, to provide a comprehensive and customized experience for our customers.”
Significant Milestones
What have been some of the company’s most significant milestones? Carson cited:
“Some of the company’s most significant milestones are:
— In 1998, we became one of the first resellers of SolidWorks in North America.
— In 2004, we became the first SolidWorks reseller to achieve the Elite status, which recognizes the highest level of customer satisfaction and technical expertise.
— In 2009, we expanded our operations to Canada, and became the largest SolidWorks reseller in North America.
— In 2013, we launched our additive manufacturing business line.
— In 2016, we added HP MultiJet Fusion 3D printers.
— In 2017, we added 3D scanning to our portfolio starting with Artec 3D handheld scanning solutions
— In 2018, we won the Dassault Systèmes 3DExperience Partner of the Year award, which recognizes the best performance and growth in the cloud-based platform.
— In 2019 Hexagon was added to our scanning and metrology portfolio to be able to provide a full breadth of technologies and software.
— In 2020, a strategic partnership was formed with SolidProfessor, the leading online training platform for engineering design software.
— In 2021 Announced strategic partnership with A3D Manufacturing, now able to offer customers additive manufacturing (including HP, Markforged, Formlabs, and Stratasys), post processing services, CNC machining, injection molding, cast urethane, and more.
— In 2023, we partnered with Formlabs to enhance customer accessibility to 3D printing solutions.
— In 2024 Expanded coverage to all of the USA and Canada.”
Customer Success Stories
When asking Carson about company success stories, he highlighted the following:
— SOLIDWORKS & CAMWorks Success Story: RPG Off-Road
— Success Story: General Pattern
— Success Story: Right on Track – Pezo Solutions
Funding
When asking Carson about the company’s funding and revenue details, he revealed:
“Unfortunately, I am not able to disclose any specific figures regarding our funding and revenue, as we are a privately held company. However, I can say that we have been profitable and growing steadily since our inception, and we have a strong financial position and outlook.”
Differentiation From The Competition
What differentiates the company from its competition? Carson affirmed:
“There are several factors that differentiate us from our competition, such as:
— Our customer-centric approach: We put our customers first, and we strive to understand their needs and challenges, as well as provide them with the best solutions and services. We also build long-term relationships with our customers, and we support them throughout their entire product development lifecycle.
— Our technical expertise: We have a team of highly skilled and experienced engineers who have deep knowledge and proficiency in the products and technologies we offer. They also have industry-specific certifications and accreditations.
— Our product portfolio: We offer a comprehensive and diverse range of products and services, covering the entire spectrum of engineering design and manufacturing solutions. We also partner with leading technology providers, such as Dassault Systèmes, Markforged, HP, and Formlabs, to offer the most advanced and reliable solutions to our customers.
— Our innovation culture: We embrace innovation and change, and we constantly seek new ways to improve our products and processes. We also encourage our employees to learn and grow, and we invest in their training and development. We also foster a collaborative and creative environment, where ideas and feedback are valued and rewarded.”
Future Company Goals
What are some of the company’s future company goals? Carson pointed out:
“Some of our future company goals are:
— To continue to grow and expand our customer base and market share, both in North America and globally.
— To continue to innovate and diversify our product portfolio and offer new and emerging technologies and solutions to our customers.
— To continue to enhance our service offerings and provide more value-added and customized services to our customers.
— To continue to invest in our people and culture and attract and retain the best talent in the industry.
— To continue to uphold our core values of people, excellence, and Stragility (a portmanteau of ‘strategy’ and ‘agility’).”
Additional Thoughts
Any other topics to discuss? Carson concluded:
“Thank you for this opportunity to share my story and that of Hawk Ridge Systems. I am proud of what we have achieved so far, and I am excited about what the future holds for us. I would also like to invite you and your readers to visit our website www.hawkridgesys.com, to learn more about our products and services and to contact us if you have any questions or inquiries. Thank you.”
