Finalist
Power & Utilities
In 1986, Russell Braden founded Thermal & Mechanical Equipment Co., a Houston-based manufacturer’s representative agency specializing in the sale and distribution of heat transfer and process equipment. TME’s objective is to provide a range of products from nationally and internationally recognized leaders in the field.
Braden founded the company with little more than an idea. In the beginning, he would make sales calls all day, work on project designs in the evening — typically at a hotel room out of town — only to get up and do it all over again the next morning. Since then, Braden has built the business into a world-class enterprise with 23 full-time employees and six engineers.
He credits his military background and industry experience with giving him the background and perspective to launch his business, recalling the tough early days of the company and the relationships he built with people before faxes and e-mails became mainstays.
“It’s more challenging now to connect with your customers on a personal basis,” says Braden, who believes that his business is built on solid relationships.
The challenge, he says, is to evolve in ways to relate to people in a world where technology often makes connecting on a personal basis a bit tougher.
In the workplace, Braden believes in fostering a dynamic work environment where professionals are challenged to think innovatively.
The company is now focused on developing innovative solutions for customers and is at the cutting edge of engineering design. TME is developing specialized technology that will take the company to the next level, and it is poised for expansion in the international marketplace with its adherence to the most stringent specification standards.
How to reach: Thermal & Mechanical Equipment Co., (713) 688-8834 or www.tmec.com
