TransDigm Storyboard - HBS-NEO Dively Award 2014

a graphic corporate history

TransDigm is known for being a focused, smart company whose exec team takes an outsider’s view on its industry

yeehaw!

It was founded in 1993, when Nick Howley and Douglas Peacock bought a small aerospace business

They had options to put HQ in West Virginia, L.A., or Cleveland, and they chose Cleveland

7 tie rods 5

3

escape path lighting

8

outside temp sensor

7 5

3

2

4

6

1

1 throttles Engineered aviation parts require a gauntlet of tests before they’re approved for use.

But once a part is approved, the manufacturer is virtually guaranteed 50+ years of servicing and aftermarket revenues

I can help you open that door!

2

cockpit door controllers

4

latches

reinforced

8 de-ice valves

10 laminates

10

9

9

The founders of TransDigm liked this prospect, as did investors- the company was able to raise money

landing gear

Meanwhile, compelling acquisition opportunities presented themselves - the TransDigm team decided to expand

6

seatbelts

As it made 49 acquistions, TransDigm developed a management strategy that worked well

Grow effificfi fi fi iently, focus, and generate returns that’s the TransDigm way

TransDigm’s reliable cash flfl ow and steady, strong growth rate make it arguably Cleveland’s greatest entrepreneurial success in the industrial realm

George S. Dively Entrepreneurship Award

The George S. Dively Entrepreneurship Award is granted annually by the Harvard Business School Club of Northeastern Ohio to an individual or company in the region.

The award’s criteria include that the company must achieve rapid growth, have solid financial metrics, and reach a position of significance in its market. Financial metrics include revenue size, revenue growth, and profitability (or, if not currently profitable, demonstration of rapid customer acquisition and a profitable business model in the longer term).

George Dively, an HBS graduate and entrepreneur who led Harris Corporation to remarkable growth, endowed the award because he believed entrepreneurs were the future of American business—he wanted to make sure that the Northeast Ohio business community celebrates its entrepreneurs and their successes.

Congratulations to the TransDigm team for its entrepreneurial success, and for being named Dively Award winners for 2014!

Graphic Corporate History. Copyright by Bryn Adams.

Created in 2014 for the Harvard Business School Club of Northeastern Ohio. Printed and distributed in 2014 by The Braun Group on behalf of HBS Club of NEO.