Innovation is the practical implementation of ideas that result in the introduction of new goods or services or improvement in offering goods or services. Innovation defines C³, who’s CEO & Founder, Joe Van De Hey, saw a need in their industry and built a team to fulfill it.

 

"I knew there was something missing in the industry. When I looked around manufacturing facilities, I saw people doing the bare minimum. They’re not being creative, trying to help, nor trying to understand. We're here to change that."
- Joe Van De Hey | CEO & Founder

 

The Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce Company Innovation Award seeks to recognize those companies who are successfully driving innovation in their company and the Fox Cities community. BLC Community Bank was honored to not only nominate C³ Corporation, but to celebrate with them as they received this award at the annual Celebrate dinner.

I’m so thankful that C³ has been chosen for this award, as they are so well deserving, states Adam Lange, Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer of BLC Community Bank. They have completely revolutionized the mattress manufacturing industry, and have done it in a way that has benefitted consumers, retailers, and the environment.  C³ has grown almost 5x since 2016, and they continue to invest in innovation and product development. I’m very excited to see what’s next!

 

Bigger Thinking. Better Ideas.

Founded in 1994, C³’s original business model was centered around the design and engineering of custom manufacturing machinery. In 2016, the decision was made to narrow the company’s focus to foam mattress manufacturing equipment – tapping into a niche in the industry that hadn’t previously been explored.

 

“There’s a lot of work that goes into developing and creating the processes that allow us to roll out new innovations.”
– Brady Van De Hey

 

While some companies keep one foot on the brake, Joe and his team take a progressive approach to avoid becoming complacent.  At C³, they strive to redefine what it means to work in manufacturing – not just with the machines they create, but also in how they create them. The company continues to grow and expand its product lines and service department, creating complementary revenue streams keeping them a step ahead of the competition. By keeping innovation at the forefront, they’re able to design new products before the market even realizes the need for it.

 

“Nothing is ever done, it’s never accomplished or complete. We’re always chasing what could be better and how we can keep going.”
– Josh Vande Hey

 

Ingenuity Impacts the Community

In a time where many companies have struggled to attract talent, C³ hired 47 people in 2021 alone. The values and culture at the company are as important as the customers they serve, enabling them to acquire passionate driven team members. Today, the company employs 96 individuals here in the Fox Valley, many of whom are just starting their careers. New employees are a quickly given the opportunity to take on complex and challenging projects. Rather than investing several months into overly detailed training, C³ empowers new employees, embracing a fail-fast mentality, which certainly creatives an environment of innovation.

Joe and C³ also do a great deal to give back to the community. They partner with local organizations in the Fox Cities to give back through donations, sponsorships, and volunteer hours. Bedding products, mattresses, and pillows are routinely donated to support the residents of Harbor House, a shelter for women and children of domestic violence. The team adopts a family in need every year in hopes of creating a brighter future for them. They also host local school and technology-related youth organizations for tours and presentations.

 

Innovation = Accomplishments

C³ Corporation has been defining how innovation sets companies apart making them incredibly deserving of the Company Innovation Award. Congratulations to them on all the achievements they have earned!

Visit their website (https://C3ingenuity.com) to learn more about their team and the products and services they offer.