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Dave Brown: The Man Behind The Monster!

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Kurtis Kronk
Brian

Jun. 13, 2003

Specifications

Who is Dave?

If you don't already know, Dave Brown has been making and selling small kits that make being a dork more convenient. His first kit, the heatsink lapping kit, was a huge hit, and now he is working on some more products. Check out our review of his heatsink lapping kit here. Just recently Dave informed me that he has come up with another product, the wire management kit. This is another kit aimed towards the lazy geeks but like the lapping kit, this one is full of goodies that are impossible to find at local shops. He offers a Basic and Deluxe kit...

Basic mounting kits include the following:
(10) 4" black cable ties
(10) 4" white cable ties
(10) 7" white cable ties
(3) 11" white cable ties
(3) 11" black cable ties
(3) cable tie mounting pads, self stick
(1) 10" section non-stick velcro wrapping strip

Deluxe mounting kits include the following:
(2) 1/2" IDE/Floppy round cable mounts, self stick
(6) cable tie mounting pads, self stick
(10) 4" blue cable ties
(10) 4" green cable ties
(10) 4" white cable ties
(10) 4" black cable ties
(5) 4" yellow cable ties
(5) 5" yellow cable ties
(10) 7" white cable ties
(5) 7" red cable ties
(5) 7" purple cable ties
(3) 11" white cable ties
(1) 5" section self stick velcro mounting strip
(1) 10" section non-stick velcro wrapping strip

I envy Dave and his entrepreneurialism, so I spoke with him a little bit and convinced him to let us interview him. Buckle up kids, here we go!

The Interview

TheTechLounge: Hey man. Why don't we start by you telling us what kits you have, and maybe what kits you plan to work on in the future.

Dave: Hiya.
1) lapping kit
2) tie wraps
3) cable loom

TheTechLounge: is that already in 'production'? (#3)

Dave: I have a source where I can get cable loom in a reflective chrome look...not cheap but should look really cool. My deal is not done yet, maybe within the month. I've seen a lot of the stretchy "chinese finger" stuff, but not chrome loom

TheTechLounge: Sounds cool, do you have plans to turn your ideas into something larger? Or do you want to remain small?

Dave: Small for now, who knows....in truth. The next thing I have to do is get a web site up and running. Also, next project, I forgot... home grown water block... working out the details... I'll send you a pic of the prototype...

TheTechLounge: Home grown water block? You are going to produce them from your garage?

Dave: Yep...gimme a second to find the pic.

TheTechLounge: Wow, how well does that work? Would you be able to make them as fast as you could potentially sell them?

Dave: This one has an aluminum base, I already have some copper plate for others. I dunno, I don't even have a water setup! I was challenged to see if I could even make one. Yeah, I can make hundreds... production costs aren't too bad. Might be able to price them in the $22-25 range...

TheTechLounge: Is that copper part hollow? Or is it like a maze design?

Dave: large hollow reservoir. I don't think it makes that much difference, especially with a copper base.

TheTechLounge: Not a bad idea. First though, I would recommend testing some other blocks and trying to match the temps, or even top them.

Dave: If I get a clean prototype wanna test it for me? better for third party anyway, you don't have to do a review or anything.

TheTechLounge: Sure man, I'd love to support you in all your crazy folleys. So, where does your inspiration come from? Do you just want to make some money or are you just trying to make cool new useful products for the average joe?

Dave: Well, I started with Monster-Hardware and got really immersed in hardware. However, I'm a really frugal guy. It helps to have a little background on me...

TheTechLounge: Sure, tell us a bit about yourself. Where are you from, what do you do, go to school, work?

Dave: BS degrees in Applied Physics, second one in Science and Technology Management. Currently working as an electrical engineer at a nuclear plant. Graduated from University of Alabama (Roll Tide!) Master level woodworker. Love to MAKE my own equipment and build stuff.

TheTechLounge: Two BS degrees? Impressive.

Dave: Put those all together and sprinkle with a distinct dose of frugality....I just think - why buy something when you can have fun making something?

TheTechLounge: Very true. where is the fun in buying something when you can build it yourself and have bragging rights. I totally agree.

Dave: My workshop for woodworking is over 2500 square feet... separate workshop here as well.

TheTechLounge: Nice... what sort of woodworking do you do?

Dave: You might take a look at the MHW site... I have built a homegrown subwoofer and satellite speaker sets, really a neat review: (http://www.monster-hardware.com/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=29)

TheTechLounge: Wow, and for under $150 I see. Very nice. Tell us a bit about all the kits you sell, a little background on each of them.

Dave: I decided to lap one of my own heat sinks and couldn't find the sandpaper in the grit level and quantity I needed. SO, I contacted one of my industrial suppliers. I just saw a need for the lapping kits so I made them. Made a few posts to some forums and it took off and sold well. Lapping kits - that's my core business and the one I "nurture". I'll make the tie wrap kits available but not sure how well they'll sell...I do think there is potential in the waterblocks though.

TheTechLounge: So you just stumbled upon it? It's cool to see that you just had an idea and ran with it.

Dave: Well, aren't all success stories started with a simple idea?

TheTechLounge: Too true...

Dave: Most people just don't put it to action.

TheTechLounge: Alright Dave, it has been a pleasure talking with you, thanks for your time. I wish you luck in all of your pursuits.

Dave: Later... Thansk a bunch, more than you know!

TheTechLounge: laaaate!

Conclusion

Dave Brown is certainly not the biggest dog in town, but I think he's definitely on to something with these super convenient kits he is putting together. He even offers discounts when you buy a lapping kit and wire management kit together. If you are constantly upgrading your computer, or just fidgeting with it, go talk to Dave and try out his kits, you won't be disappointed. You can check out his site @ www.easypckits.com. Keep up the good work Dave!

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