TripleLite

Industry: Other

Export Market: Philippines, New Zealand

Activity Funded: Domestic Trade Show

TripleLite is a small business established in 2012 in Ramona, California, by the husband-and-wife team of Nancy and Ronnie “Ron” Pritchett. The inspiration to develop a wide-beam flashlight arose when Ron Pritchett had a close call while navigating outdoor stairs. Engaged in the repetitive motion of sweeping his flashlight back and forth to illuminate the entire area, he missed a step and narrowly avoided a fall.

The Pritchetts initially learned about the California STEP Grant through word -of-mouth from a company who was awarded STEP in Arkansas, prompting Ron and Nancy to apply for funding to exhibit at the Ace Hardware convention. The California STEP Grant provides funding to eligible companies to support their export promotion endeavors. TripleLite’s application focused on participation in domestic trade shows with international significance. Their presence at one such event led to a fortuitous encounter with Ace Hardware International, which expressed interest in stocking their products in stores across the Philippines. This marked TripleLite’s first ever export sales to the Philippines and New Zealand.

A year later, TripleLite is expanding its global reach, engaging in discussions with potential partners in South Korea. Furthermore, the company is in the process of hiring a part-time employee to manage their growing operations.

Publication Date: April 3, 2024