Tel: (202) 723 3095 • Fax: (202) 723 3975 • (800) 893 WIND (9463)
Web Site: www.videophoneconnection.com • Email: jpm@windcurrentech.com

When John P. Monahan, president and CEO of Wind Currents Technology, made his first visit to the Arlington Small Business Development Center (Arlington SBDC), his most aggressive strategy for marketing H.324 video- phones was to hand out flyers in front of the World Trade Bank. Inspired by a vision of the societal value and benefits of videophone technology, John and his partners, Michél McLaughlin and Stephanye Monahan, refused to give-up when after fifteen months of determined work, they’d not made a single sale. But through the patient and instructive counseling of Arlington SBDC’s Director Paul Hall and Assistant Director Nalin Jain, new perspectives on their approach to business problems began to emerge.

“Both have been very supportive,” says John, “and especially Paul Hall, who never once sent even a faint signal that he thought we were crazy for pushing forward, despite our lack of sales. Their ‘you can do it’ attitude was really important for us to experience, because it gave us a reflection of what we were—a still infant company, with an innovative product, but without developed markets.”

Through subsequent Arlington SBDC visits, the partners were inspired to research other vendors, which has led the company to in excess of $300K in domestic and international sales, over $1 million in business prospects, and a portfolio of TelePresence Solutions that includes: videophone products for POTS (H.324), ISDN (H.320), and IP (H.323) protocols, videoconferencing equipment (desktop, group, and boardroom), and electronic signature software. In December 2000 the company made its debut as an exhibitor at the TeleCon 2000 Conference & Expo at Anaheim, California-the largest telecom and distance-learning event in the USA.

After 3 years of consultations, recent sessions with Paul & Nalin have concentrated on business and marketing plans for funding acquisition of exclusive USA and Canadian Distribution Rights for an ISDN standalone product. While leaving the office, on the George Mason University campus, Ms. Monahan commented: “The information that’s available through Arlington Small Business Development Center, combined with Paul’s and Nalin’s professional business advice, attention to detail, and helpfulness- makes it an ideal and accessible resource for small businesses. What a relief to know that I can pick up the phone or visit to speak with someone who will listen, think, and respond with our best interests in mind. And, given the rapidity with which applications for videophones are appearing —from business, corporate, professional, governmental and military communications to personal uses—someday, we may actually have business within the World Trade Bank, thanks to Arlington SBDC!”