Game Companies:
ThrustMaster, Inc.
Company Bio
Company BackgroundWhile working with flight simulators, Bob Carter, founder of Flight Dynamics, Inc., realized that the requirement to operate simulators from the computer detracted from the competitiveness and enjoyment of the games. A realistic throttle allowing the user to operate the numerous functions of a jet fighter would make the games more realistic and enjoyable. With several long- time associates, Mr. Carter developed a preliminary design for a control to complement a joystick.
Carter, Milton Smith, Norman Winningstad, Gerry Pratt, and later Frank Bouton founded ThrustMaster in 1990 to pursue the goal of developing and marketing realistic flight simulator components for games.
ThrustMaster began with its own customized, realistic joystick urged on by Buzz Hoffman, a former F16 fighter pilot, who had subsequently joined the company. Early product users spread the word of superiority to colleagues and friends. Inquiries from prospective retailers began. With the increasing speed, graphics resolution, and sophistication of the computer, ThrustMaster controls grew in reputation for providing a high level of realism.
As sales expanded so has the product mix. ThrustMaster is presently located in Hillsboro, Oregon. The company manufactures locally and overseas.
As demand for ThrustMaster products continues to increase, distribution is administered through an expanded network of nationally known retailers. ThrustMaster looks forward to securing clients through the development of new and innovative products.
Key Executives
Frank G. Hausmann, Jr., President and CEO
Prior to joining ThrustMaster in July, 1998, Frank held the positions of
Vice President of Corporate Development and General Counsel at Diamond
Multimedia Systems, Inc., and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer / General Counsel, at Supra Corporation.
David Bergeson, Vice President Sales
David joined ThrustMaster in May of 1997. He was with Creative Labs in
Dallas, Texas before joining ThrustMaster and heads our National and
International sales efforts.
Ed Brightman, Vice President Operations
Before joining ThrustMaster in August 1992, Ed was employed by Toyota Motor
Company for 10 years, where he held various manufacturing management
positions at several assembly plants and import facilities.
Ron Resnick, Vice President Marketing
Ron was appointed Marketing V.P. in May 1996. He is the former Executive
Vice President and Publisher at Infotainment World and was the Vice
President of Business Development at Prima Publishing.
Martin Mulligan, Vice President European Operations
Joining ThrustMaster in March 1999, Martin brought extensive European sales
and marketing experience with computers and computer peripherals in the
retail, VAR (Value-Added Reseller) and OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)
channels. He served as Director of European Sales and Marketing for Diamond
Multimedia until early 1998.
Robert Smart, Vice President Business Development
Rob became a member of the ThrustMaster team in February 1999 after having
served as Corporate Business Development Manager at the Intel Architecture
Labs. Additionally, he has held senior marketing positions at Merix
Corporation, Compression Labs, Inc. and Altera Corporation.
Contact:
ThrustMaster Inc.
World Headquarters
7175 NW Evergreen Pkwy #400
Hillsboro, Oregon 97124
phone: (503) 615-3200
fax: (503) 615-3300
info@thrustmaster.com
ThrustMaster (Europe) Ltd.
Unit 9, Southern Trade Centre
Admiralty Way, Camberley
Surrey, United Kingdom GU15 3DT
phone: +44 (0)1276 609955
fax: +44 (0)1276 609696 ~ All Game Guide
