TODD MATTSON
PRO-LINE’S OWNER DISCUSSES HIS PATH INTO RC, HIS COMPANY, AND THE IMPORTANCE OF DOING WHAT YOU LOVE
While his company has found success in all forms, from producing wildly popular accessories for introductory-level RTRS to designing tires that have captured dozens of national and world titles, Todd Mattson’s RC industry success story is unlike that of many industry icons; it was his love of cars and the pursuit of his career dreams that led to him owning one of radio control’s most well-known brands.
How did you get started in RC? Can you
RCCA: tell us about the path that led you to Pro-line and where you are now?
TM: In high school and college I restored a few
Volkswagens and fell in love with cars, mostly VWS, BMWS and Porsches. My first job out of college was in event marketing working with Fortune 500 companies. After a few years, I realized that I wanted to play a bigger role in leading a brand. I started looking for an opportunity with a smaller company as a marketing manager. A friend told me about a guy who had a “car” company and was looking for a marketing manager. Knowing that I loved cars, he thought of me. I met Joe Warren, the owner of Pro-line, took a job with him at half my previous salary, and became Pro-line’s marketing manager. That was 20 years ago. Tim Clark, a key player in the industry, helped me get to know Pro-line and the RC industry. We club raced together, went to the Florida Winter Champs, and went to the Cactus Classic. My first RC car was an RC10 Team
Car kit that I built on the kitchen table. My favorite kit was the RC10T. That truck seemed easier in every way. During my first five years at Pro-line, I started to work on another dream of mine to purchase and own a small business. Joe Warren and I negotiated an agreement and I became a partner in the business. Over the next 10 years, I became president of the company and bought Pro-line. Today it is 10 times bigger than it was then.
What are some achievements you are the
RCCA: most proud of?
JR: I am proud of the friendships I have built in the industry and the team we have at Pro-line. I love Proline and PROTOFORM product innovations and am so proud of what we have accomplished.
How important is competition among
RCCA: manufacturers in order to drive innovation and progression? Is it mostly internal or in response to competitors?
TM: Competition between manufacturers is key to driving innovation and progress. In the past, and especially now with so much competition, manufacturers
TM: were, and are, forced to push their limits in terms of development. This creates better products and a better experience for our consumers. At Pro-line we want to always do our best, come out with the most effective solutions for the conditions, and create exciting products.
How do your sons feel about having a
RCCA: father who works in RC? Do they want to be in the industry or are they looking into different careers? Are they hobbyists themselves?
TM: For a long time they thought I played with RC cars all day long, but they have all spent time at the shop and understand what we do at Pro-line. Many dinner table conversations revolve around developments in the industry and new projects at Pro-line. My boys love RC and are really interested in Pro-line. They are all hobbyists, but more backyard bashers, building their own tracks at home. As far as working in the industry or for Pro-line, that is up to them. I hope they find their own passion and can pursue a career they love. If the RC industry or Pro-line become part of that, it would be great.
RCCA: 9d ndj i]^c` ^i»h ]VGYZG dg ZVH^ZG id ÃCY lifelong success in the RC industry than it was 20 years ago?
TM: I hope the industry is as welcoming and as easy to get into as ever. I think the founders of our industry, guys like Mike Reedy, Bob Novak, Gene Hustings, Gil Losi, and others have all done a great job opening their doors and their companies to the next generation. RC will be better off if we can continue that tradition.
“COMPETITION AMONG AND IS KEY TO DRIVING INNOVATION BETTER PROGRESS. THIS CREATES EXPERIENCE PRODUCTS AND A BETTER FOR OUR CONSUMERS.”