Phew! It’s been a busy 25 years! And now we’re taking a little time to celebrate – by introducing one model or kit a month. (Sorry, we can’t help ourselves.)
So far, we’ve offered you the:
Can’t wait to see what’s next? Watch our newsletter emails!
As with many researchers, modeling was one of the ways our founder, Tim, sought to understand the proteins he was researching while at the Medical College of Wisconsin. At a biochemistry conference, he saw his first 3D-printed model, and on his return, discovered the Milwaukee School of Engineering's (MSOE) Rapid Prototyping Center was filled with big, expensive 3D printers.
With a flair for entrepreneurialism, Tim then created 3D Molecular Designs and began writing research grant proposals for both organizations. 3D Molecular Designs quickly outgrew its two rooms in Tim and Diane’s small basement and began to take over the rest of the house, from the loft to the garage. It was quite a sight to see high school students assembling kits at the dining room table. 3D Molecular Designs rented space from MSOE for a few years before moving to its current location.
Diane began working for 3D Molecular Designs first, primarily to ensure they didn’t lose the house in this endeavor, and became a partner a few years later. As the small business grew, it required special skill sets. Business software knowledge? Call daughter, Heather Ryan. Computer help? Matt, son, could you…! Son-in-law Sean, we need photos for our first catalog. New challenge? Daughter-in-law Kris, do you think you could…? All became essential as 3D Molecular Designs grew. Both Heather and Matt became partners, and Heather, who has been so crucial to all aspects of 3D Molecular Designs, succeeded Diane as CEO in 2022. Matt is also a senior systems engineer with a national company based in Milwaukee.
After working closely together for 22 years, the CBM merged with 3D Molecular Designs in 2022. As the organizations grew, they specialized in different areas, now positioning 3DMD for future growth and opportunities.
Our 25 years of successes wouldn’t have happened without our talented and dedicated staff. We feel fortunate to have them work with us! At this point, Diane gets teary-eyed and can’t go on…
Of course, there have been 25 years of challenges – skyrocketing magnet prices, a pandemic, supply chain shortages, two floods and a fire, and most recently DOGE. At 3D Molecular Designs, we try to cope, find the best short-term solution, and rely on the therapy of keeping going. We also have a secret advantage – you! Educators are very motivating.
None of this would have been possible without you – the educators who saw our kits and models, recognized the potential, tried them in your classes and discovered your students loved modeling! You are much more than customers; you are our new product advisors, field testers, and ultimately, evaluators. Once you come to Modeling the Molecular World, you are friends and family. Who could be better than the people who pursue learning how life works!