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The Birth of SofTek Engineering: A Story of Innovation and Dedication

Sep 11

2 min read

In 1998, a young engineer named James Davis was wrestling with the limitations of existing valve diagnostic tools.  While working at the Flowserve Corporation, he frequently had to haul around heavy test equipment powered by bulky car batteries, making his work in processing plants cumbersome and inefficient.  James was introduced to a new software package during this time, sparking an idea that would eventually revolutionize valve diagnostic analysis.


James envisioned a lightweight, versatile system that could streamline the testing process without sacrificing accuracy or reliability.  He knew such a system could make a significant impact, but turning this vision into reality was daunting.  Driven by his background in automatic control valve assembly, research and development, robotics and automation, electronics, and a passion for engineering, James embarked on a journey to create what would become the Profiler™ system.


Before starting this new venture, James discussed his idea with his wife, Tracy.  Understanding the challenges ahead, Tracy made one condition clear: they would not borrow any money to finance the development of this new technology.  With three young children to care for, it was a bold decision but one they both believed in wholeheartedly.  Tracy quit her job to focus on building their new company, while James continued to work full-time, dedicating his evenings and weekends to the Profiler project.


The couple converted their family pool table into a makeshift workbench and desk in their basement.  With air piped in from a compressor in the garage, James began the painstaking process of developing the first version of the Profiler system.  It was a labor of love, combining his technical expertise with an unwavering commitment to creating something better.


After two years of relentless effort, their hard work began to pay off.  A small service and repair company in Utah expressed interest in beta-testing the Profiler system, marking the beginning of what would become a worldwide success story.  Nearly 25 years later, the Profiler system is now a trusted tool used by valve manufacturers, repair facilities, and end-users worldwide.  The product line has expanded to include various models, such as the standard Profiler system, the Profiler Mini, MOV/SIS/block valve test accessories, and the Profiler SRV test system for pressure safety relief valves.


Yet, despite their success, James and Tracy's journey is far from over.  As James often says, "Our systems are never done but continue to evolve." For SofTek Engineering, this philosophy embodies the relentless pursuit of improvement—a commitment to pushing the boundaries of what's possible.  Every project, every design, and every innovation is a step toward something better, but never the final step.


SofTek Engineering was born out of a simple idea: to create a more efficient and effective way to perform valve diagnostic analysis.  But it has grown into much more than that.  It's a testament to the power of innovation, hard work, and the belief that the best solutions are often the ones you build yourself.

Sep 11

2 min read

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