Maine Molecular

“I couldn’t stand the idea of counting down the years to retirement,” says Clark of his decision at age 62 to start a company to commercialize the genetic testing controls he had invented. Clark knew that he needed a partner and said he thought immediately of Joan, with a strong background in clinical laboratory testing, as well as extensive research and development skills in the molecular biology field.

According to Joan, as the pair launched their company, Maine Molecular Quality Controls, the future was full of promise. Scientists had just finished sequencing the human genome, unleashing a giant, new sphere of knowledge about which genes were associated with what diseases. That meant dozens of new genetic testing processes could be developed to test for various diseases. All those tests needed controls to ensure their reliability. “The problem was,” according to Joan, “neither Clark nor I had any business background.”

Early on, as Joan explored SBIR and other grant funding, she met Meriby Sweet, certified business counselor for Maine Small Business Technology & Development Center. “Meriby has helped us with everything,” says Joan, “We have relied on Meriby hugely to help us build our business infrastructure.” Joan says it was difficult to determine how to parcel out the tasks of refining their product, marketing, sales, and the books when there was only two staff, she and Clark, and to shift those responsibilities as the staff grew to seven.