Over 100 Years of Manufacturing and Business Experience
DirectSpec Machining is the brainchild of Trey Tucker who started working as a teenager in the medical device manufacturing industry. In combination with the Mathews Family of Little Rock and Memphis who have invested in and built multiple manufacturing business, DirectSpec is the new leader in contract precision manufacturing.
Trey Tucker, Owner and General Manager
Beginning his career in the medical device manufacturing industry in 2003, Trey Tucker has over 14 years of experience dedicated to the medical device industry. Working his way up from a machinist all the way through to becoming plant manager at Surface Dynamics, Trey has managed over 40 employees in both prototype and production manufacturing. In 2016, he started a partnership with P-5one Industries, LLC to grow operations, setup a sales pipeline, and implement quality and regulatory policies, as well as managed the company. After fulfilling that role in July of 2017, Trey Tucker started DirectSpec Machining, where he oversees the manufacturing of quality medical devices and implants for the medical industry. Trey Tucker has a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from University of Illinois at Carbondale (SIU) and a B.S. in Manufacturing Engineering from the University of Memphis. Additionally, he has an A.S. in Manufacturing Engineering Technology from Southwest Tennessee Community College. Trey is Six Sigma Greenbelt Certified.
Mathews Family Enterprises
With over 80 years of combined business building experience and entrepreneurial drive, the Mathews Family built and now lead multiple companies in Little Rock, Arkansas and Memphis, Tennessee. They have capitalized on the need for custom manufacturing of various products with both international and local service areas. The first company in their portfolio, National Custom Hollow Metal Doors and Frames, is a 40 year old custom and quick ship manufacturer of commercial steel doors and frames. The second company in the portfolio, Maple Leaf Awning and Canvas, is Arkansas's top manufacturer of commercial and residential shade solutions. In addition to these manufacturing businesses the Mathews Family invests in commercial real estate and the launch of 30 high impact and high tech startups in the Memphis area. With the advent of DirectSpec Machining, they continue to invest in growth opportunities and the vision of others.
Eric Mathews, Lead Investor and Director
Eric Mathews is a champion for entrepreneurs and began deliberately investing in high tech, high growth startups in 2006. He has materially invested in over 100 companies that have millions in revenue and impact in the Mid-south. In 2008, Eric founded Start Co., the region's venture development organization where he serves as CEO. Through Start Co. over $20MM in investment capital has been deployed and over 280 jobs created. Previously, Eric was the Associate Director of Corporate Research & Development at the FedEx Institute of Technology where he grew research programs & business development activities including growing strategic business relationships with Fortune 500 companies. Eric has a B.S. in Chemistry from Rhodes College, & a M.S. in Cognitive Psychology from the University of Memphis where he studied artificial intelligence. He has been quoted hundreds of times in many media outlets on building startups as well as the use and influence of innovation in business. Eric is the author of From Garage to Greatness: Succinct First Steps for Early Stage Entrepreneurs, an accessible book for first time entrepreneurs and those supporting them about how to move from idea to business launch. Eric is an Eagle Scout, a member of YEC, and board member to the Global Accelerator Network.
Eric Mathews is a champion for entrepreneurs and began deliberately investing in high tech, high growth startups in 2006. He has materially invested in over 100 companies that have millions in revenue and impact in the Mid-south. In 2008, Eric founded Start Co., the region's venture development organization where he serves as CEO. Through Start Co. over $20MM in investment capital has been deployed and over 280 jobs created. Previously, Eric was the Associate Director of Corporate Research & Development at the FedEx Institute of Technology where he grew research programs & business development activities including growing strategic business relationships with Fortune 500 companies. Eric has a B.S. in Chemistry from Rhodes College, & a M.S. in Cognitive Psychology from the University of Memphis where he studied artificial intelligence. He has been quoted hundreds of times in many media outlets on building startups as well as the use and influence of innovation in business. Eric is the author of From Garage to Greatness: Succinct First Steps for Early Stage Entrepreneurs, an accessible book for first time entrepreneurs and those supporting them about how to move from idea to business launch. Eric is an Eagle Scout, a member of YEC, and board member to the Global Accelerator Network.