It's time for another "Sloaner".
In 1962, Dick Riegert, Harry Applebay and John Corbani mapped out a company on a
cocktail napkin at Torqy's bar on De la Vina Street. Dick put up
venture capital of $1000 and Sloan Instruments was born. They moved into
their first headquarters on Milpas Street and started selling thin film
equipment to the fledgling computer-chip industry. By 1969, Sloan
Technology had moved to the old Bracero headquarters on Montecito St., changed
its name, gone public, was traded over the counter, and was up to 120 employees.
Sloan was very much a family to many of its employees, not
just a job. Every new sales record was celebrated on Dick Riegert's office
patio with cases of champagne. Everyone was invited. Many a Friday
afternoon saw the phones shut down and the whole company assembled on East Beach
for volley ball, subs, sodas and cold beer. Company picnics were for employees,
family, contractors, suppliers, and friends.
Christmas parties were a grand affair and nothing was spared.
One year a Christmas gift to everyone was in the form of a tin can created by
Walt Miller and Bob Brown of the marketing department. The label on the can said
"Mother Sloan's Cookies" and featured a picture of Bob Brown in a
Santa Hat. Can openers were scattered around the room. In the can was a brand
new, crisp, $100 dollar bill.
By 1981, the founders had left and the parties died away. The
company was sold to Veeco in the mid-80's and an era was over.
A lot of
the old Sloaners are still around and they gather occasionally to touch base and
remember the "good old days".
It's time for another "Sloaner".
