DNA Technologies was founded in 1993 by Charles Butland. The company, initially named Art Guard International, was first conceived as an art authentication system for our inaugural customer, Joe Barbera, of Hanna-Barbera fame.
Shortly afterwards, the O.J. Simpson trial helped introduce the term “DNA evidence” into common parlance. The marketing value of Charles’ invention became apparent and the company was renamed DNA Technologies, Inc.
The company was acquired in 2010 by Wendell Smith, whose company, Polestar Ltd., was a long-time partner of DNA Technologies, and then merged with PhotoSecure. PhotoSecure was an innovative company, started by long-time collaborator, the Photonics Center of Boston University. They had pioneered the use of unique photoluminescent dyes as security identifiers.
DNA taggants (uniquely encoded materials, like a fingerprint’s signature of identity) represent the ultimate marker for security purposes. The highly specific and detailed analysis required for forensic proof of identity is well accepted. DNA Technologies, Inc. has the ability to offer our customers unlimited numbers of unique inks, dyes and films. They provide a very high degree of security and reliability, which act as significant obstacles and deterrents for potential counterfeiters.
The patented technology uses DNA-laced ink to tag and protect valuable products, brands and intellectual property. Key benefits of the technology include the ability to:
• Recover revenues and market share
• Track distribution on an ongoing basis to control product piracy and diversion
• Preserve the integrity of products in the marketplace
• Increase consumer confidence in famous brands
Our Team
Talk to the people that work directly on the business.
Wendell Smith
Chairman
Wendell M. Smith was born in Brooklyn, NY, raised and educated in Hartford, Connecticut and Maplewood, New Jersey. He attended Dartmouth College for his B.A. and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering. Wendell is the Founder and President of Polestar Ltd – a company engaged in licensing and consulting in Security Printing technologies. Previously Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of Baldwin Technology Company, Inc., a Member of the Boards of Directors of American Maize-Products Corporation, Globe Ticket and Label Company and Bowne & Company, Inc. He was employed with Sikorsky Aircraft; Barnes Engineering Corporation; Electro-Optical Equipment; and Baldwin Technology Co – Printing Press Controls, where he led an MBO, IPO, and growth from $2.5M revenues to $250M, with operations in 5 countries.
Karen Wilson
CAO
As Administrative Director at DNA Technologies, Karen Wilson manages operations, adminstration and finance for the company. Karen stepped into the role from a previous position with our parent company, Polestar LTD. She studied Mechanical Engineering in Boston, at the Wentworth Institute of Technology, and went on to fill key roles in Quality Control with Perkin Elmer and Product Design at Teledyne Mt. Vernon, before moving into Technical Sales & Service at Baldwin Technologies. Karen joined the team at DNA Technologies at a crucial point of our expansion into China.
Mike Hayes
Managing Director
Mike Hayes is Managing Director of DNA Technologies and brings over 20 years experience in the marketing and business development fields. Mike started his career with the J. Walter Thompson advertising agency in London, England where he worked on many of the agency’s large international and pan-European brands. Mike joined the team at DNA Technologies in 2000, and now works tirelessly to rid the world of counterfeit and diverted products. In his 30+ years in business, he has co-authored one book, took a company public and proudly registered his name on a Canadian patent.
Mike Cyr
Business Development
Mike Cyr brings extensive experience in marketing and business development to his role in brand protection and anti-counterfeiting. With a degree in Marketing and strong organizational skills, Mike collaborates with clients to develop cost-effective and highly secure solutions using DNA Technologies’ patented DNA Matrix™ technology.
Barry K. Scott
Director of Business Development & International Partnerships
Barry brings over 25 years of experience in sales and leadership to his role at DNA Technologies. He has a proven track record of developing effective sales strategies and building strong client relationships across diverse industries. Barry’s expertise in business development and international partnerships make him an invaluable asset to any organization looking to drive growth and achieve success in today’s competitive marketplace.