Trent P. Fisher

Work Experience
In addition to being an Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) for the Entrepreneurs’ Center, Trent is the Founder of SAS Automation and Nile Merry Tools, and a licensed Professional Industrial Engineer (PE). Founded in 1996, SAS Automation is a manufacturer of robotic end-of-arm tooling components, custom gripper systems and automation equipment. International expansion began in 2001 with the opening of their European office in Karlsruhe, Germany, and continued in 2011 in Hong Kong, along with a sales location in Shanghai, China. The company was acquired in 2017 by a European entity and later that same year, Trent founded Nile Merry Tools.

During his tenure as President and Owner of SAS Automation, he was involved in all aspects of the company, including accounting and financing, marketing, sales, engineering, and manufacturing. He provided over $2 million in personal capital and retained earnings and reached over $10 million in sales revenue, with exports amounting to over 20%. He remains active in the manufacturing tooling & automation business today with Nile Merry Tools, along with patent applications in supply chain, inventory management, and mobile and CAD software arenas.

Trent invests in start-up companies, and serves on both for profit & non-profit boards. He is also fluent in German and has a basic level knowledge of Mandarin Chinese and lives in Yellow Springs, OH.