Masks were going to be Traverse City business’s legacy. Then the FBI showed up.
Brandon Williams had big plans. He saw a future in 3D printing that could revolutionize manufacturing. Like so many inventors before him, he started tinkering in his garage.
His goals were to eliminate waste and bolster small business. He would use 3D printing to help entrepreneurs build prototypes at low cost. In 2019, he hired an intern and rented out a production space outside of Traverse City. It was small, but DreamLab Industries was headed in the right direction.
“I never wanted a mega company,” he said. “I’m no Elon Musk. Never thought I was. I just wanted to do it the right way.”
DreamLab rode the wave of local heroes pivoting their businesses to meet the demands of the pandemic. But the company, just five years into existence, overpromised and undersold which got the attention of the Better Business Bureau, Michigan Attorney General and the FBI.
Accusations of fraud, false advertising and price gouging overshadowed…
