Like A Boss is sitting down with the leaders of a group of talented engineers, designers, and entrepreneurs this month.

Host and Publisher of BIZ. Magazine, Sean Green, speaks with Konstantin Dolgan and Onega Ulanova, the brains behind LA New Product Development Team, which helps make others’ dreams come true by providing product development services that help take ideas from concept to prototype.

“There is a big need in industry around the globe to make sure that product ideas, innovations and technologies reach the market. There is a big gap between those who have an idea and those who help investors to bring their product to the market. We started this company to build that bridge,” said Onega.

LA NPDT started as a student organization at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston. During his studies, Konstantin realized there was an active need for “final product” delivery and cross-functional collaboration in the academic environment.

“We went to the outside world to talk to the companies about technology developed at Louisiana Tech and if they would want to apply it or invest in it. We learned about what companies are looking for when they’re looking for a new technology,” said Konstantin.

He created the LA New Product Development Team with the mission of developing new products, technologies, and app/web solutions with the end goal of commercialization. He gained the support of LA Tech faculty and staff, quickly growing to more than 40 members in a year. Within a year, LA NPDT launched seven projects and completed four of them, gaining experience and establishing a sustainable product development system.

LA New Product Development was launched to continue the work of the LA NPDT organization — identifying, developing, and delivering results that benefit the overall economic development of Louisiana.

“I felt there was a need to start something where people would convert technologies and ideas into something tangible,” said Konstanatin. “From my childhood, I was selling different stuff and doing different business. I found a business that would combine technical knowledge and my passion.”

The company located near downtown Shreveport, but Konstantin and Onega live in Bossier City because of its growth, location, and quality of life.

“Bossier is growing. There’s an entrepreneurial and innovation spirit starting to develop here and sooner or later we’ll become an innovation hub. I think we are moving to that direction and we definitely want to be a part of that,” said Konstantin. “We have a lot here. The people are friendly, no traffic…We have enough entertainment. It’s a great place to live and work.”

“It’s small but big enough to do whatever you want to do,” said Onega.