From Local Beginnings to Global Impact: Dermot O'Shea’s Journey with Taoglas
“I just wanted to start a business so I didn’t have to work for someone else…”
That’s how Dermot O’Shea, co-founder of global tech success Taoglas, described the start of what is now a world-leading antenna design and manufacturing company - founded in Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, and now headquartered in San Diego, where Dermot lives with his wife Ciara and their three children. Today, the company has eight offices around the world with revenue in excess of $100M.
We were proud to partner with GreenTech HQ for a fireside chat with Dermot, who generously shared practical insights on scaling a business, staying grounded, and building a global brand from local beginnings.
📡 From designing antennas used in everything from cars and vending machines to traffic lights and warehouse robots, to launching 200+ new products a year, Dermot’s journey is a masterclass in adaptability, bold decision-making, and customer-led innovation.
💡 Key takeaways included:
- Leading through support, not command
- Balancing tech development with customer needs
- Letting go of emotional attachment to products to enable scale
- Using AI to speed up processes and improve sales efficiency
- Hiring for common sense over ego, and acting quickly when it’s not a fit
- The value of early support from the Wexford Local Enterprise Office, New Frontiers at SETU, and mentors like Tim Quinlivan
Dermot was recently inducted into the New Frontiers Hall of Fame, and after hearing his story, it’s clear why. A truly inspiring and down-to-earth conversation.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, and to Dermot for sharing his time and insights in the chat led by GreenTech HQ’s Ed Murphy.