SetaTech Finds a Home in Ozark Developing Natural Biosolutions for a Sustainable Planet

Most people view hair trimmings and chicken feathers as waste products, but Blair Blacker, Chairman of the Board at SetaTech, sees opportunity. He has developed a company that keeps these items out of landfills by turning them into agricultural biostimulants. SetaTech is proud to, “utilize the world's waste to clean up the world’s mess,” and promote sustainable agriculture practices while also developing waste products to clean up oil spills.

“We’re excited to have such a unique company in Ozark, Alabama,” says Holle Smith, President of the Ozark-Dale County Economic Development Corporation (ODCEDC). “SetaTech has brought agriculture development, sustainability, and unique employment opportunities to the region.”  

SetaTech discovered Ozark through HudsonAlpha's expansion into the Wiregrass region. Learn more about this company and the various ways it is making a positive impact on local communities and the planet as a whole.  

SetaTech Has Developed Three Core Products

SetaTech is developing products for both consumer and commercial markets. While an individual buyer will use these chemicals to boost growth in their home garden, farmers, corporations, and even government agencies can benefit from what SetaTech makes. Here are three key products that SetaTech is developing:

• Smart4Growing: This is the primary biostimulant that SetaTech sells. It uses chicken feathers and hair extracts to support growth and produce better crops. 
• DeerWall: This product uses targeted scents and proteins to deter deer from entering certain areas. While this product can protect farms and gardens, it also keeps deer safe. When sprayed near high-traffic areas, it has the potential to deter deer from crossing.  
• Otti: This product uses all-natural waste materials to ADsorb (not ABsorb) oil from water.

SetaTech products support the planet in multiple ways. Not only does their development keep waste out of landfills, but the biostimulants actively return nutrients to the soil. The DeerWall humanly directs deer away from danger, while Otti can clean up chemical spills that harm local wildlife. The result is a cleaner, healthier Earth. 

SetaTech Also Supports Veteran Employment

Blacker is a retired U.S. Army Colonel with an extensive military resume. Not only does he run a startup efficiently and effectively, but he also actively seeks other veterans to work for him. This provides career development for former military members establishing civilian lives.

“We prefer to hire veterans as we grow,” says Blacker. “We know they have discipline before they walk through the door, and we know they can easily adapt to new environments. Many of them have already proven themselves under harsh conditions.”

Blacker knows he can take an employee with discipline, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn and train them on SetaTech’s various jobs. His company benefits from hiring quality employees while the hired veterans can launch their careers.

“They have been serving us for years, so let’s pay them back,” says Blacker. 

This Company is Stepping Out of Its Startup Stages 

Blacker has been developing the Smart4Growing formula for four years, but SetaTech is just now reaching a rapid growth stage. It was supported by the HudsonAlpha/Gener8tor AgTech Accelerator program, which also brought SetaTech’s headquarters from Miami, Florida, up to Huntsville, Alabama. The HudsonAlpha expansion into the Wiregrass region of Alabama is what brought SetaTech to Ozark in Dale County.

“It’s not a matter of if we will grow, but rather how quickly we are going to grow,” says Blacker. “We have already raised money to expand, have a sales team in place, and are producing products.”

Blacker anticipates having $2 million in sales in 2025 and then $19 million in sales in 2026.

Blacker has nothing but positive things to say about Dale County and the people he has worked with throughout the relocation process. Community leaders, mayors from multiple cities, and members of the ODCEDC have made moving into the area a positive experience.  

“They have embraced us and welcomed the new technology we are bringing,” says Blacker.

Smith has also enjoyed having SetaTech in Ozark. “Agriculture is a strong part of Dale County’s economy, but SetaTech highlights how innovative it can be,” she says. “They represent the future of farming with a focus on sustainability. They also are a key part of the entrepreneurial community in Ozark.” 

Keep Up With Other Companies Moving to Ozark-Dale County

SetaTech is an exciting addition to Dale County, but other businesses are also starting to discover the value of the Wiregrass region. Keep up with the ODCEDC to learn about other firms bringing industry and employment to our communities. If you want to bring your business to Dale County and work alongside Blacker at SetaTech, explore the location advantages of moving here. We can’t wait to have you.