About Our Founders

Matt Fitzgerald, P.E.

Arnar Thors

Matthew Fitzgerald, P.E.

A dedicated engineer and entrepreneur, Matt’s passion for problem-solving is evident in his involvement with numerous businesses. In 2007 he co-founded Fitz-Thors to serve regional manufacturers through comprehensive offerings such as design, machining, fabrication, automation, industrial services, product development, and contract manufacturing.

In 2017, Matt and Fitz-Thors partner Arnar Thors founded Hardware Park in the historic Smithfield community of downtown Birmingham, offering businesses of all types a unique space to innovate, collaborate, and grow. Over 30 companies operate at the two-city block facility, with dozens more having cycled through. Hardware Park has expanded the city’s Innovation District westward and actively pursues projects and partnerships that help make the facility the most beneficial and accessible economic development asset it can be for Birmingham.

Matt has co-founded additional companies focused on bringing innovative technologies to market, including AerBetic which is developing non-invasive, wearable tech for diabetes monitoring. WaveLink is another company launched by Matt and partners that will release a new product to monitor and alert for environmental conditions at freshwater docks, including the presence of electrical current in swim zones.

Matt holds an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Alabama and is licensed to practice as a Registered Professional Engineer. In 2019, he was a member of the Birmingham Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 class. As an Alabama Launchpad “Launch Advisor,” Matt regularly lends his expertise to finalists in the program, helping them with operations, product engineering, and preparation for the competition and beyond. He has been recognized for his excellence in engineering by The Engineering Council of Birmingham and USA Today. An Alabama native, Matt and his wife Joanna have lived in the Bluff Park area of Birmingham for over a decade, now along with their three children.

Arnar Thors

Arnar Thors is a co-founder of Fitz-Thors, which has provided manufacturing, automation, R&D, and product development solutions for industrial and start-up businesses since 2007. Initially focused on serving the southeast’s growing automotive OEM’s and suppliers, Fitz-Thors now serves a wide array of manufacturing and innovation categories including consumer products, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and medical devices.

Additionally, Arnar has co-founded other notable ventures including AerBetic, which is developing a wearable, non-invasive alert device for diabetics that uses human breath (not blood) to infer glucose levels. This revolutionary invention won the Alabama LaunchPad startup competition in 2018 and twice received worldwide accolades at CES in Las Vegas, including “Best in Show” in 2019. 

 In response to increasing hazards at swim areas due to electrified water, his company WaveLink, has developed a superior shock-detection and alert system for docks at lakes and other recreation areas. The wirelessly connected product includes additional sensors to collect security and waterfront data points that are pushed to the accompanying app.

Both above-mentioned start-ups are housed at a two-city block innovation hub co-owned by Arnar Thors and Matt Fitzgerald called Hardware Park. The downtown Birmingham, AL campus is home to two dozen established businesses and start-ups. Its size and abundance of office, warehouse, shop, and yard spaces, allows the location to cater well to companies that make and/or sell physical goods. The founders envision the facility becoming a long-term destination for product and hardware tech that complements the city’s flourishing technology district. 

Arnar has a relentless spirit for problem-solving and innovation and is dedicated to advancing economic development and workforce skills in Alabama. Holding a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Alabama, he is also a member of the university’s Mechanical Engineering Advisory Board member, serving as Chairman from 2017-2019.