At JH Technologies, we’re no strangers to solving tough problems. But nothing could’ve prepared us for what happened just a few weeks ago. 

It all started with a phone call.

“Your truck is missing.”

Wait — what?

“Your truck was stolen.”

Just like that, a critical investment in our future was gone. Inside that vehicle were two highly specialized scanning electron microscopes (SEMs), a cornerstone of our work and a key part of our go-to-market strategy.

From Shock to Strategy

After the initial disbelief wore off, our team shifted into action mode. Sean Giovacchini and Tim Schoen headed to the crime scene. We filed a police report, opened an insurance claim, and began mapping out contingency plans to ensure minimal disruption to our customers, partners, and internal teams.

We assumed the trail would go cold, and our instruments were gone forever. But then, weeks later, we got a lead — and things got interesting.

Friday, 9:50 AM — An Unexpected Clue

CIQTEK, the manufacturer, received an email asking if they were interested in buying back two used SEM’s. The email was from a California-based recycling company. Tim called the number with no answer but found out it was associated with an EBAY account.

Within minutes, we tracked down the listing on eBay. Sure enough, the equipment matched ours exactly: model, serial numbers, even the photos. The seller had also listed a local business address. All signs pointed to a match.

Now it was time to act — fast.

Operation Web Sleuth Begins

We contacted the police, but timing was tight. There was no guarantee they could intercept the listing before it disappeared or was sold.

So, we launched our own effort to keep the lead warm.

Sean, our operations manager went undercover (yes, really — Hawaiian shirt and all) and scheduled an in-person meeting with the seller under the guise of a buyer. Meanwhile, other teammates worked behind the scenes: coordinating with local authorities, preparing a transport vehicle, and keeping communication lines open.

12:00 PM — On Site

Once on site, our SEMs were sitting right there — loaded on pallets, fully intact. But we had to stay calm and avoid tipping off the seller too early.

The seller was insistent on a rushed wire transfer. We delayed, made calls, and worked to stall until backup arrived.

2:00 PM — The Sting

Eventually, detectives arrived and coordinated a recovery. The SEMs were successfully loaded up and returned to us — with only minor damage and a major sense of relief.

The Takeaway

What started as a stressful, unexpected disruption turned into a showcase of what makes our team truly exceptional: fast thinking, coordination under pressure, and a shared determination to protect what we’ve built.

We’re happy to report that all equipment is now safely back where it belongs, and operations are running smoothly. 

This experience reminded us that, even in the face of the unpredictable, we have the grit and the unity to overcome it — and maybe even turn it into a good story afterward.

Huge thanks to our team Sean Giovacchini, Tim Schoen, Micah Harrel, & Andrew Stych, the local authorities, and our broader community for your support and swift action.

Here’s to fewer heists and many more milestones ahead.

– The JH Technologies Team