092622_GYS_2022_ONLINE

GU I D E to Y E L L OW S P R I NG S | 2O22 – 2O23 31 The human body has been a subject of study — presumably — for as long as both humans and study have been around. The fields of anthropol - ogy, sociology, ethnography, philosophy and more have all measured, in their own ways, how the human body interacts with the world — but only one field is dedicated to measuring the human body quite literally. Anthropometry, the study of the dimensions of the human body, is the bread and butter of one of Yellow Springs’ oldest busi - nesses, 72-year-oldAnthrotech. The business, which focuses on research and consulting around anthropometry, changed hands in January of 2021. Previous owners and villagers Bruce Bradtmiller and Carol Cottom, who are married, sold the Xenia Avenue business to Loveland resident Oscar Meyer. Originally from South Africa, Meyer came to the U.S. in 1992 and previously worked for John - son & Johnson in Cincinnati. Meyer told the News that his background in healthcare products and business devel- opment made him interested in Anthrotech’s unique work. “I was made aware that the business was for sale in 2019, and for me it was almost an immediate connection,” he said. “It’s a jewel that very few people know about, but [Bradt - miller] has built a loyal cus - tomer base, and it’s a unique, much-needed service.” Among the specialized services that Anthrotech offers are conducting surveys of body sizes; product testing; research and testing around sizing, grading, workspaces and acces - sibility; and providing expert testimony in court cases that involve product design. Bradtmiller said he and Cottom sold the business in order to retire, and that Meyer’s understanding of Anthrotech’s value was part of the reason they chose Meyer to helm the business. He added that Mey- er’s desire to keep the operation local and moving forward was also a major consideration. “That’s important to us — we didn’t want to sell it and have somebody pack it up in a box 72-year old Anthrotech — HOW HUMANS MEASURE UP By LAUREN ‘CHUCK’ SHOWS From March 2022 ▲ Anthrotech, which researched and consults on the dimensions of the human body, changed ownership in 2021. Here, owner Oscar Meyer, left, stands with previous president and co-owner, Bruce Bradtmiller. P H O T O : L A U R E N ‘ C H U C K ’ S H O W S