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Industrial Design Manager
Harrisburg, PA
Aug 2014 - Aug 2015 (1 year)
Responsible for leading the design team for new product development. The design team is responsible for creating concept sketches, 3D modeling, prototyping, and release to production of new product designs.
o 2015 IDEA finalist for product design in the Outdoor and Garden Category
Major projects and accomplishments include:
• Led the visual brand language redesign for the True Temper brand that has seen increased sales by 26% over the previous year’s brand design.
• Designed a 35 SKU striking tool line that is on track to displace our largest competitor nationally at Home Depot stores
• Organized prototyping lab layout & prototype sample request system that increased time efficiency by 20%
• Led team collaboration on a water hose cart design targeted to open up a new price point using a combination of materials and innovative assembly methods.
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Industrial Designer
The AMES Companies, Inc.
2012 - Jul 2014 (2 years 3 months)
Responsible for leading all concept generation and refinement of brand design and new product design on outdoor lawn and garden tools, non-powered construction tools, and water hose reels. Conduct extensive ethnography research for consumer validation as well as customer presentations. Create designs from sketches, “proof of concept” models and 3D CAD Surface Files for transfer to Development Engineering for “Design for Manufacturability”
o 2014 IDEA Bronze Award Winner for Brand Design in the Design Strategy Category
Major projects and accomplishments include:
• Led New Product Development in the design of an award winning leaf rake that enabled AMES to move the retail in its category market by 40%
• Managed redesign of Visual Brand Language across 5 brands and over 300 SKU’s that resulted in higher brand recognition and higher channel placement
• Key leader in developing brand standard books that were produced and distributed to all employees that resulted in better control and adherence to brand standards and consistency
• Led redesign of a water hose reel/deck box that reduced material and assembly cost that resulted in displacing a competitor and increased margin by a projected 7%
• Develop and manage multiple designs for new products and product line extensions from initial concept through prototyping, modeling, and initiating production tooling
• Conducted detailed end user research to ensure final product designs met the consumer needs
• Deliver presentations on new product designs to largest customers. (Home Depot and Lowes)
• Partner with Lowe’s team to develop Kobalt products, industry specific
• Travel domestically and internationally meeting with suppliers to finalize product designs specification adherence
• Maintain the design’s conceptual integrity by coordinating and communicating with Engineering, Manufacturing and Procurement
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Industrial Designer
Gentex Corporation
2004 - May 2012 (8 years 1 month)
POSITION SUMMARY
Provide leadership and manage all Industrial Design functions for a highly innovative and diverse company. Design fully integrated life
support and protection systems including helmet systems specific to U.S. Armed Forces. Provide innovative improvements addressing
weaknesses in existing designs to enhance safety and preserve life. Consult with end users in the U.S. Military to determine needs and
develop solution paths. Determine schedule requirements and manage the design process to meet crucial deadlines. Secure and
coordinate outside design consultants.
MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
• Led the Industrial Design aspects of a modular fighter pilot helmet system that resulted in being awarded a $95 million development contract. Continued to lead design efforts through product development. This helmet is on track to replace every helmet used within the United States Armed Forces.
• Participated extensively in the product development stage of the modular helmet system by conducting end user field and safety testing.
• Two helmet concepts from the modular helmet system were bought by the Halcyon Company to be used in the filming of Terminator 4 motion picture released in May, 2009.
• Led design efforts on concepts for ground troop helmets that would become the future Special Forces helmets incorporating built in electronics and Heads Up Displays.
• Designed a helmet-mounted, rotating face shield that protects ground troops and reduces injuries from roadside blasts, the leading injury threat in Iraq.
• Led design research efforts studying aerodynamic effects caused by helmet shape and structure.
• Led design styling for safety eyewear and goggles.
• Designed a ChemBio transportation container for the U.S. Navy for safely transporting trained dolphins.
• Supported California respiratory division by collaborating in design efforts on a helmet system providing oxygen and chemical warfare safe through implementing a fully sealed system.
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Industrial Design Co-op
MeadWestvaco
Jun 2003 - Mar 2004 (9 months)
Developed conceptual designs for Nike office notebooks and soft goods. Designed and executed a new line of backpacks for elementary age students. Provided extensive drafting assistance creating sample products for the Nike, Five-Star, and Cambridge lines. Developed concepts for Home and Office products lines.
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Industrial Designer
Aegis
Jan 2003 - May 2003 (4 months)
Developed original design concepts for high-end, innovative electronics and medical equipment clients. Participated in marketing efforts by developing design concepts for prospective clients. Redesigned company’s business card and identity. Designed products for a non disclosed government department.
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Industrial Design Co-op
Hasbro
Jan 2002 - Sep 2002 (8 months)
Designed "GI Joe" vehicle and accessory concepts. Designed new line concepts for “Tonka” products. Involved in the decision-making process for creating new, confidential toy designs.