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Precision/Metal Cutting/Operation Excellence
Taking a block of steel and creating something useful has been my passion for almost 50 years. I suppose its "in my blood". My Great Grandfather owned a blacksmith shop near downtown Houston where he fitted or re-fitted the steel rims on the Borden milk delivery wagons. My Grandfather carried on that tradition as a well respected welder working for years at the Houston bus garage.
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I began my manufacturing career at 15, hounding a local area shop owner until he gave me an "opportunity" to drill 50+ 2" diameter holes in a 2" thick stainless steel heat exchanger tube sheet. My 1st day on the job was 18 hours standing in front of a radial arm drill press, smelling cutting oil and fending off razor sharp shavings. I loved it and was hooked!
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I spent the next 12 years learning the machinist trade working in 3 different precision shops next to many skilled tradesmen. In High School I realized my love for mechanical drafting. It just seemed natural to choose a career path where I could put the design and metal working together. Thus, Manufacturing Engineer was my chosen path. I earned
my degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology.
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1st job out of college was General Manager of a precision machine shop. A baptism of fire! Learned a lot of what not to do and realized that process and efficiency were of great importance if you want to be profitable in the manufacturing world.
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Next opportunity was product line manager for Bettis Actuators, then a stint as part owner and engineering manager at a small mfg. business. Both were great learning experiences blessing me with a deep knowledge of how design and mfg. must work hand in hand.
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Next up, aerospace! A truly one of a kind experience in a very specialized industry. Amazing environment of Phd's. mixed with demanding physics and over the top documentation requirements! At Oceaneering Space Systems I served as Mfg Engineer building equipment for the shuttle and ISS programs. One of the best stops on my journey.
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From the outer reaches into space to the deepest ocean floors. At FMC Technologies I started my journey into Lean Manufacturing becoming certified through the Toyota Production System. I saw 1st hand how lean principles such as 5S and Kaizen, when applied well, can have a huge impact on efficiency and profitability. My role as Mfg Engineer and then Controls Assembly Manager afforded me the opportunity to participate and lead many 5S and Kaizen events.
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When I landed at Bray Controls, this 20 year old company was just hitting it's stride. The next 6 years were a ride of a lifetime! The team there did a complete makeover of the manufacturing department with new facility and millions in new machines. Here I was tasked with implementing paperless shop floor and I was able to apply many of the "best industry practices" learned in previous jobs. As Mfg Engineering Manager and then Mfg Manager I learned the key factors of shop floor metrics and tying those back to the P&L.
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On to Emerson (Daniel Measurement). Another incredible shop makeover experience! It was out with the very old and in with the very latest in 5 axis technology. A manufacturing engineer's dream! Again, we applied many principles of lean mfg., process improvement, paperless shop floor etc.
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If you've followed my journey to here, I hope you get a feel for the depth of knowledge and hands-on experience that I can bring to your manufacturing organization. Reach out now to discuss your specific needs/pain points!
Thank you for taking time to read my story!!
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