SUMMARY

Results oriented engineering leader with over 20 years of domestic and international experience in developing and launching successful new innovative products combining vision, technical prowess and business management experience. Background ranges from developing advanced product concepts to identifying and implementing quality improvements. Proven track record in utilizing creative approaches to product design demonstrated by numerous U.S. and International patents.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Confidential, Glenwillow, Ohio 1985 - 2009
Division of Techtronics Industries a $3 billion Hong Kong based company. TTI Floor Care North America is a $750 million international and multi-site manufacture of floor care products. Brands include: Hoover, Dirt Devil, Royal, Regina, Vax and Medisana.

Director, Engineering - Research & Development and Product Line Support (2008 - 2009)
Led advanced concept development and product line support for the $550 million corded products business. Responsible for 3 Expert Teams, returns analysis and quality improvements, cost reductions and derivative models.

• Organized and led 3 Expert Teams key advanced development programs implemented in new Platinum Line
• TTI's first true no suction loss filtration system.
• New optimized nozzle design.
• Advanced electronics to monitor performance and diagnostics.
• Organized and led Advanced Development Steering Committee presenting status of advanced development projects to senior management, developing method of capturing and prioritizing advanced development projects, aligning with consumer needs.
• Evaluated invention disclosures, maintenance fees and competitors patents as member of Intellectual Property Steering Committee ensuring proper protection and providing insight into our competitor's products and strategy.
• Organized and led team to analyze, design, test and implement quality improvements resulting in over $6 million in warranty reductions.
• Identified and implemented $8 million in cost savings as integral part of cost improvement team.

Vice President, Engineering - Upright Category(2007 - 2008)
Promoted to Vice President reporting to the Vice President of Marketing during the integration of Hoover and Dirt Devil. Led all aspects of engineering for $416 million category including; New Product Development, Advanced Concepts, Product Improvements and Value Analysis.

• Key member of acquisition team to integrate $450 million Hoover Company into TTI. Included analysis of intellectual property, assessment of engineering talent, and organizing new more effective engineering department providing seamless transition, high retention rate and no interruption of business for our customers.
• Launched 10 new upright platforms generating $65 million in sales.
• Utilized the Stage Gate development process to launch the 3 new platforms.
• Developed and launched feature and cosmetic improvements to current line resulting in 20% gross margin increase and increased product placement at retail.
• Introduced first sonar based floor detection module for automatic sensing carpet vs. hard floor generating increased margins and product differentiation for retailer.
• Instituted consumer use testing identifying early detection of product quality issues.
• Worked with marketing defining three year product plan to achieve double digit growth in category.

Confidential, Glenwillow, Ohio
Purchased by Techtronics Industries ($3 billion Hong Kong based company) in 2003, Royal is a $350 million multi-site floor care company with employment ranging from 330 to 1000 direct employees during the past 11 years. Brands include: Dirt Devil, Royal, Regina, Vax and Medisana.

Director, Engineering(1999 - 2007)
Reporting to the VP of New Product Development led a staff of 34 with annual budget expense of $3.5 million and capital budget of over $10 million. Responsible for all aspects of engineering (New Product Development, Product Line Support, Product Design, Laboratory, Advanced Development, CAD Administration, Model Shop) which included designing and specifying motors (both ac and dc), pumps (solenoid and vane), batteries, electronics, plastics and castings.

• Harmonized testing standards between USA labs and Asia labs resulting in over $250,000 in annual savings.
• Managed the laboratory operations and was responsible the overall quality of the products.
• Reduced new product introduction cycle time from 18 months to 8 - 12 months providing steady introduction of new products into market.
• Reduced product warranty claims from 8% to 5% over 3 years generating annual savings of over $10 million and boosting Dirt Devil brand image.
• Served as key member of sourcing team moving production to Asia resulting in $4 million reduction in capital budget per program and 25% reduction in cost of finished goods.
• Worked with multiple Asian OEMs defining standards for performance and quality goals for products ensuring successful launch and improved quality.
• Developed and launched 7- 10 new platforms yearly contributing 25% of product sales annually.
• Key developments and launches:
• Reintroduced Royal's flag ship product the Dirt Devil Hand Vacuum. The first hand vacuum with detachable cleaning head receiving placement at every major retailer.
• Reaction product platform, unique twin chamber dirt cup design, providing greater sustained performance and accepted and placed at every major retailer.
• Telezapper selling over a million units its first year at retail.
• KONE, unique designer series rechargeable hand vacuum.
• Sweeper Vac, unique rechargeable stick vacuum combing an electrostatic pad ( SwifferTM ) and vacuum into one. Part of team that later sold the rights to P & G.

Manager, Engineering(1993 - 1999)
Led a team of 6 -10 engineers. Responsible for new product development and existing product maintenance.

• Developed and launched first bagless upright for Dirt Devil within one year of conception obtaining 50% market share within two months. Created design generated 6 utility patents generating $25 million in royalties.
• Integral part of the New Product Development team that authored Royal's New Product Development Process.
• Developed Royal's first carpet extractor meeting market niche need for light weight full size extractor and establishing Dirt Devil in category.
• Developed and launched Broom Vac rechargeable broom selling over a million units in its first year at retail.

Sr. Project Engineer (1988 - 1993)

Project Engineer (1985 - 1988)

BS, Mechanical Engineering
GE Leadership Program

U.S. Citizen

AWARDS & ACHIEVMENTS
Named on over 40 Patents
Global Technical Leadership
4 Nortec Innovation Awards
Society of Plastics Engineering Design Award