I have always been a "tinkerer". I began fixing my own bicycles in junior high. In that vein, when I was 16, I worked as the bike mechanic for a Coast to Coast store in a nearby town to where I grew up. I ran my own repair shop out of my parents basement when I was 18. Despite everyone I talked to telling me that the area could really use a bike shop, I saw very little demand, and soon found a job in road construction. For all it's monotony, I really enjoyed the physical labor, and working outside that comes with road constructionIn 2000, I started the Mechanical Engineering program and Minnesota State University in Mankato, MN. I graduated in 2004 with a Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering.I started my Engineering career in December of 2004 at Condux International in Mankato, MN. I really enjoyed the work atmosphere there, and the freedom to manage my own projects with minimal oversight. I have designed numerous custom quad blocks for marine and underground Power Cable installation applications. I've gotten to dable in hydraulics and electronics, which has been fun. I have been involved in the development of several new products and updating outdated products for the cable installation industry.In 2007, I began working on my MBA at MSU, Mankato while working at Condux. I graduated from the program in May, 2010.In January, 2012, I was promoted to Engineering Manager at Condux. The last year has been an incredibly busy time for me and for Condux. I have really enjoyed being able to work with our department, at times as more of a consultant than a designer/engineer - I have the opportunity to look at what our group is doing on a project and throw out some ideas, and then let them take those and run with them. We have a great group with a wide range of skills, and it is a privilege to work with them. I have learned a lot about running a department, some things I do well, and some things I need to work on.Specialties: Mechanical Design and Analysis3D CAD - PRO/EngineerBicycle repair and maintenance.