Mike Braun Email & Phone Number

Milwaukee, Wi, Us

 Responsible for the Product Development activities for the Twin Cylinder Utility Engine Product line.  Supported 3 major new product development programs launching on time, on cost and on budget. Organized and executed an engine specification review that resulted in 63% fewer engine types. One of three Project Leads that organized and executed the relocation of Vanguard Twin Engine manufacturing operations from Japan to the USA.

Milwaukee, Wi, Us

 Responsible for the Product Development activities for the Single Cylinder Utility Engine Product line.  Launched 5 new engines in 24 months. These engines have a lower cost position to compete more effectively in the marketplace. Established 3 customer focused teams to ensure that the Program and Sales groups work efficiently to meet the needs of the customer. Evaluated strengths of the product line and the brand. Developed program to take advantage of 2 underserved market categories. New Snow engine product line won Dealers Choice Award for best Industrial/Engine Product in 2012.  Launched Marine Engine Package that defended our market against new competition. Resulting feature set realized an incremental 58% margin.  Participated in cost reduction activities that resulted in total annualized savings of over $1 million for the Vanguard Twin product line.

Milwaukee, Wi, Us

 Coordinated evaluation of Asian engines in 3 product categories. Developed test plans, organized and collected test results, conducted Intellectual property reviews, negotiated pricing, developed market strategy and opportunity analysis.  Managed the hand-held Micro Engine product line. Developed product strategy and marketing plans. Coordinated with Sales, Marketing, Engineering and Manufacturing to ensure that the product met the end-product, original equipment and retail customer's expectations. The product line achieved $5.5 million of revenue in its first year of production. Coordinated, managed, and launched a series of String Trimmers and Brush Cutters for a Consumer End Product Customer of Briggs & Stratton. The Straight Shaft Trimmer won the Consumers Digest Best Buy Award for 2005. Coordinated worldwide supplier selection and support activities for the 101 Micro Engine components. Activities included quality audits and production launches for suppliers in the USA, Mexico, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Japan, and Taiwan. Successfully worked with UL, Intertek, and TÜV to test and certify compliance of 4 new products.

Milwaukee, Wi, Us

 Launched the Smart Fill TM no spill fuel can. Took over this struggling project and resolved issues resulting in successful production in 4 months. Developed the Cordless Electric Power Head for existing European lawnmower decks. Product was designed, developed and in production in 10 months. Supported cordless electric lawnmower manufacturing and cost reduction efforts. Developed 2 product line extensions.  Researched low cost outboard engines with Mercury Marine. Investigated designs and joint venture possibilities. Developed 3 design alternatives.

Milwaukee, Wi, Us

 Executed engine program which successfully obtained ISO 9001 application in first attempt. Managed $1 million 9 cubic inch industrial engine program. Managed ductile iron business improvement team. Met all cost reduction targets for the 3 years the project ran. Directed the retool of a $2 million crankshaft machining line to an on time on budget completion.

Milwaukee, Wi, Us

 Studied Project Engineering for 4 months with Daihatsu Motor Corporation Ltd. Osaka Japan. Learned the Toyota system for project coordination and manufacturing. This experience included visits to support vendors throughout Japan to learn how the techniques are put into practice. Installed $2.2 million chrome plating system. Developed documentation system for operator, set up, and inspector process control. This system was incorporated into 100% of the Briggs & Stratton Engine Groups manufacturing operations. Participated in 2 engine standardization projects.

Bsme, Mechanical Engineering

Msem, Engineering Management And Marketing