Consultant, Kevin Kennedy Associates Inc.
Providing expertise in mechanical engineering, high tech business management consulting, wind turbine / generator manufacturing, electronics and semiconductors automation, machine design and robotics, and related expertise to a wide variety of clients.
Founder, President, wind turbine / generator manufacturer
Founded company to pursue the design and manufacturing of a unique type of wind turbine/generator targeted at the portable and residential renewable energy markets. Identified an untapped area of the renewable energy market that values safety and aesthetics, and developed a novel product with features that are unequaled by current competitors. Filed a provisional patent for a blade design that eliminates many of the safety concerns with the growth of wind energy. The concept also permits a wide range of colors and designs for wind turbines, including a transparent material for low-profile installations. Designed and implemented web marketing that promoted product launch, including building web traffic and gaining market exposure. Responsible for design details, sourcing components, and preparing for product launch activities.
Director, Operations, Electronics Assembly Firm
Was operations officer for 130-person business unit with $40 million annual sales in capital equipment for the electronics industry. Challenges included merging 3 different product lines, business processes, and personnel through a period of product maturity and explosive sales levels. Was responsible for 26 people in Materials, Manufacturing, Project Management, and Quality Products and services ranged from complete custom equipment to high-volume commodity items. Tasked with implementing a quality program where none existed before. Directed activity to improve compliance with ISO 9000.
Director, Operations, Odd Form and Final Assembly Division, Universal Instruments Corp., Binghamton, NY
Was responsible for all aspects of a 48-person strategic business unit including Engineering, Applications, Technical Support, Materials, and Manufacturing. $15 million annual sales revenue in automation and material handling capital equipment. Implemented formal project management that took a start-up group to self-sustaining profitability. Earnings doubled in one year on lower overall sales - largely a result of process improvements, better management of the quote-to-order process, and project management program. Financial profit/loss responsibility required regular review of operating cash flow. Successfully tied earnings to project-related financial reporting, making cost control possible. Oversight of China material sourcing for cost reduction, resulting in $100K/year savings.
Business Development Manager, Universal Instruments Corp., Chicago, IL
Tasked with heading up a regional start-up group to support local customers. Was responsible for growing customer sales activity, selecting and managing local engineering and technician resources, and maintaining a profitable bottom line. Quoted, won, and managed $4 million worth of automation equipment business with local customers. Became familiar with the challenges of business operations outside of corporate headquarters.
Product Manager, Universal Instruments Corp., Binghamton, NY
Product Management responsibility included PCB board handling and robotic assembly equipment product lines for Universal’s Odd Form and Final Assembly Division. Managed a team of 7 people in the functions of Applications Engineering, Technical Support, Technical Publications, Training, and Marketing. Successfully managed several product launches, including the Polaris Assembly Cell that moved Universal into new markets and increased existing market share. Headed up account management and proposal generation for a large automotive electronics supplier, resulting in orders worth several million dollars. Created and brought several unique products to market by identifying market niches and incorporating customer feedback. Directed Engineering development and resource management priorities. Created quoting tools and configurators for Application Engineers, reducing the quoting response time and increasing efficiency. Independently developed 3D animation and simulation tools for concept visualization.
Application Engineer, Universal Instruments Corp., Binghamton, NY
Provided Application Engineering support in the newly-formed Odd Form and Final Assembly Division for a top supplier of automated electronic assembly equipment. Duties included determining a customer’s evolving technical needs and adapting existing products to meet those needs. Assisted with the development of new equipment specifications and performance requirements. Served as project manager for new platform and an advisory role for engineering enhancements. Marketing and promotional duties included writing brochures, competitive analysis, trade show support, and designing innovative demonstrations of product capability (Lego“ assembly project). Project management roles involved coordinating engineering design, manufacturing schedules, and customer correspondence for several multi-million dollar accounts. International customer experience by working closely with European and Asian customers. Supported sales force with training, presentations, and application proposals.
Field Engineer, Universal Instruments Corp., Binghamton, NY
Duties included installation, troubleshooting, and customer relations for capital assembly equipment. Familiar with electromechanical drive systems, vision systems, and computer-controlled machinery.
Engineering Intern, F.P. Rosback Co., St. Joseph, MI
Total of 8 months full-time experience at automated machinery manufacturer for the printing and bookbinding industry, including production design changes, R&D assistance, and drafting.
