David Drakes

Experience

• 

  Smith Racing Team

  Apr 2009 - Sept 2012

  Technician/ Assistant Program Coordinator

  •Responsible for complete bike maintenance, engine tear down, and modificaiton•In charge of race carrier set-up and sponsorship signage•Worked with riders weekly to help maintain program progress•Assisted with carrier transport and travel accommodations•Aided in sponsorship and part acquisition•Helped with financial reporting and budgeting

• 

  Cycle Gear Inc.

  Jan 2011 - Aug 2014

  Senior Sales Associate

  • Supervised front-line operations and reported directly to manager; was responsible for entire operation in manager’s absence.•Analyzed and report to corporate headquarters the store daily sales data, gross margins and inventory levels. •Worked with brands and companies on product details and displays•Worked hands on with customers on a daily basis to provide exceptional service with superior product knowledge•Open and close store as scheduled and perform night box deposit of receipts Show less

• 

  Flow Tech, Inc.

  May 2014 - Sept 2014

  Sales Engineer Intern

  • Equipment take-off from plans and specifications.• Contacting contractors to determine bidder lists for particular projects.• Prepare job quotes for projects and customers.• Provide customers with product information and process orders accordingly.• Proactive outbound calling to find out successful contracting bidders for project quotes.• Work with product vendors and manufacturers to assist and fulfill customer needs and Order expediting.

• 

  UTC Aerospace Systems

  Sept 2014 - Mar 2015

  UTRC Funded Lab Research Tech for the University of Hartford

  •Executed lab research for potential air foil designs •Renovate and rebuild wind tunnel to test aerospace air foils•Assemble and modify existing wind tunnel fixtures•Test and retrieve data from air foil tests•Contacting and working with industry professionals to obtain needed information and test subjects•Work with University faculty to help students understand air flow dynamics

• 

  Harley-Davidson Motor Company

  Jun 2015 - Jan 2022

  •Designed various new motorcycle components to improve existing and new systems/products•Worked with current and new suppliers and design teams to develop new systems and components•Analyzed and obtain test data to improve current parts and whole systems•Work with internal teams to improve on financial targets to meet company goals•Established cost savings opportunities within current product offering for multiple vehicle platforms•Identified design alterations and roll out plan to meet critical timing and cost targets•Conducted lab testing and vehicle fitment exercises to validate new design updates•Regularly engaged stakeholders to perform uninterrupted implementation of the project •Worked closely with suppliers to ensure quality and program timeliness •Led programs and design changes that totaled over $500k in savings in the first 2 years of implementation Show less •Supported new vehicle development through collaborative efforts and detailed planning•Worked with simulation software to predict vehicle handling characteristics and drive strategic design focuses•Development tire profiles based on on track testing and detailed simulation work•Analyzed and obtain test data to improve vehicle architecture •Performed on vehicle limit handeling testing and report out on subjective criteria•Worked hands on with supplier/test partners to meet vehicle performance targets•Led engineering reviews to influence final vehicle design based on riding feedback from on vehicle testing•Presented new data and design direction to upper leadership on a regular basis•Assisted in implementing new processes and procedures for more efficient and effective project completion•Provided engineering support/leadership to multiple cross functional teams through data driven reviews and on track performance/feedback•Worked closely on cost savings initiatives from initial project implementation to project close Show less •Designed new motorcycle components in one of Harley-Davidson's power train focused design teams•Worked with suppliers and design teams to develop new products•Analyzed and obtain test data to improve designs•Presented ideas, development, and product progress to engineering management and suppliers•Implemented a unique testing method to effectively capture end user data•Led subjective lab tests for customer control groups with developmental products•Correlated subjective data into measurable requests and developmental targets•Worked with engineering platform teams to meet developmental targets and project scope•Presented with American Design Award for work on newly developed "Milwaukee 8" V-Twin engine Show less

  • Current Product Design Engineer

    Jun 2020 - Jan 2022

  • Vehicle Dynamics Engineer

    Mar 2017 - Jun 2020

  • Design Engineer (Product Development)

    Jun 2015 - Mar 2017
• 

  Volcon | ePowersports

  Jan 2022 - Nov 2023

  •Drives new products and features through the development process for 7 different product lines•Creates and executes new departmental processes and procedures for effective product roll outs• Provided technical direction and leadership to 7 cross functional teams daily on multiple $500k+ programs•Monitors project costs, progress, timing, and made strategic adjustments as needed •Leads weekly reviews with executive team to present program health and address gating items/tasks•Responsible for Volcon Product Strategy, Roadmap and Lifecycle Planning of Volcon products, including two wheel vehicles and accessories•Vehicle concept by evaluating market through the analysis of consumer research - VOC, competition actions and market trends•Product business case with strategic positioning, specs, volume and pricing•Determine vehicles competitiveness through the analysis of pricing, specifications, and media evaluations•Conduct research in the competitive and general market environment by visits to dealers, trade shows, ride & drive evaluations, and focus groups•Plans target performance levels for new vehicle programs in consensus with engineering and marketing•Establishes strategic partnerships with suppliers for parts and brand activities•Aligns with Engineering and Quality about production stop and quality assurance•Prepares the Product Briefing for Marketing and PR agencies in partnership w/ Marketing Team•Monitors project costs, track progress and make adjustments as needed•Provides technical leadership to cross functional teams. Show less •Designed and led programs for new 2-wheel components and vehicles to improve systems/products •Drove new products and features through new development processes•Responsible for project planning and management of multiple two wheel programs ranging from $500k to $2M •Gathered and create product requirements and specifications•Made sure project met critical deadlines and were within budget•Created and executed new departmental processes and procedures for Program Management team.•Led weekly reviews with executive team to present program health•Regularly interacted with suppliers and brand partners to ensure program success•Monitored project costs, track progress and make adjustments as needed•Provided technical leadership to 7 cross functional teams•Led leadership teams through on vehicle testing and validation exercise to approve/alter designs•Presented ideas, developments, and product progress to engineering management and suppliers •Worked with suppliers and design teams to develop new cost conscience systems and components •Analyzed and obtained test data to improve parts and whole systems to meet program goals and cost targets Show less

  • Two Wheel Lead - Volcon ePowersports

    Sept 2022 - Nov 2023

  • Technical Program Manager

    Jan 2022 - Sept 2022
• 

  WernerCo.

  Nov 2023 - now

  Product Manager

  •Create strategies and associated plans on a 3 year and annual basis to drive business performance across the product portfolio(s)•Gain end user insights through a suite of qualitative and quantitative market research methodologies that result in needs-based new product business cases and marketing plans•Responsible for Product Strategy, Roadmap and Lifecycle Planning of WernerCo products, including fall protection designs and accessories•Focus on budgeted revenue and profitability targets and develop plans to grow market share through the introduction of new products and management of existing product portfolios•Establishes strategic partnerships with suppliers for parts and brand activities•Determine product competitiveness through the analysis of pricing, specifications, and media evaluations•Development of overall product portfolio strategy to include new product development roadmap, management of existing product portfolio, product mix to drive financial performance, pricing strategy, product launch execution, product line manufacturing and supply chain planning, and budget oversight•Work with cross functional teams to bring new products/initiatives to market•Monitors project costs, track progress and make adjustments as needed Show less