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Delphi is a developer and supplier of automotive electronic products and materials. Most specifically they are a wire and cable manufacturer, proving wiring,charging, and vehicle electrification systems to OEMs on a global scale. This includes vehicle to vehicle and V2E; vehicle to everything, interface development. I worked as a design specialist, who is much like a localized creative director to my region. Here I founded, managed, and proliferated an internal global multimedia support center and social foundation for all Delphi employees internationally while creating internal marketing and branding documents, logo and graphic design, animation, and presentations. This included collaborative video production and editing, including providing internal video portal services. Other roles include SharePoint website development, coding and design, internal document storage and management; to include collaborative production and organization of various training tools and student/employee workshops.

Who we are

Delphi is an international tier one automotive supplier of wiring harnesses and vehicle electrification assemblies. Along with harness design and development, Delphi produces and distributes cable and wire globally. This Fortune 500 technology company ranks number 57 currently of the top 100.

Delphi’s dominant global presence is supported by the statistics generated from its success rate. Delphi has a presence in 32 different countries, with 126 different manufacturing sites, employing 158,000 people,19,000 engineers, scientists and technicians. 20 billion lines of code are shipped daily along with 60 million parts.
Over 15 billion in revenue is generated annually.

My position here was supporting the Ohio based Champion Technical Center for the Engineering and Electronic Architecture team’s immediate internal needs. This includes SharePoint site design and development, graphic design work, marketing and promotional material, knowledge management, workshop management, and video/animation multimedia creation and support. This led to the creation and management of a global media center where I provided custom content creation and a multimedia file repository with over 4,000 unique items.

The Packard Timeline was developed to commemorate the 125 year anniversary of the company. Delphi was born out of the early 1990s, however it began as the Packard Electric Company. Two brothers from Warren, Ohio began the electric company; later founding the Packard Automobile Company, which would both define how we live our modern lives today. Visit the site today and become enlightened, inspired, educated and surprised. www.packardtimeline.com

The site received a national recognition of Excellence in 2015, from the National Association of Automobile Museums for Best Website Design.

This site was developed in conjunction for our very own National Packard Museum, in Warren, Ohio.Packardtimeline helps to raise money and awareness while preserving our rich local and national history. Working with another software engineer, we incorporated a full site search along with original company internal newsletters. This allowed both employees and public to search and locate information on family members who worked at Packard; who at one time was one of the area’s largest employers.
This was a major achievement for the museum and can be found in the National Packard Museum awards hall.

What is Knowledge Management?

Knowledge Management is the capturing and storage and population of core knowledge that is crucial to the way we operate as a company. This is also known as codification.

Delphi uses knowledge management for training, reference and documentation purposes. Our knowledge management system is called Packardpedia. This harkens back to our original name and that of the mind-set in which one would leverage an encyclopedia. We employ a Wikipedia style format with the ability for anyone to create a page; which could then be approved for release by a subject matter expert or SME.

I created a new front end for this process, starting with a unique logo. The idea here was that people contribute globally. Each person is a puzzle piece that makes up the structure of the total sum. Likewise, we are joined by linking minds and thoughts, with one piece contributing to multiple others. It was then personified with the addition of ‘My’ and features a version of the ‘My Pages’; or pages the user has authored, logo. A custom icon set was developed to create rollover buttons on the page. These would include ways to view all available content, essentially shop for pages, the topics you have chosen to follow, select favorite unique pages, the ability to request a page, create a page, approve if you are an SME, and an index of all pages you have authored.

Each page features a common theme and layout. This allows the reader to quickly and easily decipher the structure and purpose of the page. Pages are written in a manner so that it can be understood without challenge by an outside reader. Pages feature attached images and documents along with embedded video. Related topics are populated along right hand border.

What is Packard Connect?

Packard Connect was an internal program designed to being employees together through technology and better their work life balance. The benefits would be a more efficient and effective workforce. This would include the implementation and training on various programs that allow people to enjoy a more lightweight
interface with their work, and allow global online access, giving the option to work remotely if needed.

A three day workshop for the connected worker was constructed around the promotion of peer to peer collaboration and development of trust relationships. Keynote speakers were sourced along with tech companies such as Microsoft.

The Packard Connect website was built in the SharePoint Online environment so that it could be accessed anywhere in the world with an internet connection. This site featured the most recent news in workshop development so that invited guests can follow along. The technology portion boasted an array of helpful sites on promoting worker connectivity and trends. The last two home page columns featured a twitter feed and internal Yammer feed; which is used to keep social connections internally and run meetings. Other sections include more information on the Connect program and biographies with video links for the scheduled guest speakers for the workshop.

Responsive web design was employed during the construction of the site. This allowed the design and layout to change based on the size of the screen you are viewing the content on. Mobile use was a large push for this workshop and the columns needed to stack in order accordingly to the given available space.

Visual Design Elements

Many times for presentations or displays the need to create high contrast, striking visual representation arises. Visual engagement is paramount in capturing the attention of the audience. The images shown here were created for the use at the National Packard Museum’s Legacy weekend, where an open house venue featured displays based heavily around automotive advancement and modern technologies.

Delphi specializes in automotive electrification and development. Therefore, most of the these images feature different types of hybrid technology, ignition systems, and in-car infotainment or interface. Additional displays showed then and now differences from their humble beginnings 125 years ago , along with images focusing on modern processes and technologies.

Dual Monitor Interactive Displays

These dual monitor displays were placed around the National Packard Museum to convey content I had put together for their Legacy Weekend. Images scrolled through the top monitor with text boxes and descriptions of the content shown. The lower monitor played a looped film that featured different processes and products that both myself, our videographer, and corporate media had produced.

The 2016 DCS Connector Catalog

This catalog showcases all of Delphi’s hi-voltage and hybrid connector systems to be presented to outside consumers. This select connector and wiring market represents our leading edge in wiring technology. For 2016, I had the opportunity to pitch a design refresh for both the cover and internal page layout. Ultimately, my design was selected and is currently in production to be released.

This is just one example of my internal and external marketing services for Delphi.

Kettering Student Trifold

Each year, Delphi takes on a group of graduate students set to begin internships or co-op positions through Kettering University. These students spend time with Delphi over the summer to gain experience in the work field and to gain personal interest. I was tasked to design a trifold brochure to be used first for recruiting purposes at Kettering University and then proliferated to other engineering and technology schools.

Each trifold highlighted our key processes and programs and provided student testimonials. Likewise, trifolds were developed to encompass other Delphi disciplines for promotional use.

The history of GSD video production was empirical to the foundation of the multi-media based capture of knowledge at Delphi.

Animation Creation

There are multiple instances where animation is required. Examples of these situations can be such as conveying a story or to be used as a precursor for a video production. The above animation was created for the Packard Connect, connected worker program. This would be used before any Connect branded video is played. Likewise, the animations to the right were to be used for the introduction of media created by our internal production team. The top most animation is the final concept, with the bottom being the first.

SharePoint Web Site Creation

SharePoint allows you to scratch build websites and host large quantities of data that is internal to the company and its employees. I have built sites in both 2010 and SharePoint Online environments. Depending on the site, graphics are used heavily; while others use XLS style coding to generate content through SharePoint lists. Being able to point to content allows people to make changes on the back end of a site, and the front end will update accordingly.

Packardpedia Media Center

By using Yammer, employees from other countries can easily translate text and become aware of the content provided and where to find it.

The Packardpedia Media Center is a nesting of services that is used to promote, share, and collaborate on all media formats. This includes massive image libraries, streaming video, graphic design, animation, marketing materials, along with the options to collaborate with a design specialist (myself) to create custom, as needed content. This service is available to all employees globally with content living in SharePoint, a mapped community drive, and our video portal. I also used Yammer as an open support forum and means to market services internally. By using Yammer, employees from other countries can easily translate text and become aware of the content provided and where to find it. Work is currently growing at a rapid pace in conjunction with the Mexico and European territories.

Building a Relationship

I started working for VACCAR as an outside concept artist in late 2009 for the 2010 Model year. Then, it was called Aaron Vaccar signature series which was a styling house and coach works facility located out of Northeast Ohio. Aaron Vaccar being the young entrepreneur behind the name and projects. It was my job to bring their ideas to life via photo realistic rendering and manipulation.

Winning the bid would secure the vehicle for the coach builder to promote the builder, the OEM, and the aftermarket suppliers.

These renderings were then submitted along with a written proposal to the participating manufactures who were entertaining bids on custom vehicle production based on next model year cars for the annual SEMA show. Winning the bid would secure the vehicle for the coach builder to promote the builder, the OEM, and the aftermarket suppliers.

The 2010 Ford Fusion was my first attempt to secure a vehicle for VACCAR and was met with great success!

Instant Success

The completed Ford Fusion featured a unique color scheme, wheels, custom turbocharger system and interior upgrades. Although final decisions during the build made for some variance from the original promotional rendering, the build was extremely well received and set the pace for the next five years to follow!

A design award winner

A design award winner, the Fusion was featured exclusively by the Ford Motor company for display in their main showcase. The build was also featured on Autoblog and a host of other current event based automotive websites.

Aiming Higher

For 2011, we took our success and ran with it. Instead of just a single pitch to the Ford Motor company, we decided to make proposals to include General Motors and Honda. Although it is difficult for a new-to-the-scene builder to secure the limited higher end and expensive builds, we were determined to get ourselves noticed through my artwork whether we won the promotion or not.

we were determined to get ourselves noticed through my artwork whether we won the promotion or not.

Shown here was a take on the then new Camaro convertible, shown in a triple candy paint, a custom interior and turbo kit. Proposals were also made on the Sonic vehicles. A unique twist on a heritage based Mustang convertible; again shown with a power adder, a custom F150, and a matte black VIP style Lincoln MKS rounded out the additional promotions to Ford. Honda was sent a twist on the new CRZ two door hybrid model.

Our final proposal to Ford was a Fiesta concept featuring a matte silver paint and the European spec front end conversion. An ‘active lifestyle’ promotion showed a custom bike rack and color scheme matching single speed road bike. Matching matte black wheels and headlight bezels were to give the Fiesta a more macho look, while red outlines on the wheels promoted a racy feel.

Like most of the builds, certain aspects were changed by the time it made final production; but the Fiesta was again a noted show winner and placed on display with Ford. Although we were not able to secure a GM product; our efforts did not go unnoticed and put us on track for the next build year.

2012

The following year brought another round of proposals to both GM and Ford Motor Companies. For this year we claimed three factory builds, an Escape SUV from Ford, a Focus sedan, and a Spark hybrid from General Motors. A third build was produced when a relative had passed on a Cadillac Eldorado. The ‘Club’ Cadillac was used as a play on both the ‘clubbing’ or party scene of today’s youth and also to promote a long time sponsor; The Club, a theft deterrent device.

All three builds for 2012 were a huge success in each of their rights.

The spark was one of two vehicles promoted to have a matching drum kit to go along with the car, bringing an all new take on ‘mobile entertainment’. A touring styled Fusion along with a Mustang convertible concept based on the outgoing SS Camaro rendering was also sent to Dearborn, MI for review.

All three builds for 2012 were a huge success in each of their rights. The Rock n’ Spark concept opened up new doors at GM for future builds, while further promoting our social youth platforms. The Urban Adventurer Escape and the Nightstalker Focus paved the way for yet another year of successful partnerships with the Ford Motor Company and showed that we were ready to take on the higher end vehicle lines. Used as a continuous promotional tool, the Escape also served as a company vehicle for VACCAR.

The Club Cadillac is still being used a marketing tool for VACCAR and The Club making rounds on the annual show circuit.

2012 also brought the name change from Aaron Vaccar signature series, to VACCAR; in an attempt to brand a lifestyle design outfit versus a promotional vehicle company.

2013

VACCAR had a different outlook going into 2013 with the name change and branding goals. Although again multiple concepts were submitted to both Ford Motor Company and General Motors for this year; we were ultimately hoping to be granted the award for a Ford Transit Vehicle to help promote the new Blood and Grease line of clothing. Blood and Grease was the first of a new campaign to have the VACCAR name plate reach more potential youth customers on an individual or social level.

For the first time, the company was going to be building a vehicle to span multiple business ideas.

Our hard work paid off that year with the bid for the new Transit vehicle being awarded to VACCAR. We would now not only have a promotional item for VACCAR but also something to directly tie the Blood and Grease clothing line at every venue.

For the first time, the company was going to be building a vehicle to span multiple business ideas, and the execution of the build was to be crucial to the success of each. The Blood and Grease Transit Delivery lived up to its name for delivering outstanding results in both promoting the VACCAR and clothing lines. The vehicle release was also coordinated with the launch of the Blood and Grease social media site in which like minded builders and general automotive community can gather and share builds and ideas. The transit delivery vehicle continues to be a huge asset to VACCAR today as it routinely can be found being used for special activities / VIP shuttle service with Disney World in the Orlando area, the new home of VACCAR.

A new Home

The 2014 concept year brought many changes with the VACCAR brand. The biggest was a relocation from Northeast Ohio, to Orlando Florida where a new headquarters and design studio is currently under development. We hope to see big changes in the future for both vehicle outcome and overall growth in each business model.

now one of Ford Motor Company’s go-to builders annually.

Despite big internal changes, we made submissions to both Ford, Honda and Mercedes Benz for this year. We were able to attain a build for the current Explorer platform as we are now one of Ford Motor Company’s go-to builders annually. The Whitefall Expedition can be found at SEMA this year along with the rest of the VACCAR series vehicles. We also succeeded in clenching a last minute opportunity with Mercedes Benz.

An exciting new venture with VACCAR is the 2014-2015 partnership with Mercedes Benz as this will be the first truly high end marque that will be outfitted with the signature VACCAR touches. The rendering shows a twist on the brand that is abstract from its usual business-like settings. An outdoors theme version will feature a pop up roof based tent, all color matched to a nature toned exterior in color selection and trim. A full working kitchen is to be installed in the cargo area and will include a working sink, flat top stove element, a recessed flat screen and entertainment system along with a selection of cabinets finished to compliment the vehicle trim color.

Also shown to the right is the 2014 Whitefall Expedition parked outside Ford’s off road display at the Las Vegas based SEMA show.

Continued Growth

A new manufacture joined the SEMA ranks though the 2016 year, Hyundai. For 2015 Vaccar sent proposals to both Ford and Honda Motor Companies in efforts to gain more OEM awarded vehicles. We saw huge success in 2015 with the Ford Edge. Not only did we gain the vehicle, but my rendering was used by Ford as their sole SEMA promotion imagery with it set as the background on their company website.

The Edge is still widely used today for Vaccar brand promotion and was invited into the 2016 Hot Rod Power Tour by SEMA’s ‘Young Executive’s Network’. Although I remain behind the scenes, I am very proud of my accomplishments with Vaccar. The 2016 SEMA production year was just about to hit full swing here as we currently awaited answers from Ford, Hyundai, and Honda for the big fall show here in November. Annual submittals still total around 3-6 per OEM, each carrying their own unique themes. 2016 yielded 2-3 vehicles to be built this season.

I have helped the Vaccar team make the vaunted 35 under 35 for featured SEMA builders.

Shown here is the 2015 Edge out in public as it has been touring the country along with the Hot Rod Power Tour. I have also found that I have helped the Vaccar team make the vaunted 35 under 35 for featured builders that was just recently released. I expect nothing less than substantial growth in the future as Vaccar grows larger and larger.

2016 and 2017 have been whirlwind years, as we secured more build from Ford and Hyundai including our Veloster proposal. Although we can’t show you 2017 yet; stay tuned with VACCAR as we release towards November of this year for another success at SEMA!

Out of the Ashes

Eight Stack is a company reborn from the demise of Dynatek – Dynaformance made Classic Fuel Injection. When creating the Classic Fuel Injection system, we employed the use of a company named Accuform Mfg. Accuform is a CNC and machining company based out of the Youngstown, Ohio area that designs and builds a multitude of industrial parts, specializing in aluminum and alloy based production. Serving as a third party between our foundry and Dynatek / Dynaformance; Accuform took the charge of the castings and provided all the necessary machine work to both the throttle body units and intake manifolds.

Eight Stack is a company reborn from the demise of Dynatek – Dynaformance made Classic Fuel Injection.

In 2010, the owner of Accuform, Bob Hockenberry; a long time automotive enthusiasts and entrepreneur, decided to purchase the rights to the Classic Fuel Injection system and start fresh with an all new approach on product development, sales, and branding. Eight Stack was born. Named after the 8 individual runner velocity stacks placed upon the traditional automotive carburetors; the new name was as catchy as it was easily recognized. I joined the team shortly after the initial purchase as an outside consultant and took the role as what would best be described as the Creative Director.

Named after the 8 individual runner velocity stacks

Handling every aspect personally of all marketing, media design attributes, web development and branding; I worked with a small, yet dedicated team to produce what was to be a huge industry hit and multiple award winner in 2014, earning New Product of the Year awards at both SEMA (Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association) and the NSRA (National Street Rod Association) national trade shows. This was/is an enormous feat in the aftermarket automotive marketplace.

By late 2014, Eight Stack had caught the attention of the re known automotive exhaust company, Borla. Borla acquired Eight Stack at the end of November, joining the ranks with their all new Induction Division. I am extremely excited to see how much larger it can grow under it’s new thriving corporate backing. I fully expect Eight Stack to become a household name among known performance products for years to come.

Vintage Looks, Modern Performance

Eight Stack injection systems are modern variants of the vintage 1960’s era Weber carburetors, which can be found mounted on the engines of the World’s most legendary racing cars including LeMans, INDY, and even early NASCAR.

Increased performance gains mixed with a drop-dead gorgeous aesthetic

The Eight Stack system provides all of the heritage looks with none of the headache. Increased performance gains mixed with a drop-dead gorgeous aesthetic has allowed the Eight Stack system to find it’s way onto some of the highest quality competition show cars built today. Allowing owners to take home the highest honors.

Shown is the Smokin’ Oates Mustang outfitted with the Eight Stack system. A car built with modern Ferrari inspired technology and classic design. A perfect presentation of what Eight Stack stands for.

Choosing a Direction

My main priority at Eight Stack was to make sure the product was branded and advertised in a manner that directly reflected our products. A dark, classy, and intriguing motif was chosen to best convey our injection systems.

Subtlety was very important and a less-is-more simplistic approach focused on elevating to a plateau not approached by general performance parts. These had to be marketed like premium automotive jewelry that justified the higher price points. Ads shown here were featured in Hot Rod and Street Rodder magazines respectfully.

Subtlety was very important and a less-is-more simplistic approach focused on elevating to a plateau not approached by general performance parts.

Shown here is the inset of a trifold display highlighting the product features and potential options. In house customization included polishing and powder coating services, specialty spun velocity stacks, color matched high flow banjo fuel fittings, linkage assemblies and engraving.

Mentionable achievements include complete U.S.A. production and assembly. Refinements in the Eight Stack systems also allowed the certification for legal use in European countries.

Our most important venue for releasing current updates on the available systems was our website. Featuring system specification, testing results, a how-to section and multiple customer installations; the online presence of Eight Stack brought the products to a personal level.

Dealers had a monthly showcase, new product releases, show schedules, and dealer location and contact information was also listed. An all new format was built to cleanly incorporate our new found growth that had forced unplanned original site expansion. Due to the purchase by Borla, it was unfortunately never put into fruition.

New product development has been a monumental aspect in bringing Eight Stack to the forefront of the modern induction playing field.

…earned it the 2014 New Powertrain Product of the Year at SEMA.

Development work around the Coyote 5.0 liter DOHC engine brought close ties with Ford Motor company to the product and has earned it the 2014 New Powertrain Product of the Year at SEMA. We expect great things to come from this super popular high revving platform. Not to forget our roots; we also have started development on a budget based system that features all of the performance gains without the added cost and aesthetics. Look for a release sometime in mid 2015!

The Big Screen Premiere

An exciting opportunity in late 2013 found Eight Stack on the Big Screen with a cameo in the blockbuster hit Iron Man 3!

if your product is cool enough for Tony Stark, chances are; it’s cooler than anything anyone else has.

A natural choice for the hotrodding, eccentric, technology mogul turned super hero; the Eight Stack systems looked at home on the work bench of Tony Stark between a few of his prized cars. It was a really exciting way to market the product as if your product is cool enough for Tony Stark, chances are; it’s cooler than anything anyone else has. Small block Chevrolet and Windsor Ford systems are shown on the workbench of Tony Stark in Iron Man 3.

A Continued Winner

Eight Stack has achieved multiple prestigious industry awards over the last few years, most notably its award for Best New Product in the powertain division at SEMA 2014. A New Product of the Year was also awarded in 2013 by the NSRA at the Street Rod Nationals.

The Eight Stack system has also been featured on multiple Riddler build show cars; which are the highest judged and detail oriented custom cars on the planet. There can be no shortcuts to quality and certainly no typical off-the-shelf parts used. The Eight Stack is truly a unique induction system to be able to be successfully used here.

highest judged and detail oriented custom cars on the planet.

Also shown above is the National Street Rod Association Giveaway truck. This was built by Goolsby Customs and featured the award winning Eight Stack injection. Purchased in late 2014 by Borla; I cannot wait to see where the next steps bring the company as its been a reward and a privilege to see it through its initial development to what is has become today.

Who is Primus Medical

A company focused in the long term care medical industry; I joined Primus in 2010 as a Graphic Designer faced with a new set of challenges fresh from the automotive world I was used to. I was quickly promoted to the position of Creative Director; overseeing all marketing, multi media, web design and product sales. Over the course of over four years, I have helped a company with very little presence become a now national staple in the long term care industry. 2015 saw the acquisition by Drive Medical and continued to fund growth. Projects ranged from full trade show exhibit design, new product development and ideation design, driving sales campaigns, product photography and operational manuals, to instructional video production and web management. Trained in basic FDA Quality Systems process, I became versed in document control and regulation, along with experience in SOP, WI and Product Inspection procedures.

Primus Medical is a long term care and bariatric product development,
manufacturing and distribution company.

Primus Medical is a long term care and bariatric product development, manufacturing and distribution company. Long term care referring to extended stay products developed for hospital patients, residents of nursing homes or rehabilitation facilities, and sanctions such as hospice programs in which individuals require high quality care products.

Based out of the Boardman, Ohio area, Primus has served the immediate community under different names for the past 20 years. In early 2009, the business was re branded as Primus Medical. I joined the operations in 2010 to help bring Primus to the national level of product sales and promotion. Through two stages of re branding, I have solely driven the marketing end of Primus Medical to achieve the goals it has reached today. Starting with nothing but a bi-fold piece of literature; I have
photographed, edited, built brochures, presentations and marketing presentations around every product. To include trade show displays, web media, video presentations, new product development, instructional manuals, packaging, quality management and document control procedures.

Leading towards the future

As the Creative Director for Primus Medical. I oversaw all printed literature, co-branding and promotional items. Shown are some brief samples of my work. All print media was laid out in a uniform fashion based upon the Primus Medical Branding and Design document that I had written. This document allowed for a regulated constant in product placement, specified color models and logo sizing. The document spanned all printed media and also included guidelines for product labeling and logo art.

Aesthetics were kept clean, simple, and repetitive to promote the branding.

Shown above are some samples of various instructional or sales sheets. I did a good amount of custom branding for vendors carrying our products. As for our own products, each was represented with a multitude of images, graphic specifications, and associated supporting art. There are hundreds to show. Aesthetics were kept clean, simple, and repetitive to promote the branding.

Breakthrough Product Development

One project I worked closely with our engineering team on was the Freedom Rise bed chair. The idea of this product was to offer a home-use solution to the need of a secondary person when getting in and out of bed for those who require assistance. The product sold as a bed, converts to an upright chair and delivers a standing final position to the end user. A simple two button remote ensured ease of use.

Although the final variant strayed from the original concepts aesthetically, the function remained and the costs were adhered to. Once inception was breached, I worked on constructing a dedicated website for the product, an instructional video for home setup and various literature and promotional display pieces.

Taking part in a product that helps to improve the
quality of life when individuals need it most has been a rewarding experience, knowing what you do makes a direct difference in peoples lives.

Web and trade show promotional media helped to grow a national consumer base that has enjoyed great success. Taking part in a product that helps to improve the
quality of life when individuals need it most has been a rewarding experience, knowing what you do makes a direct difference in peoples lives.

These initial concept sketches were drawn over our proof of concept model. We had wanted to capture a user friendly design that didn’t look overly out of place in a home setting. This was supposed to mimic a piece of furniture versus hospital equipment.Various concept studies were explored upon for both traditional and modern looks. Key features were considered from a cost based perspective.

To compliment later designs; ideation was developed around built in bed chair accessories. These included built in arm rests, removable body and trim pieces on a
modular unit, ambient lighting, fixed touch pad remote systems and a collapsible over the bed table for those who were to be extended length users of the product.

Design should always be directed at improving a product function and the end user experience.

Although the final design of the initial Freedom Rise bed chair was forced to be very minimal, utilizing existing product tooling; the exploration opened up options that could potentially be used in a later version and tested well during demographic studies.

Design should always be directed at improving a product function and the end user experience. A higher end version 2.0 would likely see more concept come to feasibility.

Creating Large Industry Presence from a Small Footprint

Web and social media campaigns helped to drive Primus Medical to where we are today. A comprehensive website featured weekly product blog updates, corporate show scheduling, downloadable product content, owners manuals, and replacement part guides.

Products are broken up by section and are easy to navigate with simple design elements for a clean yet structured look. Each featured item has a corresponding high resolution sales sheet that can be saved in PDF form. A straightforward approach that communicates product knowledge directly to near any user.

Trade shows represent a large portion of inter industry communication and new business relationships. As most people are drawn in by first impressions; it is
imperative to Primus Medical that our displays are immediately engaging to the viewer.

Every element is a crucial advantage to success.

Shown here is our latest X-snap display that allows new elements of depth and tension to the viewing surface. Although we also have twin large booth displays, this can be easily transported and assembled in minutes. Decisions like this make the difference between making elaborate sales presentations a burden and an optimized, effective presentation, allowing a stand out sales pitch. In this business you are defined by how you are represented.

Every element is a crucial advantage to success.

Proven Success

By 2014, Primus Medical had become so prominent despite its physical size, that it was bought out by Drive Medical; a large firm out of the New York area. Unfortunately this meant the disbanding of portions of the business and the absolving into their own branding structure. Still, none of this would have been possible without professional, exacting marketing and web presence.

Classic Fuel Injection

My years with Dynaformance were based around the design, development, and marketing of the Classic Fuel Injection system. The injection system was born in the late days of Dynatek Racing. We had exhausted ourselves in the now saturated Mustang marketplace and had a large undertaking with Superformance and Shelby replica and continuation cars.

The injection system was developed as a product of a styling exercise when designing an air cleaner system for the problematic, yet stunning Weber carburetor; in which we also sold. While studying airflow and fueling issues, we thought it would be an enthusiast hit to develop a look-a-like system that kept the retro aesthetics, but featured modern fuel injection. Other companies produced an individual throttle body system, but none that captured the classic essence that drove customers to the fickle carburetors.

History Revisited

The idea to capture the essence of the Weber carburetor while harnessing the spacial requirements and function of a modernized fuel injection unit was daunting at best. Not only did it have to look right, but we had to make enough change to the system to protect ourselves from any sort of copyright or trademark infringement. Once we had determine the initial aesthetics we turned to the packaging aspect.

The final product was truly genius in design.

What was constructed were hollow castings essential turning each two runner assembly into a giant linked throttle body; each housing a pair of fuel injectors, and fuel fittings. The top portion of each was cast solid, then machined and o-ringed to become a ‘wet’ hat that fuel ran through. Dummy adjustment screws were set into the original positions. Custom banjo bolts were designed and produced to allow for proper fuel volume. The system had to withstand changes in fuel pressure from an original design of 6-8 psi, to accommodate 40-50 psi or higher.

The lack of choke horns allowed us to increase the throttle body bore size internally and maximize airflow. The hidden injectors sprayed downward onto the butterfly plates while the injector harnesses were run out of the bottoms of the throttle bodies. Since the computer required a means of airflow measurement to compensate for fuel delivery; special intake manifolds were developed with a sealed hollow plenum underneath that was tapped into each cylinder runner. This plenum had to be large enough to provide as a balanced manifold to feed signal to a remote mounded MAP sensor. A provision for a throttle position sensor was cast and machined into the firewall facing body to coordinate throttle opening to the ECM. The final product was truly genius in design.

During the prototype and R&D stages, multiple systems were produced to test theory and functionality. These included concept model SLA or rapid prototype units to show the final form and CNC billet aluminum assemblies for testing on running engines/vehicles.

Creating a Legend

Shown here are the undersides of the plastic prototype units, a mock 3-D model of the working prototype units and a proposal of the initial banjo style fuel fitting design. We were able to construct a working 2 piece traditional banjo assembly for the final design. Challenges were faced with sealing the much higher levels of fuel pressure.

Development and refinement of the system continued for approximately a year and a half from initial design to initial customer sales.

Working prototypes led to final production units that met our high standards of aesthetic and mechanical function. With this step out of the way, we sought to tackle our next hurdle; making the systems function live and assemble a package that can be handed to the customer complete with a startup tune and a semblance of self learning technology. We wanted these systems to be as plug-and-play as possible.

We wanted these systems to be as plug-and-play as possible.

Fortunately, most of our development work had crossed into these conflicts and we had a strong head start on functionality. Using a Speed Density design to control fueling; changes were made by the computer by monitoring intake air temperature, coolant temperature (cold start mapping), manifold pressure (vacuum), throttle position, and exhaust gas temperature. We developed a terminated wiring harness and tested with an optional retrofit fuel pump kit which supplied a 255 lph pump, 3/8 (-6AN) line, high pressure regulator and a return kit. An electronic distributor was the only necessary addition to be provided by the end user.

Initial units proved extremely effective on most street driven sub 450 cubic inch displacement engines with non radical cam shafts.

Manuals and schematics were developed to walk the end user through the entire installation and retrofit process. Full breakdowns of all included items on the fuel system were also included.

Challenges here were trying to eliminate the amount of technical support required when a vague guide is sent out to the public. Having a wiring harness with every pigtail end being unique, sans injector clips was a huge help here. Even still, it took a full understanding of the system to blindly guide customers over the phone in all aspects of installation and tuning.

Heavily Tested

Products that don’t function as they are intended or designed can be considered paperweights in the automotive industry. This was not the case for the Classic Fuel Injection system. Multiple hours were spent using an engine dynamometer building and testing systems across a variety of engine makes. Not to be limited by our initial repli-car based market; systems shown here include the big block Chevrolet, The 392 Chrysler Hemi, and the GM LS series cross ram intake manifold.

Products that don’t function as they are intended or designed can be considered paperweights in the automotive industry.

Each system had it’s own unique characteristics for tuning and fuel/timing delivery. I worked in a team with our engineer to develop manuals for the customer to easily understand the parameters of the programmable ECM units if one were to choose to go away from the simplistic ‘self learning’ modules. Through testing, we found the Classic Fuel Injection was capable of supporting over 650 horsepower while remaining naturally aspirated. A total draw of all eight runners allowed for an incredible 2300cfm of total airflow.

A Marketing Sweetheart

The great success of the Classic Fuel Injection found us once again seeing multiple magazine coverage. Having deep roots in the vintage Cobra and GT40 marketplace; it was fitting to have two full features in Kit Car magazine. Articles were focused around the gains swapping from carbureted to the CFI system, and a full comparison installing the CFI in place of a traditional Weber unit on a vintage GT40 racecar.

These images show the final images of the Classic Fuel Injection development for the vintage market. The systems were a huge success amongst the crowd of current Weber carburetor users and grew an instant following among repli-car -continuation vehicle marques such as the Superformance, ERA, and Shelby.

huge success among the crowd of current Weber carburetor users.

To the untrained eye, it was near impossible to tell that these were actually fuel injected and offered modern driveability, increased fuel mileage and horsepower. The intake manifolds that had been redesigned to maximize the full potential of the throttle bodies’ increased airflow were also quick to sell, as they boasted a tremendous improvement from the vintage manifolds suited for a 48IDA Weber base.

These systems would eventually continue on today with great success as Eight Stack; now by Borla.

A New Breed of Pony

My time with Dynatek Racing began in late 2004 when I was awarded the position of an intern designer while in college. I carried my senior internship program into a full time designer post graduation in 2005. Dynatek had history sponsoring ARCA series racing campaigning a Cup car in the sub NASCAR level.

In 2005 Dynatek Racing was redirected as a custom coach works facility taking on the then all-new retro S197 Mustang platform. We were able to secure pre-production bodies-in-white to develop our own signature line of unique Mustangs and accessories. The following pages capture that development and the success we had with our products.

Ultimately we chose to blend traits from each category to have a road race inspired street car with a classic flair.

Various themes and ideas were explored upon before determining which direction we would like to take our new found Mustang platforms. Aesthetics vary from 1960s-1970s
TransAm Series inspired themes, to a sleek modern street car. Wilder ideas explored on a full blown road race ALMS GT1 group theme.

Ultimately we chose to blend traits from each category to have a road race inspired street car with a classic flair.

Defining the Details

Once the final concept was decided upon, more sketches and renderings were created to fine tune the design language. The hockey stripe accent was one facet we wanted to carry over into all the street model cars. A matching offset color rear filler panel also carried over to the final production vehicles.

With any good product, the separation from afterthought to well development can always be found in the details.

One of our largest challenges was to create unique design features that we could modify the existing body structure around; but would allow us to refrain from any type of paint work and factory color matching. Items such as DR350 badges; denoting a 350 horsepower Dynatek Racing Mustang, covered existing holes left in the front fenders when removing the factory badges for stripe placement.

With any good product, the separation from afterthought to well development can always be found in the details. I worked on a multitude of accessory add-ons that provided subtle yet engaging design features to dress both the exterior, interior and under hood portions of the vehicles. The higher the trim model, the more design features could be found throughout the car.

Modular Thinking

Shown here are different styles that were explored upon to incorporate into the higher level Mustang platforms. The idea was to create a form where we could cut away at the existing bumper and slide a matte black molded plastic or fiberglass rear diffuser section and securely fasten it to the existing uni-body structure. The S197’s forward fuel tank placement allows for lots of working room here not previously found on Mustangs.

This provides stability and grip at speed.

The same plug and play design model was used to develop a front splitter for the cars. A front splitter is an extension at the lowest part of the facia that acts as a wedge in the airflow. The incline catches oncoming air pushing the nose of the vehicle downward, while the underside of the splitter is smooth and extends back, again creating a vacuum effect. This provides stability and grip at speed. A heat extractor hood was also put into development for racing applications.

Completed Vehicles

The completed cars were available in four trim levels; the DR250, DR350, DR350R and DR500. The standard 350 horsepower V8 model shown here featured all the basic Dynatek appointments, badges, dress up and performance enhancements. Although formidable, it could be ordered as an off road only ‘R’ package, with full racing suspension, CNC cylinder heads and various other drivetrain options to boast near 400 horsepower without aspiration.

Featured in Muscle Mustangs and Fast Fords magazine for High Speed Vehicle Packages including our unique front splitter.

The top of the line DR500 concept build featured unique custom made 19” vintage Panasport style wheels, a side exit under car exhaust, heat extractor hood and water to air cooled supercharger system. Power output boasted over 520 crank horsepower. Cost limited to a one off production, the DR500 embodied the original concept of a modernized Trans Am style road racer for the street. Although Dynatek Racing ventured into multiple vehicle marketplaces and development, the S197 Mustang will always be the staple point of the high performance brand.

Reconfigurable Innovation

The following images are from a 2005 automotive interior design studio sponsored by Collins & Aikman/ Sanyo. My goal for this project was to create a design that could be utilized across multiple vehicle lines and would include a modular center console. This would couple with Sanyo’s infotainment systems to create a concept able to be produced in the near future.

Awarded Most Reconfigurable Console Innovation: C&A/Sanyo 2005.

A full scale functioning center console shown here was created complete with ratchet style center console arms able to pivot by locking and unlocking with a turn of the contoured knobs. A DVD player and LCD screen is integrated into to the main body assembly. The silver center portion features storage areas, but is modular in construction and can be removed to replace with in-car entertainment and climate controls. Awarded Most Reconfigurable Console Innovation: C&A/Sanyo 2005.

Initial sketches ranged from a variety of fixed position ‘solid’ console designs, to a mixture of floating center stack designs using large masses of open space to promote both open storage and a less weighted design.

From these concepts, the final design language of the console to be produced was based; taking key features from a select few sketches which would evolve into a console that not only had anamorphic styling cues, but could actually be moved in real time to suit the product end user.

Maximizing Your Design

Exploring further upon the idea of a center console that could be readily reconfigured within the same vehicle or even multiple lines greatly intrigued me. The greatest asset to maintaining interest in a vehicle is personalization and functionality. If you can keep things interesting while providing for ever changing needs; you are going to have happy customers and lifetime followers to your brand.

From an OEM standpoint, the idea of having one set of tooling that can span multiple vehicles is an outstanding accomplishment.

From an OEM standpoint, the idea of having one set of tooling that can span multiple vehicles is an outstanding accomplishment. Generally only small interior items can cross over multiple lines, with the largest being an in-dash stereo or navigation unit. By keeping both the center console re-configurable and the including inset modular in construction; the potential to save large sums of money while achieving vastly different interior aesthetics and trim levels has just become a reality.

The ideation to the side and below show the final design direction and transition from the latest iteration to the concept that will be developed. A key note that is illustrated here, is the carry over mechanics of articulation to the arm rest assembly. By giving the same dual rotation points; you open up even more options for storage, comfort, and aesthetics.

Both assemblies can also now be moved fore and aft along a track inside the vehicle. Combined with the articulation; you now give the user literally
hundreds of possible configurations. Cup holders are fixed in the lower potion of the frame assembly. Ambient LED lighting trims the modular units while also being used underneath to provide for cargo, vanity, and mood lighting.Seating is shown mounted on the winged stanchions flanking the center console.

A modular center stack meant for easily interchangeable console configurations. Sharing a common power outlet, the modular construction let the user then have their own choice of various plug in styles versus being limited with whatever their vehicle sold with.

Self Defined Style

Again, personalization mixed with functionality is key here. It allows for both budget and controlled growth as you want or require more integrated technology or perhaps a plug in focused solely on a key in vehicle aspect; such as a high end audio unit that eliminates all storage. Final marker sketches help to illustrate various plug in and infotainment access points. Storage and stow away sections are also highlighted here. A unique ratcheting mechanism can be locked or unlocked with knobs for the concept model; however this action would be electronically controlled in a production version.

A modular center stack meant for easily interchangeable console configurations.

A series of limit switches and program parameters would eliminate all pinch point scenarios. Sensory nodes placed underneath the armrest and center stack portions would also prevent the end user from crushing any stowed items during a transition.

These final marker renderings represent the three basic configurations of the center console. The main positions can be referred to from top left and clockwise; an upright vertical stack position, a lowered traditional sports position, and an elevated position. These configurations could range from economy cars, SUV platforms, high performance vehicles and touring sedans.

Each offers a vastly different style using the same platform.

Note how each position offers different possible storage solutions and potential accessory placement. Each offers a vastly different style using the same platform.

These Alias models show the final forms in a simplistic mock-up. The dashboard shown is unique in that it can be effectively used to promote all three of the basic console positions. This dash style was used as inspiration in my full scale working prototype build. Also shown are the seats mounted on the console wings.

Completed Full Scale Concept

Featured in the final model was a working LCD screen and inset DVD player.

Shown here is the final working prototype model. This was built to full scale utilizing a production passenger seat and steering wheel to offset the console and
dashboard and giving the user a true sense of the design.The knobs shown on the side act as locking mechanisms for the inset ratchet assemblies in the upright arms of the model. By unlocking them in each direction, the console and arm rest could be re-positioned to all of the aforementioned configurations.

Featured in the final model was a working LCD screen and inset DVD player provided by the co-sponsor, Sanyo. Shown below are storage for media and cellular devices. The middle main storage bin is also functional as well as the lid on the armrest.

This won Most Reconfigurable Center Console Design for 2005 by Collins and Aikman.

An Innovative Idea for an Innovative Company

The 2004 American Specialty Cars Open Air Design Studio was an experimental outreach to find the ‘Next Big Thing’ in open air driving and style. The idea was to stray from the typical convertible roof styling to create a roof design deviating from traditional folding canvas.

a unique four season canopy.

My design took the idea of open air driving one step further to incorporate an open cockpit on a vehicle that has always been closed roof, the semi tractor truck. After initial ideation and demographic polling; I decided to build a concept around a full size truck platform, but using wild forced proportions to create a powerful scaled down semi truck vehicle to be used by the general public. The roof system concept used a forced air design; creating a unique four season canopy.

This concept won ASC’s ‘Most Innovative Design’ for 2004. My 5th scale model and presentation was featured in Detroit Free Press among other periodicals.

Initial concepts centered around the traditional semi-tractor trailer truck. Shown here are modular roof pieces forming both collapsible and stow-able roof sections. While the sliding roof panels and forward sliding external glass was unique; the speedster style trucks with the low cut windshields kept my attention.

Form Follows Function

A design element I wanted to continue through the vehicle was the powerful weighted nose, and the use of open, negative space in the rear that gets balanced by powerful rear wheels and tires.

These final sketches captured the entire essence of the vehicle I wanted to create for this studio. With a silhouette resembling near a high heel shoe; this raised cabin, huge engine, open canopy, and massive dual rear tires and wheels symbolizes the perfect balance of proportions needed to pull off such a design. Style studies included touches on the custom retro market for such an extreme hauler, fitting for ASC and their own Chevrolet SSR pickup.

the perfect balance of proportions needed.

Once this side view sketch was penned and presented, I knew that this is was the final proportion to be used. Note the large use of negative space to balance the
extremely bold and weighted nose section, almost asymmetrically inverted in design.

The rendering to the left shows the added roof rails necessary for the forced air system. Thus allowing that speedster feeling no matter the environment. A frequency cancellation system was to be implemented to remove cabin noise.

A Design Winner

Most Innovative Design Winner.

Shown here is the final marker sketch for the hauler vehicle. A twin turbo charged in line diesel engine powers the monster of vehicle and runs the accessory pumps for the canopy. Below the 1/5th scale clay model can be seen at four and half feet long standing near two feet tall; massive in stature for most all concept models. My completed, award winning model is featured above. Complete with vacuum-formed head lamps and wheels, spun in pieces and adorned with real metal hardware. The model still turns heads to this day and has brought many opportunities.

The Next Big Thing

These sketch renderings represent a clay studio from 2003 sponsored by the Ford Motor Company. The basis of the studio was to create the next generation of youth vehicles and then to construct a 1/5th scale clay model based on your design. A ford based platform was to be used. My design resided on a modified Ford Focus chassis that was fitted with the venerable 32 valve supercharged Cobra engine; which will accept the engine along with a rear drive layout. A sleek 2 seater body gave way to a large tapered glass hatchback.

Capturing the essence of the next generation of Ford powered youth vehicles

The design was nicknamed the Raven; partial to Ford’s use of animal names. A small lightweight yet empowered animal that hearkens ill news for those in it’s path.

Each sketch rendering captured the essence of the vehicle as it showcased the unique vehicle features and aesthetics. These were to be used when sculpting the final clay model. Note the ‘winged’ scissor style doors also tying into the Raven nameplate. Shown to the right is an earlier rendering of the final design concept. These developments took place over a five week period where the ideation would be brought to life at scale.

Final Design and Clay Model

Placed neatly in the foreground of the city skyline are the final renderings of the Raven vehicle. These are drawn with a combination of marker, chalk, and colored pencil on a vellum paper.Final renderings are used to illustrate a finished and painted vehicle in cases when a clay model is left raw. For this studio, the only portions not to be left in clay were the windows and other features which were covered by a vinyl substrate.

packaging to promote real life design challenges.

The final fifth scale clay model is presented below. The model featured such items as hand made vaccum-formed plastic wheels and foam tires which were spun on a lathe. Tape was used to show door cuts along with trim lines. A dual plane front splitter graces the front end of the Raven. A large open mouth houses the lower heat exchanger for the supercharger system and provides for ample cooling for the canted radiator. Our study included power train and interior packaging to promote real life design challenges.