The Impulse Spotlight

The Impulse Spotlight - Episode 25

In this episode, we meet with a guest who has led engineering teams for brands such as Nerf, SuperSoaker, PlayDoh, Baby Alive, FurReal, and more.
Kevin Dakan grew up outside of New York City. He had a passion for tinkering that started early when he would play with Transformers and then go home to make them out of Legos. He went to school in Buffalo, New York where he completed his degree in mechanical engineering. His first job out of school was for Fisher Price which launched a career and passion for consumer products, particularly toys.
In his free time, Kevin is a passionate sailboat racer, and met his wife while racing in the northeast. Kevin is currently looking forward to his next opportunity and excited to bring his passion for people and consumer centric innovation to his next endeavor.
In our conversation, we discussed the development of the Nerf Ultra and a new material technology that was introduced with the product. We also discussed some of the drawbacks of computer simulation and a product failure they found during physical testing that  they would never have found in a simulation because it was not a part of their model setup. Finally we talk about the importance of boldness and innovation in product development.
Join us as we dive into some of the ins and outs of developing toys for a large market.
To learn more about Impulse, please visit https://impulseproductdevelopment.com
 

The Impulse Spotlight - Episode 24

In this episode, we meet with the Vice President of Product Development for 360 Electrical. Prior to joining 360 Electrical, our guest worked for several companies developing consumer electronics..
Jonathan Hsieh, whose parents immigrated from China and Taiwan, was born and raised in Los Angeles California. After graduating with a degree in Quantitative Economics from UC Irvine, he had the opportunity to start developing consumer electronics products and hasn’t looked back. In his spare time he loves to read books and listen to podcasts pertaining to mindset.
In our discussion, Jonathan provides an in depth look at what it takes to develop phone cases. From chasing down phone data, to extremely compressed timelines, Jonathan walks us through the fast paced world of developing cases for phones. Outside of the design process, he offers some great wisdom around using rest and recovery to perform your best and some things to be mindful of when selecting vendors.
Join us as we gain a better understanding of what goes into designing and manufacturing phone cases.
To learn more about Impulse, please visit https://impulseproductdevelopment.com
 

The Impulse Spotlight - Episode 23

In this episode, we meet with the Vice President of New Product Design at PlayPower Inc, the world's largest commercial playground and recreational equipment manufacturer. Prior to joining PlayPower our guest spent 20 years creating award-winning products for consumer product manufacturers including Tomy International, Newell Brands, and Stanley Black & Decker. Outside of work he is an avid outdoorsman enjoying activities like hunting, finishing, running, camping, and hiking.
Joe Palermo leads a team of designers, engineers, and project managers bringing new and innovative play equipment to market under the PlayPower brands, Playworld, Miracle Recreation, and Little Tikes Commercial. A graduate of the University of Cincinnati, Joe now resides in Massachusetts with his wife and eight children.
Joe is passionate about inclusion and is most proud of the teams he has helped build and the people he's been able to empower, allowing them to grow while doing something they love.
In today's episode we take a look at the PlayHill playground equipment by Playworld breaking down the multiple teams of people who combine their ideas and efforts in order to produce the exact layout desired by their clients. Outside of the actual design work Joe also highlights other elements of their product design such as preparing assembly instructions, technical documentation, and meeting safety and compliance standards.
Join us as we peek behind the curtain and take a look at the industrial side of making a fun park for children.
To watch a video about PlayHills, please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2p7xXIeFow
To learn more about PlayHills, please visit https://playworld.com/playhills/
To learn more about Impulse, please visit https://impulseproductdevelopment.com
Joe would also like to give a shout out to the following people (in no particular order):
Mike Eby, Wendy Frey, Ray Seybert, Leander Shaffer, Eric Tritsch, JT Foster, Dustin Stratford, Hap Parker, Craig Mellott, Jamie Moffat, Jennifer Gates, Kylar Pontius, Levi Hauger, Bishop Aikey, Steve Stahl, Logan Corrall, Ashley Bower, Adam Krick, Megan Mertz, Ron Gibson, Zoltan Aranyos, Allen Reichenbach, Kyle Swanger, Matt Weaver, Michele Sayko, Greg Lannan, Roxane Zerbe, Kristi Teats, and the entire Lewisburg Manufacturing team.

The Impulse Spotlight - Episode 22

In this episode we meet with a New Product Development Engineer at Pro-Form Custom Packaging who has an extensive history in product design and manufacturing. Our guest has had the opportunity to work in several industries including consumer products, medical, architectural, automotive and even exercise equipment. In his free time he likes to spend time outdoors with his wife of 37 years, 2 adult children and 3 grandchildren. 
Kevin Ackeret grew up in a small town in Southern Indiana where he began his career cutting steel as a tool and die maker in the early 80's and instantly found his passion for design and machining. After a decade working as an engineer and CNC programmer Kevin moved into a role as a design engineer and has almost 35 years of experience working closely with both design and manufacturing teams
Kevin's most recent venture has brought him into the world of product packaging, introducing a whole new realm of challenges to his ever expanding portfolio. In today's episode we begin by discussing the Centurion Rack Repair System, a robust pallet rack product that is modular by design to allow for a plethora of configurations based on the repair requirements. Kevin designed  this system from the bottom up for SpaceGuard Products and provides insight into the design, testing, and manufacturing processes involved in bringing that product to market. 
For the second half of the show we learn more about packaging design. Kevin outlines the design practices used to design packaging, the consideration package designers have for the customer experience, and emerging trends with industrial design to allow for smooth and fast online collaboration between engineers. Kevin provides a very unique perspective and stands as a shining example for anyone looking to get into the industry.
To learn more about Space Guard Products, please visit https://www.spaceguardproducts.com/products/pallet-rack-repair/
To learn more about Pro-Form Custom Packaging, please visit https://www.proformcp.com/
To learn more about Impulse, please visit https://impulseproductdevelopment.com
 

The Impulse Spotlight - Episode 21

In this episode, we speak with a guest who spent his early career working at Gillette Company as a New Product Commercialization Manager where he played a key role in the development of iconic product lines such as Sensor, Mach 3, Venus, and Fusion. In his spare time he enjoys traveling with his family and spending time with his children and grandchildren. 
Ken Maider is a born and bred Bostonian. He attended Tufts University, earning a Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on Engineering Design. After his tenure at Gillette, Ken provided product development consulting for American Safety Razor. He then spent eight years at Keurig, where he contributed to the innovation of K-Cups, soft drinks, and a notable joint venture with Budweiser called Drinkworks.
In our discussion today Ken provides a detailed look at the 4 year long process of taking the Mach 3 razor from initial concept to finished product ready to go to market. Ken's expert knowledge of developing mass consumer products is clear as he walks through the multitude of front end development steps involved in designing a product. From running market tests for proof of concept to distributing thousands of prototype samples to manufacturing and automation engineers in order to prepare for mass production Ken has seen it all.
Join us as we gain a better understanding of the work required when production volume numbers are in the billions and learn a little bit more about the products we see on store shelves everyday.
To learn more about Impulse, please visit https://impulseproductdevelopment.com

The Impulse Spotlight - Episode 20

In this episode we meet with the Head of Innovations and Advanced Concepts at Keurig Dr. Pepper who's path into industrial design was unlike the typical story and has given him the opportunity to work with companies such as Steelcase, Swingline, Disney, and Marvel.
With a diverse background spanning industries from coin-operated video games to household appliances, he has honed his ability to understand and respond to the evolving needs of consumers. In his free time he enjoys flexing his artistic muscles, sketching out architectural designs, and relaxing with his family and friends.
Chris Cunningham was born in Chicago Illinois and his career has been a dynamic exploration of how design can enhance people's lives. From crafting immersive cooking experiences to designing ergonomic office products, Chris's focus has consistently been on creating products that resonate deeply with users. He believes great design is not merely aesthetic; it's a powerful tool for problem-solving and storytelling.
In today's episode we discuss the Fusion Lamination Platform, an innovative lamination product that Chris spearheaded the design of from the ground up. Chris shares his expertise on up-front design and how he was able to use those early lessons learned to plan out packaging and market space while final designs were being completed. He also provides personal anecdotes on the trade-offs within design, the decision making process, and the realities of idea creation.
Join us as we gain a new insight into the industrial design side of product development and better understand the relationships between teams that work in tandem to bring a product to market.
To learn more about the laminator and Chris' work, visit https://chriscunninghamdesign.com/
To learn more about Impulse, visit, https://www.impulseproductdevelopment.com/
 

The Impulse Spotlight - Episode 19

In this episode we speak with the Vice President of Engineering and New Product Development at Hoonigan, a leading automotive aftermarket products company.
Our guest had an extensive career in the automotive product development space, working with a wide range of products from accessories to complete specialty performance vehicles. He's a proud father of 3 adult boys, a pilot and off road racer, and spends his free time in Baja California with the Long Beach Racers team.
Ted Moncure was born and raised in Long Beach California where he still lives today with his wife of 31 years. A graduate from California Polytechnic State University, Ted worked at Toyota for 22 years, including 10 years leading Toyota Racing Development's (TRD) performance accessory team.
After leaving Toyota in 2015 Ted joined Transamerican Auto Parts where he spearheaded the engineering of trucks and off-road products under the 4 Wheel Parts brand. When 4 Wheel Parts was acquired by Hoonigans in 2021, Ted took on the role of VP of Engineering, overseeing a wide range of products from wheels to suspension systems, accessories, and lighting.
In our conversation, we discuss the intricacies of developing aftermarket suspension systems for trucks and SUVs. Ted shares his expertise on the process of measuring vehicles, evaluating safety systems, and fine-tuning suspensions to maintain stability and performance. We also discuss the challenges of staying compatible with vehicle software and how aftermarket changes can impact vehicle performance.
Ted emphasizes the importance of testing and validation in product development, the need for rapid development cycles, and the role of 3D printing in modern engineering. Ted's wealth of experience makes this a fascinating discussion for anyone interested in motorsports engineering.
To learn more about Hoonigan's products, visit https://www.hoonigan.com/ , https://teraflex.com/ for Jeep suspension products, https://www.readylift.com/ for truck suspension, https://logiqair.com/ for air systems, https://www.wheelpros.com/ for wheels, https://www.morimotohid.com/ for lighting, and https://www.zbrozracing.com/ for UTV products.
To learn more about Impulse, visit https://impulseproductdevelopment.com

The Impulse Spotlight - Episode 19

In this episode, we speak with a Senior Engineering Executive whose efforts within the automotive industry helped to develop an internal radio system that provided the building blocks for products we see today like OnStar or the Amazon Alexa.
Our guest's extensive career has seen him contribute to industry sectors including oil and gas, technology, industrial goods, robotics, and AI development. In his down time he enjoys passing his knowledge and experience to his children, teaching his daughter new technologies, how to code, 3D printing and anything related to AI development.
Art Casasa was born in Veracruz, Mexico, where he lived until he finished his studies in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering. At the age of 24 his quest for knowledge and expertise brought him to the United States, where he completed his graduate studies, earning an MS in Manufacturing Engineering, an MBA, and a Masters of Finance. He also obtained a Postgraduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning from the University of Texas at Austin and is currently pursuing a Master's in Artificial Intelligence at Penn State University. Art, his wife Marcela, and their two children now reside in the greater Houston area.
After gaining valuable Operations experience within the automotive industry, Art shifted his focus to new product introductions, working with Tier One suppliers on product development.
In this episode we discuss Art's groundbreaking work in the automotive industry, and the process that brought his radio system to life. We explore the challenges and achievements of developing this system, we discuss a different perspective of prototyping for a system instead of a product, and the importance of testing for reliability and quality. Finally we speak on rising trends within the industry including designing for sustainability, AI's impact on generative design, as well as the past, present and future of 3D printing.
To learn more about Art, visit https://artcasasa.com/
To learn more about Impulse, visit https://impulseproductdevelopment.com
 

The Impulse Spotlight - Episode 17

In this episode we meet with former Senior Director of Engineering at Fortune Brands Innovations, a company who's portfolio of brands includes Aqualisa, Emtek, Therma-Tru, Fiberon, Master Lock, and SentrySafe.
Our guest has over three decades of experience in developing new products, generating value, and overseeing multi-million-dollar facilities and equipment upgrades across various industries. Outside of his professional life he enjoys fishing, particularly traveling to coastal destinations and targeting new species to catch.
Scott Losik was born and raised just outside Detroit, Michigan. He obtained his degree in mechanical engineering from Michigan State University and kicked off his career at Ford Motor Company and eventually earned a Master's degree in Automotive Engineering from the University of Michigan. At Ford's engine lab in Dearborn, Scott specialized in engine testing and played a pivotal role in establishing new test facilities and capabilities, handling everything from testing methodologies to strategic planning and project management. Scott's expertise eventually led him to Fortune Brands, where he initially focused on faucets before expanding into building products like doors and decking.
In our discussion we learn about the product development project that Scott spearheaded called the Hybrid Valve. This innovative product platform simplified over 50 bath faucet configurations into just five valve assemblies that can be repeated across multiple products. We explore the challenges of developing the product platform, the importance of collaboration with marketing and design teams to isolate key requirements, and the value of understanding customer needs.
Scott shares insights into the benefits of platforming and the impact it has on a business, and we discuss the potential role of AI in product development for concept design and marketing insight. Scott provides a unique perspective on product development speaking from a project leadership perspective and analyzing how small decisions upfront have large impacts with a team down the line.
To learn more about Impulse, visit https://impulseproductdevelopment.com
 

The Impulse Spotlight - Episode 16

In this episode we speak with the Vice President of Product Development at Artica Collective, a company responsible for product brands like Slumberpod, Colugo, EverSprout, and Doctor's Choice.
Our guest brings a wealth of knowledge in the world of product design and development with over 16 years of experience in various industries, including consumer goods, fishing and outdoors, furniture, packaging, office supplies, medical supplies, home storage and organization, juvenile products, and home decor. Outside of his professional life he enjoys fixing things, making things better, and has recently become addicted to completing escape rooms with a group of friends. 
Gabe Prero hails from Chicago, where he still resides with his wife of 18 years, their four children, and a yellow lab. He earned his BFA in Industrial Design from the University of Illinois Chicago. Known for his technical design skills, problem solving abilities, and expertise in design for manufacturing (DFM), Gabe has successfully brought dozens of products to market and holds over 20 patents.
In the episode we discuss the development of a modular closet organization system called Closets by Liberty from Liberty Hardware. We explore the challenges faced in creating this easy-to-install system, the importance of addressing customer concerns, and the critical role of research and prototyping.
Gabe shares insights into the involvement of a dedicated team, the trends in product development, and his advice for those aspiring to make a significant impact in the industry. In a world where bringing a product to market is a massive and complicated endeavor Gabe does a wonderful job of breaking the process down into a collection of entertaining stories.
To learn more about Artica Collective, visit articacollective.com
Tor learn more about Artica Inc., visit artica.com
To learn more about Gabe’s work, visit prero.com