The Impulse Spotlight

The Impulse Spotlight - Episode 15

In this episode we meet with the Vice President of Product Development at MillerKnoll, a company that specializes in workplace furniture. Our guest is an avid game player spending his free time honing his skills in activities like volleyball, tennis, cornhole and darts. He also enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters.
Larry Kallio was born and raised in Lansing, Michigan. He went on to study Math and Statistics at Grand Valley State University, initially aspiring to be a high school math teacher and swimming coach. After college, Larry's career took a different turn, landing a part-time job at Steelcase, which soon evolved into a full-time role in office furniture custom development.
In 1999, after 5 years at Steelcase, Larry joined Herman Miller, now MillerKnoll, as a development engineer. Over the past 24 years he has made significant contributions to the company, leading product development and customization efforts.
Today we'll be diving into some of Larry's most notable work, specifically the development of the Renewed Height Adjustable Table. We'll explore the development process, from the initial timeline and team involvement to the key milestones and the prototyping process. Larry shares insights into the use of diecast parts for testing and the challenges faced with making world class furniture. Additionally he'll offer valuable advice for those looking to make a significant impact in the product development industry.
Join us as we learn from Larry's wealth of experience and gain a deeper understanding of the art and science of product development.
To learn more about the products Larry discusses, visit https://millerknoll.com
To learn more about Impulse, visit https://impulseproductdevelopment.com

The Impulse Spotlight - Episode 14

In this episode we speak with the Engineering Manager at FHE and discuss the Riglock 2.0 a product used in the oilfield industry to improve safety and boost productivity. Our guest is an avid inventor spending his winters in his garage 3D printing functional products and printing parts to make and upgrade 3D printers. Summers on the other hand are enjoyed at the lake with his family.
Matthew Kibler began his engineering career in 1996 working in a laboratory where he developed multi-axis titration dispensing robots. These early innovations in laboratory automation may have inspired the 3D printing technology we see today.
In 2002 Mathew transitioned to the product packaging industry, joining a company where he spent 15 years developing high-speed folder gluers, packers, and flame sealers. His journey from draftsman to CAD Manager, to Lead Design Engineer underscores his expertise and dedication to engineering excellence. In 2017, Matthew brought his wealth of experience to FHE, where he began as the sole Design Engineer. Through his leadership and vision, he built and expanded the Engineering team, becoming the Engineering Manager in 2023.
Today, we'll dive into the design process of the Riglock 2.0, exploring its features and the challenges faced in development. Matthew shares insights into the product development timeline, the impact of technology on this process, and the importance of safety and validation in product design. We'll also discuss trends in product development, strategies for improving development timelines, the importance of having a strong understanding of the tools you use and where that can take you.
To learn more about FHE and the Rig Lock 2.0, visit https://builtbyfhe.com
To learn more about Impulse, visit https://impulseproductdevelopment.com

The Impulse Spotlight - Episode 13

In this episode we speak with the Director of Engineering at Trim-Lok Inc. a company that specializes in the manufacturing of rubber and plastic extrusion products. Trim-Lok's high-quality sealing and trimming solutions are used across various industries including automotive, marine, industrial, and recreational vehicles. 
Our guest today has amassed a wealth of experience working for various large and small corporations, including Lockheed, pfizer, mattel Toys, and Rainbird. He has earned a total of 12 patents and founded his own development company, 2N2 which specializes in industrial design, product design, and tooling design, creating everything from housewares to computer electronics. Beyond his professional achievements he is a dedicated family man. He's been happily married for 21 years and is a proud father to his 19 year old triplet boys. In his free time he enjoys woodworking,playing golf, and working out. 
Ken Siegel has been a driving force at Trim-Lok for the past 18 years but Ken has a lifetime of design and development experience holding down every role from inventor to executive. Today we begin by discussing a folding hanger and a specialized plastic handle, two products Ken personally developed and brought to market.
Ken recounts his diverse experiences working with a cat litter company as well as his time at Procter & Gamble where his strategic influence had a direct impact on the trajectory of their Tide products. He also shares an example of a custom extrusion project and how his team successfully overcame the obstacles they faced. Throughout every story or example Ken provides valuable insight into the importance of adaptability and resilience in product development, emphasizing how failure can serve as a powerful growth mechanism. Ken hopes to encourage aspiring product developers to stay persistent and never give up.
To learn more about Trim-Lok, visit https://www.trimlok.com/
To learn more about Impulse, visit https://impulseproductdevelopment.com
 

The Impulse Spotlight - Episode 12

In this episode we speak with a Senior New Product Development Engineer from Ambu (Am-boo), a Denmark based medical device company specializing in devices for use in anesthetic procedures. 
Born in Southern Indiana, he attended the University of Evansville where he excelled both academically and athletically, running Division 1 Cross Country while earning a BS in Mechanical engineering with a minor in Math. 
Today he resides in the Indianapolis area with his wife and 2 children, spending his free time involved with the local running community and working as an assistant coach for a nearby high school. 
Sam Mires has been with Ambu for 4 years working at the forefront of numerous successful product launches and has a keen insight into the challenges of developing medical devices in a highly regulated industry. 
In the episode we explore the development of Ambu's Viral Bacterial Filter, a device designed to enhance patient safety during respiratory use. We discuss details of the development process and look into the technical aspects of the project such as injection mold tooling, process validation, and the importance of cross-functional teamwork.
Furthermore Sam provides insight into the importance of understanding customer needs, the push for sustainable product development, and the trends shaping the future of the medical device industry. Join us as we explore Sam's journey within product development and the lessons he's learned along the way.
To learn more about Ambu, visit https://ambuusa.com
To learn more about Impulse, visit https://impulseproductdevelopment.com
 

The Impulse Spotlight - Episode 11

In today's episode we speak with the Founder of WJ Titan, an ISO17025 accredited inspection lab focused strictly on the inspection needs within manufacturing. He was born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana and graduated from the then called, IPFW in Fort Wayne with a Marketing degree. When he's not taking micron level measurements he enjoys golfing and spending time with his wife Emily and their 3 children.
Jim Rorick began his career in the calibration and inspection industry with little prior knowledge but quickly realized it was the perfect fit for his skills and passion. After gaining professional experience and navigating a couple of acquisitions, he and a partner decided to take the leap and started WJ Titan has become a trusted name, helping manufacturers across various industries ensure their parts and specialty gauges are correctly made.
In today's discussion we discuss the multitude of tools in Jim's inspection lab used to take highly accurate and detailed measurements. We talk about communicating with clients, understanding their requirements and finding a healthy balance between working fast and performing good, precise work. We learn how each part comes with its own unique challenges and get a strong understanding of how a part moves through the quality assurance process. Join us as we develop a new understanding of an often overlooked process and gain some sympathy for the teams of people working hard to help us hit our deadlines.
To learn more about WJ Titan, visit https://wjtitan.com/
To learn more about Impulse, visit https://impulseproductdevelopment.com
 

The Impulse Spotlight - Episode 10

In this episode, we dive into the world of optical design learning about the design challenges and complexities of optical systems as well as some of the instruments used in photo labs.
Jacob Wimmer is a seasoned Optical Engineer with a lifelong affinity for lighting. Jacob's journey into the world of optical design began at a young age, spending his summers immersed in his father's optical design business, Charlevoix Design.
Little did he know then, those early experiences would shape the trajectory of his career. After studying architecture at the University of Michigan, Jason drew upon his lighting background to land a position with an architectural lighting design firm in New York City. But the call of home beckoned, and Jacob returned to northern Michigan, where he now co-manages Charlevoix Design alongside his father, Chris.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Jacob finds solace in the great outdoors, where he shares adventures with his wife and two young daughters. An avid hiker, he's tackled over half of the Appalachian Trail. He also enjoys bow hunting for white tail deer in Michigan and for elk when he can make it out to the western states.
Charlevoix Design thrives on diversity, servicing clients across various industries, from illuminated logos to automotive headlights. In our conversation today we uncover how Jacob collaborates with clients to overcome challenges in material definition and system integration and hear about Jacob's experience revolutionizing snowblower lighting. Join us as we dive into the illuminating world of optical design.
To learn more about Charlevoix Design, visit https://www.charlevoixdesign.com/
To learn more about Impulse, visit https://www.impulseproductdevelopment.com/
 

The Impulse Spotlight - Episode 9

In this episode we talk with a yacht designer about the exciting and challenging world of yacht design. 
Matt Welton grew up in Mid-Michigan where his summers were spent immersed in boating, skiing, and swimming Those formative experiences instilled a deep love for the water and a fascination with yachting.
Following his passion, Matthew attended The University of New Orleans to pursue degrees in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. When he's not designing yachts, Matthew can be found spending the majority of his free time either on or around water. 
At the beginning of 2024, Matthew took a bold step away from the corporate world to establish MW Yacht Design, a yacht design consultancy driven by his passion for innovation and excellence in yacht development.
In our conversation Matthew shares insights into one of his favorite projects, the Ocean 1 470, discussing its unique mission and the advanced technology onboard. We also explore the evolving landscape of yacht design, touching on trends like automation and electrification, and the impact these advancements have on the industry. 
Matthew offers a holistic perspective on yacht design, emphasizing the importance of both creativity and technical expertise in shaping the future of ocean luxury. Join us as we set sail into the fascinating world of yacht design with Matthew Welton.
To learn more about MW Yacht Design and the Ocean 1 470, visit https://www.mwyachtdesign.com/
To learn more about Impulse, visit https://www.impulseproductdevelopment.com/
 

The Impulse Spotlight - Episode 8

In this episode, we talk with an innovation and product development expert with over three decades of experience. He has been a guiding force for companies spanning the spectrum from startups to Fortune 500 giants, helping them through the journey from product concept to commercialization with unparalleled expertise. When he's not hard at work Tom enjoys spending his free time with his wife and family. Dr. Tom Foust's career has seen him collaborate with an impressive array of clients, including industry titans like Eli Lilly, Takeda Pharmaceutical, Frito-Lay, and Delta Faucet, and many others. Notably, he's the driving force behind the groundbreaking aqueous ozone technology, swiftly bringing it to market through his company, 30e Scientific which was honored with the Edison gold Award in 2022 for its innovative product, "Iggy." Beyond his corporate endeavors, Tom is a renowned scholar and educator. He's an Associate Faculty Member at IUPUI in Indianapolis, and has lectured at institutions such as Oxford University and the University of Birmingham, where he holds an honorary professorship. He's also an author of two books alongside numerous publications and keynote speaking engagements worldwide. Today we have the privilege of sitting down with Dr. Foust to explore the intricacies of front-end product development and the keys to fostering innovation in today's fast-paced world. In our conversation we'll take a look at Tom's latest product the "fur hero" and the pivot it made to get where it is today. We'll also discuss Tom's approach to identifying extreme users, the symbiotic relationship between designers and engineers, and the impact of strategic advisory roles in executive decision-making.
To learn more about Tom's work, go to https://sdginternational.com/ .
To learn more about Impulse, go to https://impulseproductdevelopment.com .

The Impulse Spotlight - Episode 7

In this episode we talk to a long-time colleague of mine who loves playing golf, practicing his guitar and even once played on stage with the 90's band Oleander. 
Todd Reese is the President of Realize Inc. a prototype and 3D printing service provider.
In our conversation we discuss a variety of topics within the realm of additive manufacturing and prototyping. 
From the intriguing origins of Realize Inc. to the meticulous processes involved in 3D printing. Todd shares valuable insights into the company's capabilities and specialized services.
We also dive into the importance of client education, exceeding client expectations, the technical aspects of material selection and which CAD files are most often used.
Strap in and get ready to learn about the evolution of consumer-level printers, the impact 3D printing has on a product's time to market, and the significance of preserving design details within the rapid prototyping industry.
To learn more about Realize Inc., go to https://realizeinc.com
To learn more about Impulse Product Development, go to https://impulseproductdevelopment.com/

The Impulse Spotlight - Episode 6

In this episode we talk to a polymer engineer who's upbringing in Brandenburg, Kentucky infused him with a spirit for exploration and a love for music. He has a 5 octave singing range and grew up honing his skills playing trombone in various bands.
 
Todd Cook is an R&D Engineer for Cook Polymer Technologies. Todd works in partnership with Cook medical group to develop medical components used in minimally invasive surgical equipment.
 
A scholarship from the National Science Foundation to study math modeling set him on a path toward engineering, but it was during his co-op experiences that Todd first discovered his passion for polymers. Todd's expertise in polymer engineering has led him to develop products for industry giants like GE, Electrolux, and Remington Arms.
 
Additionally Todd, alongside his friend Paul Nash, co-founded polymer eClub, an online platform dedicated to advancing polymer skill development with a focus on real-world application. 
 
In today's show we discuss the Remington Supercell Recoil Pad and learn how Todd was able to recognize a winning idea that meets all the requirements of a successful product from material advantages to market need.
 
Todd's advice on navigating the twists and turns of product development is a goldmine for aspiring designers. From idea inception to final product, he's been through it all and has plenty of stories to share.
 
Todd's enthusiasm for innovation is obvious especially when he talks about the potential of AI in creating complex and effective product models. He's all about pushing boundaries and exploring new possibilities. But it's not all smooth sailing. Todd knows firsthand the importance of persistence and grit in the face of challenges. He's here to remind us that every setback is just another opportunity to learn and grow.
To learn more about Polymer eClub go to: https://polymereclub.com/
To learn more about the Supercell Recoil pad go to: https://remarms.com
To learn more about Impulse Product Development, please visit https://www.impulseproductdevelopment.com/