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Chief Engineer

Executive

For the past 12 years, I have had the privilege of working in the ski industry as a ski builder. I started my journey as an intern, eager to learn about the intricate process of crafting skis. As the years went by, I gradually worked my way up to become the chief engineer at Folsom Custom Skis.Engineering and designing a quality product for a great skiing experience has been my passion since the beginning. The process of building skis involves a combination of art and science, and I find joy in perfecting this craft. From choosing the right materials to testing and fine-tuning the final product, every step requires careful attention to detail and a deep understanding of the sport.One of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been the opportunity to work with a team of passionate individuals. As a ski builder, I have had the chance to collaborate with people from various departments, such as design, production, and marketing. This cross-functional collaboration has taught me the importance of teamwork and how it contributes to the success of a project. Face-to-face interaction has been invaluable in building strong relationships with my colleagues, leading to smoother and more efficient work processes.Another advantage of working in the ski industry is the opportunity to constantly innovate and improve. With advancements in technology and changing consumer needs, it is crucial to stay updated and adapt to the latest trends. As a ski builder, I am constantly seeking ways to enhance our product, whether it&#39;s through experimenting with new materials or implementing new design techniques. This drive for innovation has not only kept me motivated but has also helped our company stay competitive in the market.However, as with any job, there are challenges that come with being a ski builder. One of the biggest challenges is meeting tight deadlines, especially during peak winter season when demands for skis are high. This requires efficient time management and the ability to handle pressure while maintaining the quality of our product. Additionally, the physical demands of the job can be taxing, as building skis often involves long hours of standing and working with heavy machinery.Despite these challenges, I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to an industry that I am deeply passionate about. Skiing is not just a sport, but a way of life for many, and being able to play a role in enhancing the skiing experience for others brings me immense satisfaction. As I continue to progress in my career, I am eager to see how the ski industry will evolve and how I can continue to be a part of it.

Owned ski production process optimization, quality control management, materials R&D, collaborative
design, machine operation and maintenance, inventory management, customer service, and production planning to ensure efficient, high-quality ski manufacturing. Engineered innovative ski
designs tailored to diverse skier needs and snow conditions, including the Spar 78 and the Cash 93
models, addressing market trends and customer preferences. Successfully revamped the company's
flagship ski shape, adapting to market trends and customer demands.

●	Conceptualizing and creating visually appealing designs for various platforms, including print and digital media. Keeping up to date with industry trends and best practices in graphic design.

●	Collaborating with clients or stakeholders to understand their needs and translate them into creative
solutions. Presenting design concepts to clients or stakeholders and incorporating feedback to refine
designs. Working closely with other team members, to achieve project goals and deadlines.

●	Developing brand identities, including logos, color schemes, and typography, to ensure consistency
across all marketing materials. Ensuring designs are in line with brand guidelines and project
requirements.

●	Directed all R&D activities, driving innovation, product development, and technology integration to
ensure company growth and market competitiveness. Innovating composite types, flex profiles, and wood laminates to enhance ski performance and durability. Collaborated with athletes to test
products, ensuring optimal performance and customer satisfaction.

●	Lead the successful implementation and integration of HubSpot's ERP system, collaborating with crossfunctional
teams to define project scope, manage timelines and budgets, configure the system,
provide training and support, and ensure ongoing performance and optimization.


●	Planned and forecasted inventory needs based on sales trends, seasonality, and production schedules.
Monitoring inventory levels and conducting regular audits to ensure accuracy and identify
discrepancies. Implementing inventory control measures to reduce shrinkage and improve inventory
accuracy. Managing relationships with suppliers and vendors to ensure timely delivery of materials and supplies.

●	Developing and implementing production plans to meet customer demand while minimizing costs and
maximizing efficiency. Overseeing production processes to ensure quality standards are met and production goals are achieved. Analyzing production data to identify opportunities for process
improvement and cost savings.

●	Managing a team of production planners and inventory analysts to ensure smooth operations and
optimal performance. Coaching, mentoring, and training team members to enhance their skills and performance.

●	Identifying new business opportunities and markets to expand the company's customer base by
building and maintaining strong relationships with key customers and stakeholders.

Led cross-functional teams and managed projects, ensuring adherence to timelines and budgets.
Implemented strategies to enhance operational efficiency, resulting in improved overall performance.

●	Executed precise CNC Router operations, optimizing material usage and minimizing waste.
Programmed and calibrated machinery, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in part manufacturing.

●	Collaborated closely with design team to refine ski geometry, enhancing performance and customer
satisfaction. Provided design insights and recommendations, aligning with brand standards and customer preferences.

●	Conducted thorough analysis of production processes, identifying inefficiencies and implementing
solutions. Monitored process changes and performance metrics, ensuring continuous improvement.

●	Maintained and repaired industrial machinery and equipment, ensuring uninterrupted production.
Implemented preventive maintenance schedules, minimizing downtime and optimizing machine
performance.

●	Designed visually impactful graphics for diverse applications, reinforcing brand identity and engaging
customers. Leveraged advanced graphic design software to create compelling visual content.

●	Cultivated and maintained strong vendor relationships, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality
materials. Negotiated favorable terms and pricing agreements, optimizing procurement processes.

●	Managed inventory levels and procurement processes, optimizing stock levels and minimizing excess
inventory. Utilized data analysis to forecast inventory needs, ensuring efficient inventory management.

●	Developed and executed sales strategies, driving revenue growth and market expansion. Identified
new sales opportunities and markets, contributing to increased profitability.

●	Managed customer service operations, ensuring prompt and effective resolution of customer inquiries
and issues. Implemented training programs and performance metrics, enhancing team effectiveness


and customer satisfaction.

Production Manager

Assembled various components to create the final ski product. Experienced in operating large
machinery for manufacturing and finishing parts, ensuring high-quality and durable skis.

●	Developed process and managed the use of specialized equipment to flatten and sharpen skis to the correct thickness and angles, ensuring optimal performance for skiers of all levels.

●	Utilized Adobe Suite to organize and recreate customer concepts, ensuring high-quality graphic
designs that enhance the aesthetic appeal and brand identity of skis.

●	Conceptualized and designed marketing materials for social media and email campaigns, effectively
promoting products and events to target audiences.

●	Collaborated with cross-functional teams to design and develop soft goods. Operate dye sublimation
press to transfer printed graphics onto soft goods, ensuring high-quality and visually appealing
products.

●	Managed inventory levels and conduct analysis to optimize stock levels, prevent shortages, and ensure
timely availability of products.

●	Provided excellent customer service, addressing inquiries and issues promptly and professionally.
Maintain a high level of customer satisfaction through effective communication and problem-solving
skills.

●	Actively participated in off-site marketing events to research and develop strategies to promote
products and enhance brand awareness. Collaborate with marketing teams to implement effective
marketing campaigns based on research findings.

Production Engineer

Expertly managed tuning process, ensuring smooth transitions between turns and enhancing overall
ski performance. Applied universal ski wax evenly across the ski surface, ensuring proper saturation for optimal glide and control on various snow conditions.

●	Provided exceptional customer service, including assisting customers with tune work and promptly
responding to inquiries via phone and in person.

●	Prepared parts for production by cutting, sanding, and assembling with meticulous attention to detail,
ensuring high-quality craftsmanship.

●	Performed thorough inspections of finished skis to uphold quality standards, identifying and addressing any flaws or imperfections to maintain product excellence.

●	Utilized and developed precise measurement techniques to assess various data points on each ski
throughout production adherence to specifications for optimal performance.

●	Designed a personalized ski graphic as part of an internship program, showcasing creativity and proficiency in graphic design skills.

Production Intern

Christian Downing is a Chief Engineer at Default in Denver, Colorado. View their experience, skills and work history on Malakye — the professional network for…

Christian Downing — Chief Engineer at Default

Christian Downing — Chief Engineer at Default

Christian Downing

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