3. Philosophy
I was once told by a former employer that I don't say much but when I do, it's worth listening to. He also said that
during heated debate, mine was the calming voice of reason. I think these two phrases effectively describe my
character and hint at my professional philosophy.
Listening. It has gotten me further in my career than anything else. Listening to those above me with more
experience, listening to the tradespeople that build, use, and maintain the mechanical devices I design everyday,
and listening to the clients so as to truly understand their needs, wants, and problems.
Keeping it simple. Whether it be in troubleshooting activities, design, or technical presentations, I strive to not
overlook the obvious nor complicate the situation. This does not mean I do not think outside the box. It just means
I do not think outside the wrong box.
Leading by example. Good managers do things right. Good leaders do the right things.
4. Contents
• Leadership
• Industrial Design
• Product Development
• Process Development
• Marketplace Development
• Graphic Design & Technical Writing
• References
5. Leadership
Just like my philosophy says I lead by example. One of my strengths is the
ability to see a project lifecycle a few steps ahead of the current position
which helps me find the path to successful completion. With a Myers-
Briggs personality type of INTJ, I am keenly aware of my abilities and
limitations and realize it takes a team effort to accomplish project goals. It is
this strong confidence in personal ability that makes INTJs natural leaders.
As a leader I prefer to work alongside those under my direction as opposed
to becoming the "boss". It is important to me that my colleagues know that
we all have a key roll and mine is simply to give direction, take the blame,
and pass credit on to them. I motivate others to step forward with ideas, to
be confident in their talents and abilities, and to continuously learn.
6. Industrial Design
I have extensive experience in the design and detailing of
material handling equipment and machine centres for the
sawmill, biomass, and pelleting industries. Examples
include drum chippers, shredders, hammer mills, pellet
mills, all types of conveyances, dosage and storage bins,
bandsaws, twin saws, feed systems, carriages, gang
saws, board edgers, chipping units, trim saws, sorters,
hydraulic power units, and lubrication systems.
7. Industrial Design
Daily activities included:
• Continuous interaction with clients during the design phase to
ensure the machine centre or system functionally fits their needs and
physically fits in their process
• Brainstorming with the engineering team, fabrication team, and VP
Research & Development to develop tailored solutions and to ensure
continuous improvement of the standard product offerings
• Meeting with product and service vendors to become familiar with
new products and technologies to better serve client's needs and
improve or expand standard product offerings
8. Product Development
I have lead design teams during the development of
industry first or new-to-company machinery including a
lineal optimized edger, optimized cant sizer, high speed
lineal optimized edger, flared butt reducer, top chipping
edger, transverse optimized edger, scragg mill, drum
chipper, and a double die pellet mill.
9. Product Development
Development activities beyond the overall machine design included:
• Control package design including HMI screen, selection of field devices and motors,
and developing the control narrative
• Risk assessments to ensure adequate safeguarding, proper control circuit
architecture, and safety performance level requirements
• Maintaining a log book to document all activities for SR&ED tax incentive program
claims
• Preparing documents and illustrations for patent applications and CE certifications
• Preparing sales brochures and technical sales presentations
• Preparing operator's manuals
10. Process Development
I have lead multi-firm design teams during the
development of pelleting processes for various
types of biomass, merging new and existing
technologies. Processes were defined in the form
of one line block diagrams, P&ID diagrams, and
mass and energy balance diagrams prior to the
creation of general arrangement drawings.
11. Process Development
Process developments were documented in detailed feasibility studies
which focused on:
• Sourcing, researching, and evaluating compatible technologies to
compliment and/or complete the process
• Evaluating risks in new technologies and finding ways to reduce it.
• Sourcing and tasking testing facilities to test the validity of various
stages of the processes and quantify environmental emissions
• Determining and adhering to applicable environmental, health &
safety, building, and electrical codes and standards
12. Process Development
• Assessment and reduction of environmental, human, and property
risks
• Project scheduling
• Determining the availability and economic limitations of raw
materials
• Estimating cost of production by establishing CAPEX and OPEX
budgets
• Exploring market demand and sustainable price for finished product
13. Marketplace Development
My experiences with marketplace development have typically involved developing two parallel
markets. Initially, a problem for a potential client is recognized. I would then present a possible
solution using a standard product offering or an adaptation thereof. Typically the solution would
generate a marketable, finished product from the client's problem. Prior to going to market with
this new finished product, various details needed to be explored such as:
• The most profitable use of the product
• The value the market can justify
• Regulations affecting this type of product and how they affect the manufacture of it
• Testing the validity of the finished product
Once these details had been explored and the unknowns defined it was possible (with an anchor
client) to market the standard product offering to other clients with similar problems and to market
the anchor client's (as well as other potential client's) finished product at industry trade shows and
the like.
14. Graphic Design & Technical
Writing
I have been commended on my ability to describe complex machines,
processes, and subject matter to technical and non-technical audiences
alike in a clear and concise manner. It is an aspect of my career that I
especially enjoy.
This has led to being called upon to provide technical sales
presentations to heavy hitters like ConocoPhillips, Black & Veatch, and
Pöyry.
It has also led me to graphic design and technical writing activities such
as 3D model rendering; creation of sales brochures, company logos,
and mission statements; authoring operator's manuals and feasibility
studies; and operation of social media sites.
15. References
Fritz Weirathmueller
Owner / Consultant
FW Technologies
Fredericton, NB
Email: fwtech@bellaliant.net
Cell: 506-292-5093
Andrew Barnard
Chief Executive Officer
Providence Farms Inc.
Bedell, NB
Email: ambarnard@outlook.com
Cell: 506-238-3473
Joe Chapman
Shop Foreman / Field Services Manager
Torrefied Wood Pellet Equipment Ltd.
Nackawic, NB
Email: joe_chapman@hotmail.com
Cell: 506-325-0435
