Austin Ratliff
Director Of Engineering at Kaspar Outdoors- Claim this Profile
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Bio
Experience
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Kaspar Outdoors
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United States
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Sporting Goods
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1 - 100 Employee
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Director Of Engineering
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Nov 2021 - Present
In 2021, my professional journey within Kaspar Companies took a turn as I assumed the role of Director of Engineering, responsible for overseeing engineering for the group's subsidiaries, including Horizon Firearms, Iota Outdoors, Stiller Actions (a recent acquisition), and Kaspar Wire Works. This new umbrella subsidiary brought together diverse businesses, and my task was to build and lead a unified engineering team to service all groups. As the Director of Engineering, I embarked on creating the foundation for a comprehensive engineering department, a pivotal initiative that had not previously existed. I set out to identify and recruit top engineering talent to form a cohesive team that could collaboratively drive innovation and delivers exceptional products across all subsidiaries. Throughout the process, I worked closely with each business unit to understand their unique engineering requirements and tailor solutions that aligned with their individual goals. By fostering open communication and a customer-centric approach, I ensured that our engineering team was poised to provide valuable support and contribute significantly to each subsidiary's success. Spearheading the establishment of foundational systems and processes, I streamlined workflows, implemented best practices, and introduced cutting-edge technologies to optimize our engineering capabilities. This holistic approach not only enhanced our product development efficiency but also facilitated seamless collaboration among the subsidiaries. As the unified engineering team began taking shape, we saw the transformational impact of our efforts. The success of our collaborative approach extended to successful partnerships with external stakeholders, as we engaged with OEM customers, suppliers, and industry leaders. By leveraging our unified engineering capabilities, we were able to tailor solutions that addressed complex challenges and opened new avenues for growth. Show less
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Engineering Manager
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May 2021 - Nov 2021
In 2021, I embarked on a new phase of my career, transitioning into the role of Engineering Manager at both Iota Outdoors and Horizon Firearms. This exciting opportunity allowed me to elevate my impact by spearheading engineering initiatives and nurturing a talented design engineering team.
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Operations Manager | Iota Outdoors & Horizon Firearms
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Jan 2018 - May 2021
In my role as Operations Manager, I demonstrated my adaptability and leadership capabilities by taking on the added responsibility of managing operations for both Iota Outdoors and Horizon Firearms. This exciting opportunity allowed me to oversee two distinct value streams while ensuring seamless operations and driving excellence in both organizations.As the Operations Manager for Iota Outdoors, I remained focused on refining our composite manufacturing process, optimizing the operational budget, and fostering a culture of innovation. The successful transition from a traditional wet layup molding technique to a more efficient prepreg style molding process significantly elevated our product quality and market competitiveness. Show less
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Product Development Manager
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Jul 2015 - Jan 2018
Following the successful merger with Kaspar Companies, I assumed a pivotal role as a Product Manager/Product Development Manager, overseeing our product offerings while leading the establishment of a groundbreaking new brand, Iota Outdoors. I had the privilege of spearheading the development of high-quality rifle stocks through advanced composite manufacturing techniques.As the driving force behind this new brand, I took on diverse responsibilities, from conceptualization to full-scale production. I set up and optimized production facilities, meticulously designed efficient process flows, and thoughtfully managed budgets for seamless operations. This encompassing role allowed me to leverage both my creative vision and practical acumen to turn ideas into tangible, market-leading products.Additionally, I had the honor of leading a small dedicated team of employees, harnessing their collective skills and expertise to achieve our ambitious goals. My experience as a team manager further refined my leadership abilities and reinforced my commitment to fostering a collaborative and results-oriented work environment. Once processes were established and running, I passed responsibilities over to another subsidiary within Kaspar Companies (KWW/Kaspar Manufacturing). Show less
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Horizon Firearms
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United States
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Sporting Goods Manufacturing
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1 - 100 Employee
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Entrepreneurial Partner/Co-Founder
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Jul 2013 - Jul 2015
Joined my brother's startup in 2013 while still in college to help establish and grow the business. Assumed various roles, including assisting in shop work, operations, sales, shows, and engaging in entrepreneurial tasks. Actively contributed to the company's success until its acquisition in 2015. Continued to work with the parent company post-acquisition, gaining valuable experience in the industry. Joined my brother's startup in 2013 while still in college to help establish and grow the business. Assumed various roles, including assisting in shop work, operations, sales, shows, and engaging in entrepreneurial tasks. Actively contributed to the company's success until its acquisition in 2015. Continued to work with the parent company post-acquisition, gaining valuable experience in the industry.
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Education
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Texas A&M University
Bachelor of Science (BS), Visualization