David Drakes
Two Wheel Lead - Volcon ePowersports at Volcon | ePowersports- Claim this Profile
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Bio
Credentials
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Motorcycle Technology
Baran Institute of Technology
Experience
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Volcon | ePowersports
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United States
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Motor Vehicle Manufacturing
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1 - 100 Employee
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Two Wheel Lead - Volcon ePowersports
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Sep 2022 - Present
•Responsible for Volcon Product Strategy, Roadmap and Lifecycle Planning of Volcon products, including two wheel vehicles and accessories•Vehicle concept by evaluating market through the analysis of consumer research - VOC, competition actions and market trends•Product business case with strategic positioning, specs, volume and pricing•Determine vehicles competitiveness through the analysis of pricing, specifications, and media evaluations•Conduct research in the competitive and general market environment by visits to dealers, trade shows, ride & drive evaluations, and focus groups•Plans target performance levels for new vehicle programs in consensus with engineering and marketing•Establishes strategic partnerships with suppliers for parts and brand activities•Align with Engineering and Quality about production stop and quality assurance•Prepare the Product Briefing for Marketing and PR agencies in partnership w/ Marketing Team•Monitored project costs, track progress and make adjustments as needed•Provided technical leadership to cross functional teams.
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Technical Program Manager
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Jan 2022 - Sep 2022
•Drove new products and features through the development process.•Responsible for project planning and management of multiple two wheel programs.•Gathered and create product requirements and specifications.•Made sure project meets deadlines and is completed within budget.•Created and executing new departmental processes and procedures.•Led weekly reviews with executive team to present program health•Regularly interacted with suppliers and brand partners to ensure program success•Monitored project costs, track progress and make adjustments as needed•Provided technical leadership to cross functional teams.
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Harley-Davidson Motor Company
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United States
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Motor Vehicle Manufacturing
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700 & Above Employee
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Current Product Design Engineer
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Jun 2020 - Jan 2022
•Designed various new motorcycle components to improve existing and new systems/products•Worked with current and new suppliers and design teams to develop new systems and components•Analyzed and obtain test data to improve current parts and whole systems•Work with internal teams to improve on financial targets to meet company goals
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Vehicle Dynamics Engineer
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Mar 2017 - Jun 2020
•Supported new vehicle development through collaborative efforts and detailed planning•Worked with simulation software to predict vehicle handling characteristics•Analyzed and obtain test data to improve vehicle architecture •Performed on vehicle testing and report out on subjective criteria•Assisted in implementing new processes and procedures for more efficient and effective project completion•Worked closely on cost savings initiatives from initial project implementation to project close
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Design Engineer (Product Development)
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Jun 2015 - Mar 2017
•Designed new motorcycle components in one of Harley-Davidson's power train focused design teams•Worked with suppliers and design teams to develop new products•Analyzed and obtain test data to improve designs•Presented ideas, development, and product progress to engineering management and suppliers• Implemented a unique testing method to effectively capture end user data• Led subjective lab tests for customer control groups with developmental products• Correlated subjective data into measurable requests and developmental targets• Worked with engineering platform teams to meet developmental targets and project scope
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UTC Aerospace Systems
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United States
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Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing
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700 & Above Employee
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UTRC Funded Lab Research Tech for the University of Hartford
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Sep 2014 - Mar 2015
•Executed lab research for potential air foil designs •Renovate and rebuild wind tunnel to test aerospace air foils •Assemble and modify existing wind tunnel fixtures •Test and retrieve data from air foil tests •Contacting and working with industry professionals to obtain needed information and test subjects •Work with University faculty to help students understand air flow dynamics •Executed lab research for potential air foil designs •Renovate and rebuild wind tunnel to test aerospace air foils •Assemble and modify existing wind tunnel fixtures •Test and retrieve data from air foil tests •Contacting and working with industry professionals to obtain needed information and test subjects •Work with University faculty to help students understand air flow dynamics
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Flow Tech, Inc.
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United States
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Construction
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1 - 100 Employee
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Sales Engineer Intern
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May 2014 - Sep 2014
• Equipment take-off from plans and specifications. • Contacting contractors to determine bidder lists for particular projects. • Prepare job quotes for projects and customers. • Provide customers with product information and process orders accordingly. • Proactive outbound calling to find out successful contracting bidders for project quotes. • Work with product vendors and manufacturers to assist and fulfill customer needs and Order expediting. • Equipment take-off from plans and specifications. • Contacting contractors to determine bidder lists for particular projects. • Prepare job quotes for projects and customers. • Provide customers with product information and process orders accordingly. • Proactive outbound calling to find out successful contracting bidders for project quotes. • Work with product vendors and manufacturers to assist and fulfill customer needs and Order expediting.
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Cycle Gear Inc.
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United States
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Retail
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300 - 400 Employee
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Senior Sales Associate
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Jan 2011 - Aug 2014
• Supervised front-line operations and reported directly to manager; was responsible for entire operation in manager’s absence. •Analyzed and report to corporate headquarters the store daily sales data, gross margins and inventory levels. •Worked with brands and companies on product details and displays •Worked hands on with customers on a daily basis to provide exceptional service with superior product knowledge •Open and close store as scheduled and perform night box deposit of receipts
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Smith Racing Team
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Hartford, Connecticut Area
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Technician/ Assistant Program Coordinator
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Apr 2009 - Sep 2012
•Responsible for complete bike maintenance, engine tear down, and modificaiton •In charge of race carrier set-up and sponsorship signage •Worked with riders weekly to help maintain program progress •Assisted with carrier transport and travel accommodations •Aided in sponsorship and part acquisition •Helped with financial reporting and budgeting •Responsible for complete bike maintenance, engine tear down, and modificaiton •In charge of race carrier set-up and sponsorship signage •Worked with riders weekly to help maintain program progress •Assisted with carrier transport and travel accommodations •Aided in sponsorship and part acquisition •Helped with financial reporting and budgeting
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Education
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University of Hartford
Bachelor’s Degree, Mechanical Engineering -
Asnuntuck Community College
Mechanical Engineering, 3.8 -
Baran Institute of Technology
Certificate, Motorcycle Maintenance and Repair Technology/Technician -
Enrico Fermi High School
High School