I have always had fascination with mechanical & electrical designs and computer systems.
I started working with computers in early 1980’s with the TRS-80 PC-1 pocket computer. I upgraded to a Sharp EL-5500II and then to a Sharp E-500.
My father taught me how to write my first Basic program. I progressed to an Apple ][+ (6502 processor, 8 bit, 1 MHz, 48 KB ram). I programmed in Apple Basic, and then taught myself 6502 assembly (machine language). I started a BBS (bulletin board system ) named warez-r-us via dial-up modem at 300 bps with ASCII Express integration. It was fun and I continued learning a lot and became part of the local community.
Eventually, I bought an Intel 386 PC and programed with modern tools for the day. I started using AutoCAD during my engineering internships and completely fell in love with it. I read the manual front-to-back. I taught everyone on our staff. I read a lot of computer books and went to bookstore quite often.
I worked on and improved a FEA heat transfer analysis program for paper converting industry. I also wrote a roll deflection program and graphical demo for Pack Expo in Chicago, IL.
I was very fortunate to work as a graduate research assistant for UW-Madison Center for Health System Research & Analysis. Projects included a campus wide system of terminals for student health, feasibility analysis of LTC insurance based on actual geriatric data, Medicare claim fraud analysis.
I got involved in Mechanical design in the 1980’s designing and building skateboard ramps. There was no CAD back then, so I was drawing on a drafting board with a T-square.
After I received my BS in Mechanical Engineering degree with honors in 1992, I worked for Carl Johnson Manufacturing, working on development projects for Kraft/Oscar Meyer foods. Then I worked for Wisconsin Tissue Mills and subsequently Kimberly Clark Corporation. I enrolled in MSOE (Milwaukee School of Engineering) Graduate School Electrical Engineering program, specializing in controls and digital communication. At the time, I was a Project Manage and designing machines and doing all electrical design and PLC programming. I also managed our CAD department and implemented custom AutoCAD tools.
I started using Linux about 25 years ago as I was building websites. I built my own Linux server for development and I really enjoy working with Linux.
I have been fortunate and have had many great opportunities in my life.
After moving to Maui Hawaii, I began working with local Architects using Architectural Desktop and Chief Architect; both are great tools. I started my own business (Hawaii Technology & Design) and continued to do Architectural design, build websites and technical support.
I had the opportunity to work with a new Building product (Strata) which is a composite method of construction which required FEA analysis of the 3D structure. I created the 3D models which were analyzed in the Algor FEA program. The completed construction drawings were submitted for permit
Today, I am doing a lot of design, building websites and supporting clients. The current 3D modeling programs are incredible. We use AutoCAD, Chief Architect, Rhino3D, SketchUp, Blender, Shapr and others.
AI is changing the world at a very rapid pace. We are all learning how to best leverage this technology into our workflows and daily lives.
We look forward to the next challenge.
