1240 W Winnetka Rd. Palatine, IL 60067 (805) 286-2460 (cell) dcoons714@gmail.com
Designer & Engineer – Specialty Project Management – Shop Management
Emphasis: Prototyping & Themed Project execution • CAD & 3D Modeling • Project Management • CNC shape cutting and strategies • Collaborative Arts Design prototyping • Theatrical Event execution
Executive Summary
Hands-on Project Manager and CAD Engineer with demonstrated success leading projects and teams during all phases of development and execution. Proven experience with client support ranging from collaborative scope definition, project estimating, execution logistics, and comprehensive documentation execution. Continued success with team management, including labor allocation, training, and assessment. Creatively executes customer and stakeholder ideas into workable strategies. Consistent performance with tooling and workshop supervision, training of novice users, and shop maintenance.
Noteworthy Career Achievements
•Successfully executed project management and design execution of two unique corporate interactive training centers involving hands-on multimedia displays highlighting the functionality of the customer’s wide range of construction products. Designed, managed, and executed multiple interactive displays and media installations while collaborating with distinguished architects, and remaining under budget ($1.5M+) and on schedule. The two 14-month projects included extensive CAD engineering, product tracking, client interface, and complicated installation logistics.
•Successfully developed and grew startup of Abrasive WaterJet and metals processing service within an existing metal fabrication facility. Developed protocols and procedures for a path to profitability, and executed strategies at all levels within the division. The water jet division had increased growth in revenue and client base for eight consecutive years.
•Project Managed and installed multiple large exhibit display construction projects at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry. Management of themed elements for The Great Train Story and ToyMaker 3000 included supervision of union, casual, and staff labor, budget oversight of over $1M each, project planning, estimating, and scheduling, client interface, materials procurement, sub-contracting, and conceptual engineering for unique effects.
•Project Managed and installed themed signature scenic installations at multiple mega-shopping centers. Completed the profitable start to finish execution of display elements for the food and oasis courts at Discover (Sugarloaf) Mills, Colorado Mills, St. Louis Mills, Sawgrass Mills, and Pittsburg Mills. Execution and installation included budget oversight of up to $1.5M each, supervision of union, casual, and staff labor, project estimating, critical path scheduling, client interface, and sub-contractor oversight.
Core Competencies
•Drafting, AutoCAD, & SolidWorks fluent •Full range carpenter - framing to cabinetry
•Designer & Artist support and DFM strategies •Welding and metalwork
•Architectural drawing, NEC, and NFPA literacy •Shop safety and risk management
•CNC tooling programming and operation •Training strategies for novice labor
•Professional rigging training and experience •Theatrical & entertainment lighting
Employment History
10/15 – Present Senior Project Manager/ CAD Engineer – Matrex Exhibits, Inc. www.matrexexhibits.com
Responsibilities include: Management of assigned customer exhibit and display projects specializing in long-term and custom permanent installations. Responsibilities include 3D CAD engineering and modeling, construction and installation drawing distribution, project material purchasing, sub-contractor oversight, inventory management, CNC programming, client interface, and estimating research.
9/20 – 8/21 Senior Project Manager - Clover Architectural Products. www.cloverarchitecturalproducts.com
Responsibilities include: Senior management of major projects and drafting staff. Oversight of project execution including submittals, drawings, procurement, assembly, logistics, and closeouts. Consistent and direct customer interface from start to finish. Extensive coordination with all levels of commercial construction agencies, including architects, engineers, consultants, and general contractors. Management and training of company drafting department.
3/15 – 10/15 Project Services Manager – Moss, Inc. Retail & Environments division. www.mossinc.com
Responsibilities include: Management and oversight of assigned customer projects in fast paced, high-mix, high-volume custom printing and display fabrication facility. Responsibilities include estimation assistance, flow scheduling, problem resolution, customer interface, and product tracking with a strong emphasis on custom, unique sculptural projects.
10/14 – 3/15 Director of Operations – SVI Themed Construction Solutions www.svitcs.com
Responsibilities include: Management and oversight of all shop production operations, including labor acquisition and supervision, production and completion of product, quality control, and facility management. Project scheduling, purchasing & budget oversight.
3/05 – 10/14 Director of Operations - Motive Systems, Inc. www.waterjetcentral.com
Responsibilities include: Management and oversight of the company’s CNC abrasive waterjet cutting division, project management, estimating, quotations, client interface, operational flow, special projects, new business development, and CNC machine operation and maintenance. Other duties include: Assistance to upper management with logistics coordination, methodology, and prototyping, inventory logistics, and facility management and improvement.
1/99 – 3/05 Senior Project Manager - Scenic View Inc. www.svitcs.com
Responsibilities include: Management and installation of the company’s larger scenic and signature display construction projects, including supervision of labor, budget oversight, estimating, scheduling, client interface, materials procurement, sub-contracting, and DFM strategies. Projects include management of themed elements for ToyMaker 3000 and The Great Train Story at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry (www.msichicago.org), Challenge Park Xtreme, a paintball park in Joliet, Illinois (www.cpxsports.com), and the food and oasis courts at Discover Mills, Colorado Mills, St. Louis Mills, Cincinnati Mills, Sawgrass Mills, and Pittsburg Mills (www.simon.com) shopping malls.
9/97- 9/98 Rigging and Dimming Project Manager for Chicago Spotlight, Inc. www.chicagospotlight.com
Responsibilities include: Management of dimming installation projects from start to finish, includes: Coordination with clients and contractors, scheduling of union and casual labor, Material and goods management, and surveys, support, and service in the field. Other duties include: Assistance to the Operations Manager with quotations, bidding, and submittal packages; Assistance to the Rigging manager with installation and service for all rigging, drapery, and special projects; Field system commissioning for ETC, EDI, and Colortran dimming systems.
8/93- 8/97 Supervisor of Lighting and Sound at Northwestern University's Theatre Center.
Responsibilities include: Supervision of six independent lighting and sound systems throughout the Center; serving as primary lighting and audio engineer for all departmental electrics, recording, and special effects needs; executing maintenance and upgrading of facility electrical and audio systems; management of all departmental purchasing, accounting and budget supervision; Supervision, teaching and training of casual labor, graduate assistants, and a large contingent of undergraduate students- producing over 70 productions annually; departmental coordination with the other shops and staff, and teaching a course in advanced stagecraft.
Education
•B.A. in Theatre Design from the University of California at San Diego - Minors in Math and Psychology
•Certificate of Completion – USITT Rigging Training Seminar (twice)
•Diploma - General Electrician - International Correspondence Schools
•Intermediate AutoCAD essentials course – Cuesta College
•Certificate of Completion – SolidWorks Essentials software training
Professional References
Kelly Dailey
Director of Operations
Matrex Exhibits Inc.
kdailey@matrexexhibits.com
312-435-7613
Duncan MacKenzie
Associate Professor & Department Chair
Columbia College - Art & Design
dmackenzie@colum.edu
312-369-8663
Ed Kearney
Managing Partner/CFO
Clover Architectural Products
ekearney@cloverarchitecturalproducts.com
708-572-8843
Bruce Miller
Sculpture Artist & Photographer
brucemiller310@gmail.com
805-574-0527