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Dave Terry
V.P. / Sales at Chardam Gear Company
Professional Background
Dave Terry is an accomplished professional in the gear manufacturing industry with over 34 years of extensive experience. He has dedicated his career to enhancing manufacturing processes and advancing operational efficiency within a variety of roles. Throughout his career, he has excelled in several capacities including Lathe Operator, Gear Cutting Leader, Gear/Spline Grind Leader, Plant Supervisor, Project Engineer, Tooling Engineer, Manufacturing Engineering Manager, Production Control Supervisor, and Quality Inspector. His wide-ranging expertise encompasses operational management, engineering services, and quality control, making him a well-rounded leader in manufacturing.
One of the highlights of Dave’s career was his pivotal role in establishing a new Gear Division for a large Aerospace Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). This project aimed to support the company's internal gearing requirements and to allow the division to compete effectively in the larger gear component market. His leadership was instrumental in identifying all necessary equipment, designing the department floor layout integrating lean manufacturing principles, and achieving full operational status within just six months.
Under his management, this new division realized a remarkable 95% reduction in dependence on outsourced gear products and generated an impressive 1.5 million in new business within just 18 months of inception. This strategic initiative not only streamlined operations, achieving a lead-time reduction of over 50%, but also significantly lowered operational costs by 35%, exemplifying Dave's capability to drive substantial organizational improvements.
Additionally, between 2002 and 2009, Dave ventured into entrepreneurship by founding Gearing Solutions LLC, where he served as the President. He successfully managed all sales and operations and scaled annual revenues to exceed $1 million while operating with a lean workforce of only six employees. Although he made the decision to close the company in 2009 due to partner-related issues, Dave's entrepreneurial experience added significant depth to his professional portfolio.
Education and Achievements
Dave Terry’s educational foundation in engineering was established at Macomb Community College, where he studied engineering principles. Although not formally completed, this education gave him the theoretical knowledge and technical skills necessary to excel in the manufacturing sector.
Over the span of his career, Dave has made significant contributions to various organizations:
- As Vice President of Sales at Chardam Gear Company, he combined his technical expertise with sales acumen to drive business growth in a competitive market.
- Previously, as an Engineer/Sales at Chardam Gear Company, he honed his skills in both engineering and sales, understanding how to balance technical specifications with customer needs.
- His experience as Gear Division Manager at Beaver Aerospace and Defense further exemplifies his adeptness in managing complex production environments and effectively leading teams.
These roles have established Dave as a respected figure in the gear manufacturing industry, recognized for his comprehensive technical capabilities and leadership skills.
Achievements
Some of Dave's most notable achievements include:
- Successfully leading the startup of a new Gear Division for a significant aerospace company, achieving 95% in-house gear production within 18 months, thereby strengthening operational capabilities and commercial viability.
- Implementation of lean manufacturing techniques that resulted in a lead-time reduction by more than 50% and a cost reduction of 35% on gear manufacturing processes, reflecting his commitment to operational excellence.
- Growth of Gearing Solutions LLC to generate over $1 million in annual sales while managing a lean workforce, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen.
- Extensive and diverse experience operating machinery such as OD and ID grinders, mills, broaching machines, and performing NDT testing, de-burring, assembly, and shipping, showcasing his hands-on skills and technical know-how.
- Recognition as a leader in Project Engineering and Manufacturing Engineering Management, aligning engineering solutions with production goals to meet corporate objectives efficiently.
In conclusion, Dave Terry is a prominent figure in the gear manufacturing industry, whose extensive experience and leadership capabilities have driven significant advancements in operational efficiency and business growth. His blend of practical skills, engineering expertise, and entrepreneurial experience uniquely positions him to contribute to the ongoing growth and development of the manufacturing sector.
