Born To Design - SOLIDWORKS Podcast: Recent Episodes
SOLIDWORKS
Born to Design takes you inside the most fascinating stories coming out of the design and manufacturing world. The surprising backstories of amazing creators. Harrowing near-failures that became overnight successes. Uplifting examples of the many ways our community is changing the world for the better. Presented by SOLIDWORKS, Born to Design is a podcast for dreamers, designers, and creators of all kinds.
Tim Huntzinger, founder of XOTO (pronounced ex-OH-toe), has always been passionate about riding motorcycles. However, as anyone who has ridden on two wheels can testify, cornering on wet, sandy or unstable roads can be very challenging. Three wheeled trikes may be more stable but they are slow and stiff through corners and let’s face it, it’s way more fun when you can tear through a corner at speed! Tim decided to put his BFA and MS in Industrial Design to work. The result is a vehicle with two back wheels that lean and adjust as you turn, giving you the stability of a 3-wheeler with the performance and responsiveness of a 2-wheeler. Package this in a “front-wheel” drive electric scooter with a 45-mile range (charged via a standard 110 volt receptacle) and what do you have? XOTO! … Oh and did I mention that this thing is fast!?
There are more than 10 million street vendors in India. Many rely on a bicycle or push cart to transport their goods to market. New Born to Design podcast with Abhijit Bansod, founder of Studio ABD, a design studio dedicated to creating goods based on the concept of “Indian” design, including a Tigoona for Indian market vendors.
Interview with Ali Sabti, founder of Oto Lawn, a developer of environmentally sustainable irrigation systems. Ali’s “journey” began at a very young age. While still in grade school, the insatiably curious and clever young Ali learned to code and built his school’s first website. His entrepreneurial drive continued through high school where developed several e-commerce sites. The idea for Oto Lawn came several years later after Ali, (now a full-fledged mechanical engineer), had purchased his first home. Environmentally friendly solutions for lawn care and in particular, lawn irrigation systems were not readily accessible. Never one to back away from a challenge, Ali put his problem solving skills to work.
While we seek to forge our own paths in life, our families and upbringing, whether we are aware or not, often play a major role in the choices we make and the directions we take. Today I’m speaking with Vamsi Kotla who began his journey in pursuit of a master’s degree in Computer Science at the University of Southern California. The dot.com bust, however, presented too many challenges for him to justify continuing his studies. Vamsi left USC to become an entrepreneur and ultimately to pursue building construction, the same career as his father. This proved to be expensive, difficult and time-consuming and he was beginning to question his decisions. His defining moment came when attempting to purchase a larger home for his growing family. Significantly outbid in a highly competitive real estate market, he came to realize that his experience was one example of a much larger problem. Affordable housing.
Philipp Glonner began his education as an economics major but soon realized that his destiny was not with the study of production, distribution or the consumption of goods and services. His true calling, nurtured by time spent working on performance vehicles with his late father, was engineering. The greatest hurdle toward achieving this goal, however, was math. The courses were incredibly difficult. Despite some early setbacks and the onset of COVID, he persevered. His strong will, determination and love of all things mechanical led him to where he is today
Interview with Heath Tims, an Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies and a Professor for Mechanical Engineering in the College of Engineering and Science at Louisiana Tech University. Heath believes in a hands-on AND in-class approach to teaching engineering students. He is also involved in a very successful Eco-Car team, which is an interdisciplinary group of students and faculty working together to design competitive, fuel-efficient cars. The team competes against national and international teams and also helps other Eco-Car teams at area schools. Heath shares stories from his 17 years teaching at LA Tech, and his philosophy for preparing these students for success.
Interview with Jose Saldana, an engineering manager by day, but in his free time he serves as a SWUGN group leader on the U.S. West coast, as well Central and South America. Jose has a passion for expanding design and innovation to South America, and helping out organizations there. Jose shares stories of the great outreach work he is doing.
We know that engineers are hands-on learners, and it’s great to see that some engineers, such as Heather Dawe-Rose, spending time teaching those future engineers. Heather works for SOLIDWORKS Reseller TriMech, but she is best known for her work with student outreach programs, teaching future engineers though hands-on projects, not classroom environments. Heather comes up with many of the teaching methods herself, which she shares during our discussion. She is an outstanding advisor and mentor for our youth. I believe you will enjoy listening to her stories and clever teaching tactics.
Joe Lance is a very well-known and integral figure in the SOLIDWORKS community, so I was overdue to interview him, and found the opportunity to sit down with him at 3DEXPERIENCE World. Joe is the leader of the Houston SOLIDWORKS User Group, a SOLIDWORKS Champion, and has been a mentor to engineers for decades. He is also an avid Marathon runner. In addition to his experiences as a mentor and SOLIDWORKS User, Joe also shares some personal struggles that he has been able to turn into his strengths, and his insights into some key principles to becoming an effective mentor. I believe you will enjoy listening to this very authentic episode…
Jonathan Tippet didn’t just ask the question, “What would it feel like to be a giant?” he decided to answer the question and build a full-scale Exoskeleton, which he named Exosapien, and he is not done. He has already started building the second version. Jonathan explains where his inspiration came from, and the hurdles he had to overcome in building his giant-suit.If you ever wanted to know what it took to design something completely new, or how to fulfill your design dreams, listen into this interview with Jonathan and I promise you’ll be inspired.
Jens (Yens) Dyvik is an industrial designer and Fab Lab founder who has traveled the world for the past two years, visiting Fab Labs all over the globe. Jens has designed a CNC machine that can build another CNC machine. Yes, you read that right. Doing so enables Fab Labs to get up and running faster. Jens shares his adventures and many stories of inventors and Makers around the world in this latest Born to Design podcast.
Interview with Bob Johnson, an analyst with over 40 years of experience with design analysis and is an expert on all things related to simulation. Bob is also a key member of the SIMULIA community. Bob shares his advice, knowledge and years of experience on the advancements to analysis software.
Interview with Kirby Downey, a designer, Maker, builder, community leader, 3D Printing expert, AND a key member of the SOLIDWORKS community. Kirby shares his advice and knowledge on getting started in 3D printing, along with many tips and insights for Makers, DIY'ers, and hobbyists.
Listen in to an interview with Halewijn Stikvoort, a designer, an acoustics engineer, and a key member of the SOLIDWORKS community. Halewijn shares his thoughts on finding your engineering passion, which, for him, was acoustics.
Kate Reed is a designer, inventor, maker, mentor, and a key member of the SOLIDWORKS community. Kate is a leader in the study of and innovation for wearable technology, leveraging principles of nature to better connect humans and computers. Listen in as Kate discusses her fascinating research and knowledge on the future of technology and human interaction.
Interview with Lauritz Berg, a design engineer for Leisure Vans, who shares some great insights into tips and tricks and techniques for designing better through improved collaboration. Lauritz is an active member of the SOLIDWORKS User Forum community, asking questions and often providing helpful and insightful answers for other SOLIDWORKS users around the world. He also has taken time to contribute his ideas and overall 3DSwym User Experience enhancement requests to Dassault Systèmes.
Interview with 91 year old Johnnie Floyd, who still today uses SOLIDWORKS, and is STILL inventing. Johnnie has been inventing long before the advent of modern computers or CAD software, and holds several patents, and is still working on new ones. Johnnie has an enormous amount of wisdom to share with other designers and engineers of any age, which I believe you will enjoy.
Interview with Joel Gomez who creates very engaging explanatory videos on topics around engineering, such as rockets, engines, and many other topics. He has a very large following, probably due to how hard he works at explaining engineering concepts, and building and solving engineering hurdles throughout history – it’s a very creative channel, which I suggest you check out. Joel shares some insights into his business and how he approached solving difficult engineering and design problems.
Interview with Gabe Corbett, who started his career in machining, but is now a consultant and the top SOLIDWORKS trainer on LinkedIn. He has had an interesting and diverse career with positions that include machine shop owner, product designer, teacher, user group leader, and design consultant. Gabe has some great insights on how best to design a product from concept all the way through to fabrication.
Interview with Ben Nuebel, who is a high school Engineering Technologies Teacher and Fab Lab Instructor, responsible for teaching many SOLIDWORKS student experts. Ben discusses the importance of finding an alternative to the traditional classroom environment, one with more hands-on skills training. Listen to find out what Ben has learned from teaching and growing his technology programs at Cherry Creek Schools
Interview with Jason Bontrager and Rob Miles, who both come from the camping industry. These two fascinating innovators created a revolutionary new camping solution from scratch, one that might change the way people commune with nature. Join us as they explain how they came up with their “skinny-guy” concept, which is very unique. Listen to learn what is takes to go from a corporate environment to a start-up with a new design.
Interview with Melissa Ahmed and Greg Beddoe, two bright design engineers who happen to also be SOLIDWORKS Champions. They share a passion for STEM and spend HALF of their time promoting it to schools in the UK by teaching it though hands-on learning opportunities with STEM Activity Days. Listen as we discuss the future of design and engineering, and how to grow interest in STEM for young students.
Interview with MetalQuest CEO, Scott Harms, and COO, Scott Volk. We talk about innovation in manufacturing, and the many misconceptions around what manufacturing is today. Manufacturing is one of the largest growing high-tech industries with many opportunities and great careers.
Interview with Jason Pohl, who you may know as the product designer for the popular television show, “American Chopper.” Jason is a very outgoing and passionate advocate for Product Design, and he shares a lot about his experience, mentorship and building the product design community. Listen as Jason discusses what’s next for him and his desire to grow the design community to help others succeed in this industry.
Interview with Lucas Crupi, who became the youngest Certified SOLIDWORKS Expert, when he passed his exam at only 15 years old. Lucas a mentor and ambassador for STEM, with a lot of wisdom for a 16 year old.
Eric Haddad is a designer, but also a part-time hobbyist who started his own venture…3DAeroventures (the hobby) along with his own design business, Dimensional Fidelity. Listen as Eric shares some advice about chasing your dreams and doing what you love, and how to turn this dream into your job, or your own business.
Marc McCauley & Jesse Hahne, are the founders of the Center for Advanced Design, who share some insights into how to start and run a successful design business. They also discuss their relationship with Mike Schultz, a pareathlete who they worked with on the design of a high-end prosthetic leg that allows Mike to compete and win many X-Games competitions.
Dr. Matt Carney received a PhD in Biometrics Engineering from MIT, and is a designer and entrepreneur as well. Listen in as Matt discusses the technology and exciting advancements in designing the next level robotics. He is dedicated to creating superior bionic legs that perform better than anyone could imagine.
Learn the Keys to Kick-Start your business with Charles Adler, Founder of Kickstarter, designer and entrepreneur. Charles discusses the keys to taking a great idea to market, including tips for effectively communicating new ideas.
Sam Rogers, additive design lead at Gravity Industries, known for making the five-turbo, jet engine-powered jet suit. Listen as Sam discusses the exciting beginnings of designing a Jet suit, his first time flying it, new technology and how additive design technologies allowed them to design quicker, and his keys for designing a successful product.
Interview with Michael Mendonca, founder of the Ellen Meadows Prosthetic Hand Foundation, an organization that has given away over 50,000 prosthetic hands, but its goal is to reach 1 million of the 18 million in need around the world. I’m also talking with David Randle, a co-worker, who has been working on a way to help Michael reach his goal through the 3DEXPERIENCE for Good program. This is an incredible story and adventure that shows what can happen when you get some passionate designers together, and I’m sure their story will inspire you.
Aidan Aird, a young entrepreneur, business owner, college student, and Guinness World Record holder. Aidan started an organization called STEM Kids Rock focused on igniting the passions of youth. Aidan is not only a creative designer and inventor, but a very passionate individual who has some great thoughts on the future of design.
Interview with Dr. Neil Gershenfeld, and several of his students about the future of design. Dr. Gershenfeld is a professor and Director of MIT's Center for Bits and Atoms where he is researching many incredible things, such as cell-by-cell development, nanotechnology, and community self-sufficiency, among other things. He is also the Chairman of the Fab Foundation, which has done incredible work to change lives around the world through innovation and education.
Eric Spurgeon is an inventor and entrepreneur who owns his own business. Perhaps above all he is a problem solver with some interesting ideas on best practices for solving a design problem, and how to solve a design problem quicker, which I believe you will enjoy hearing...
We often hear that high-tech companies are always worried about having enough engineers and that not enough young people today are interested in pursuing careers in technology. Not to worry, as there is one person working very hard to teach our next generation of engineers and creators. Danielle Boyer works to inspire the youth in her area in STEAM and technology, and came up with several great ideas to do this, including her own program “Every Kid Gets a Robot” (EKGAR), for which she created and built her own Robotics start kit that she gives away. She has also developed STEAM-focused coloring books, and spends a lot of time teaching children on STEAM and technology and helping many student Robotics teams. But what’s most amazing is that she is only 18 years old.
Jonathan Schultz is an entrepreneur and the Team leader for the BattleBots team HUGE. Jonathan made a name for himself in 2018 when he created a revolutionary new fighting robot. Listen in to hear his advice for any designer who wants to step away from the norm.
What's the most important part of a start-up? Meet Josh Aviv, the CEO of SparkCharge. Josh took his idea, which he started in college, and turned it into a quickly growing business. Josh has some great advice for any young entrepreneur, and it might surprise you what his keys to success are.
Interview with Marie Planchard, which is a familiar name in our industry, as Marie spearheads the Education programs here at SOLIDWORKS, however, you may not know how involved she is in this growing community. Let’s listen in to Marie’s story to learn more about how this growing community has benefited so many...
Interview with Jeremy Fielding, who turned his interest for engineering into the creation of a successful YouTube Channel, which evolved into actual engineering jobs. He has a passion for teaching technology to his large YouTube channel audience as well as his own children. He has a lot of great advice for any budding engineer or inventor.
Interview with Leland Melvin at SOLIDWORKS World 2019. Leland shares his incredible story from playing football in the NFL, to becoming a NASA astronaut and experiencing space travel. It’s an amazing journey, and Leland shares where his success came from.
Braden Reiber is an inventor who stumbled upon an idea, which in turn turned into a better idea that then eventually evolved into a business: RemUV, a company that develops small devices that can clean water using the power of the sun. Braden shares his story of how he came up with his innovative idea and turned it into a product that could help those around the world easily clean their water supplies.
Cesar Gutierrez is a teacher who is literally changing the futures of his students lives every day. Cesar is changing the mindset in his community by showing underprivileged students a future they could not have imagined is possible. It’s almost unbelievable what Cesar has done in his community in just seven years.
Show notes and Transcription: http://bit.ly/2U9a6yG Marc DeVidts is the Co-Founder and CTO of Double Robotics, who turned his passion for building robots into a career. Marc, as a teenager, loved designing and building fighting robots, and eventually created IceWave for BattleBots. Marc has a true start-up story with plenty of lessons learned for those looking to build their own business from scratch.
We sat down with Dean Kamen, the inventor of the Segway, the AutoSyringe and founder of FIRST Robotics, and get his thoughts on what it takes to inspire today’s youth. Currently, Dean is actively involved with his global initiative FIRST Inspires, which he feels is crucial for students everywhere to be inspired and motivated by technology, so THEY can solve the world’s problems. I’m excited to share his inspiration with you.
Interview with Shelly Gruenig (the mentor) and Derek Sanchez (the student, now mentor). Shelly started teaching her children robotics at home to prepare them for their future, but ended up mentoring thousands of students (like Derek) on not just robotics, but many skills needed to manage challenges they will face once leaving home. Shelly has an incredibly positive attitude and great advice on mentoring our youth that you need to hear.
I am talking to Rick Becker and Dennis Dohogne who started a movement on the SOLIDWORKS Forum that changed SOLIDWORKS applications. The Movement was simply called: One and Two, which came from the top two enhancement requests from users on the SolidWorks forum.
Interview with Easton LaChappelle, who as a young man had a vision of designing state-of-the-art prosthetic arms for children, which he started designing in his bedroom with a basic 3D printer as a teenager. You would not believe where this idea has taken him and who he has met along the way. It’s an amazing journey in a short amount of time.
Interview with Grant Delgatty who is the inventor of the URB-E, an educator, and designer. Grant has a very interesting background and some great advice for designers and entrepreneurs for any point in their career.
We are speaking with US Navy Veteran Hernán (Air-non) Luis y Prado. After returning home Hernan realized that many of his fellow veterans were not getting proper opportunities in the workforce. Given the skills gap in American manufacturing, Hernan saw a chance to address both needs. Hernan shares his very passionate story about how he risked his own career to help veterans gain the skills they needed. Transcript and Shownotes: http://bit.ly/2GaxrhG
I have an inspiring story that combines design, innovation, a few SolidWorks employees, a monster truck rally, and one incredible young boy named Jonah. They all teamed up with an incredible organization called Magic Wheelchair. I’ll be speaking with Chin-Loo Lama, a SolidWorks employee, and also the team leader on the project with Magic Wheelchair. Transcript and Shownotes: http://bit.ly/2BgYjai
I will be speaking with Paul Ventimiglia, who is the BattleBot team leader for team Bite Force. Paul has been building robots since he was 14, and is now a 3 time BattleBots champion. He also works building robots in the high tech industry. Paul will be talking about his experience building robots and share some insight from the BattleBots events.
SOLIDWORKS Born to Design podcast, a Podcast of inspiring stories about those who create, build, invent and engineer new ideas into actual new products.
I will be talking to Dara Dotz at SOLIDWORKS World 2018, who is an industrial designer and co-founder of Field Ready, which designs and manufactures parts in crisis-zones. I’m sure you will be amazed at what Dara and her team can do to help others who are in great need after natural disasters or political catastrophes by developing very practical solutions on-site.
Shownotes and transcript: http://bit.ly/2OvH5LB
SOLIDWORKS Born to Design Podcast, a Podcast of inspiring stories about those who create, build, invent and engineer new ideas into actual new products. Interview with Betty Baker at SOLIDWORKS World, who has a very inspirational story about her journey from working on the assembly line to becoming the first female mechanical engineer at her company. She is a SOLIDWORKS User Group leader, and Champion for Women in STEM.
Transcript and Shownotes: http://bit.ly/2QDF9C3
SOLIDWORKS Born to Design podcast, a Podcast of inspiring stories about those who create, build, invent and engineer new ideas into actual new products. Interview with Christian Bagg, of Icon Wheelchairs, who is an outdoorsman, who had an injury that left him unable to explore the outdoors as he had before. He’s has had an amazing journey since then getting back outside.
Transcript and Shownotes: http://bit.ly/2OxjsT0