My Experience
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Grandpa Pete and I (1984)
Why Valdon Solutions
Valdon is my middle name, passed down from My Grandfather Pete that I passed along to my son. Pete never graduated high school. He worked at the local blacksmith shop owned by his father Val. After a stint in the Army including a year in the Artic Circle, he return to Clinton, WI and in 1964 founded Custom Manufacturing with my Grandmother LaVonne. For 60 years they worked and raised a family together. An expert welder and maker, he was asked many times where he got his engineering degree. Pete was issued a Patent in 2001 and created numerous inventions and innovative solutions
His example has had a big impact on me along with that of my other grandfather and father, who also owned their own businesses. I first decided that I would follow their footsteps in middle school and perused education and experience to make that a reality. After years in the corporate world, I finally made it a reality when i founded FORWRD Training in 2018. Part of this decision was also that it allowed for me to pick up his mantle at Custom Manufacturing, where I work alongside my Grandmother, Aunt, and Cousin to keep his legacy alive after his passing.
Work Experience
Valdon Solutions
Founder
Helping partners find innovative product and system solutions.
2019 – Present
FORWRD Training
CO-Founder & General Manager
Created systems to support an innovative approach to physical training
2018 – 2020
Spectrum Brands
SENIOR NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Designed and managed development for George Foreman and Black and Decker Kitchen Appliances
2012 – 2017, 2020
Oshkosh Defense
Extra Space
SENIOR DESIGN ENGINEER – Systems
Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems Engineering for Production and Advanced Military Vehicles.
2006 – 2011
Briggs & Stratton
Extra Space
Engineering Intern
3 Semester Rotational Co-Op. Facility Management, Engineering, Emissions, Testing, R&D
2003 – 2005
F.B. Reeders
Extra Space
Plumber’s Assistant
Service and New Construction Plumbing with at my Father’s Business
1994-2002
I’ve Worked With
Education & Certificates
QFD Institute
QFD Green Belt
Modern and Blitz Training from the method experts
2021
University of Wisconsin -Madison CPED
New Product Development and Innovation
2016
University of Wisconsin -Milwaukee SCE
Designing Plastic Parts for the Injection Molding Process
2015
University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh
MBA
Completed while working at Oshkosh Defense
2010
University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee
Mechanical Engineering
Experienced the big city and learned how to truly study and work hard
2005
Clinton High School
Jack of all Trades
12 season athlete (football, basketball, track). Concert, Pep, Marching Band, Choir and Musical, 4-H, Badger Boys State, Honors Student
2000