About
My Journey in Manufacturing
I grew up immersed in the world of manufacturing. My dad, David Sherwood (pictured at left), ran Sherwood Spinning Co. out of our garage, where he worked as a self-employed Metal Spinner.
From a young age, I helped with simple tasks such as collecting scrap metal from the floor (earning scrap value as my reward) and torch annealing copper or brass parts for further spinning. As a teenager, my dad taught me to metal spin, and I would assist him from time to time.
Although metal spinning was not the career my dad or I envisioned for me, I initially wanted to become a carpenter. However, after my freshman exploratory semesters in trade school, I chose the tool and die trade, driven by my enjoyment of working with machinery and a nudge from my dad.
My professional journey began at a highly regarded metal stamping company. After completing my Tool & Die Maker apprenticeship, I quickly advanced through various roles. In the last decade of my tenure, I served as the Engineering Manager, overseeing tool design and engineering functions. This role involved close collaboration with customers to reduce costs and enhance quality.
Later, I joined the Research and Development department of a prominent medical device manufacturer as a Materials Engineer. Here, I worked closely with product designers to ensure component manufacturability at reasonable costs. I managed the materials engineering function for five years, ultimately developing and implementing supplier requirements to improve component manufacturing and quality during my 10-year tenure.
Subsequently, I became the Director of Sales and Engineering at a small metal stamping and wire forming company. In this role, I leveraged my dual experience as a supplier and a customer to enhance the sales function. I continued to use my education, knowledge, and years of experience to engineer improved processes, reduce costs, and satisfy customers.
Now, I am eager to bring my wealth of education, knowledge, and experience to collaborate with you and your company, contributing to the pursuit of Manufacturing Excellence as your engineering consultant.
More About Me
- Proven Expertise in Manufacturing and Quality Leadership providing manufacturing consulting services:
- Over 40 years of leadership and organizational experience in Manufacturing, Quality, New Product Development, and Engineering.
- Proactive problem solver who takes the lead to find solutions, ensuring successful outcomes.
- Persistent in driving vision, setting goals, and managing projects to completion.
- Deep knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of various manufacturing processes.
- Expertise in manufacturing and quality principles and practices, including ISO, APQP, and Lean Manufacturing.
- Demonstrated organizational and planning skills with insightful, long-range, big-picture thinking.
- Excellent decision-maker, known for clear, concise, rational, and logical problem-solving.
Education
- Master of Science, Engineering and Operations Management
University of New Haven
- Bachelor of Science, General Studies - Business Concentration
Bridgeport University
- Associate of Science, Manufacturing Engineering
Gateway Community College
- Journeyman Tool and Die Maker
State of Connecticut