Professional PortfolioChristopher J. Davenport P.Eng

Aptitude. Experience. Confidence.

Philosophy

I was once told by a former employer that I don't say much but when I do, it's worth listening to. He also said that during heated debate, mine was the calming voice of reason. I think these two phrases effectively describe my character and hint at my professional philosophy. Listening. It has gotten me further in my career than anything else. Listening to those above me with more experience, listening to the tradespeople that build, use, and maintain the mechanical devices I design everyday, and listening to the clients so as to truly understand their needs, wants, and problems. Keeping it simple. Whether it be in troubleshooting activities, design, or technical presentations, I strive to not overlook the obvious nor complicate the situation. This does not mean I do not think outside the box. It just means I do not think outside the wrong box. Leading by example. Good managers do things right. Good leaders do the right things.

Contents• Leadership

• Industrial Design

• Product Development

• Process Development

• Marketplace Development

• Graphic Design & Technical Writing

• References

Leadership

Just like my philosophy says I lead by example. One of my strengths is the ability to see a project lifecycle a few steps ahead of the current position which helps me find the path to successful completion. With a Myers-Briggs personality type of INTJ, I am keenly aware of my abilities and limitations and realize it takes a team effort to accomplish project goals. It is this strong confidence in personal ability that makes INTJs natural leaders.

As a leader I prefer to work alongside those under my direction as opposed to becoming the "boss". It is important to me that my colleagues know that we all have a key roll and mine is simply to give direction, take the blame, and pass credit on to them. I motivate others to step forward with ideas, to be confident in their talents and abilities, and to continuously learn.

Industrial Design

I have extensive experience in the design and detailing of material handling equipment and machine centres for the sawmill, biomass, and pelleting industries. Examples include drum chippers, shredders, hammer mills, pellet mills, all types of conveyances, dosage and storage bins, bandsaws, twin saws, feed systems, carriages, gang saws, board edgers, chipping units, trim saws, sorters, hydraulic power units, and lubrication systems.

Industrial DesignDaily activities included:

• Continuous interaction with clients during the design phase to ensure the machine centre or system functionally fits their needs and physically fits in their process

• Brainstorming with the engineering team, fabrication team, and VP Research & Development to develop tailored solutions and to ensure continuous improvement of the standard product offerings

• Meeting with product and service vendors to become familiar with new products and technologies to better serve client's needs and improve or expand standard product offerings

Product Development

I have lead design teams during the development of industry first or new-to-company machinery including a lineal optimized edger, optimized cant sizer, high speed lineal optimized edger, flared butt reducer, top chipping edger, transverse optimized edger, scragg mill, drum chipper, and a double die pellet mill.

Product DevelopmentDevelopment activities beyond the overall machine design included:

• Control package design including HMI screen, selection of field devices and motors, and developing the control narrative

• Risk assessments to ensure adequate safeguarding, proper control circuit architecture, and safety performance level requirements

• Maintaining a log book to document all activities for SR&ED tax incentive program claims

• Preparing documents and illustrations for patent applications and CE certifications

• Preparing sales brochures and technical sales presentations

• Preparing operator's manuals

Process Development

I have lead multi-firm design teams during the development of pelleting processes for various types of biomass, merging new and existing technologies. Processes were defined in the form of one line block diagrams, P&ID diagrams, and mass and energy balance diagrams prior to the creation of general arrangement drawings.

Process DevelopmentProcess developments were documented in detailed feasibility studies which focused on:

• Sourcing, researching, and evaluating compatible technologies to compliment and/or complete the process

• Evaluating risks in new technologies and finding ways to reduce it.

• Sourcing and tasking testing facilities to test the validity of various stages of the processes and quantify environmental emissions

• Determining and adhering to applicable environmental, health & safety, building, and electrical codes and standards

Process Development• Assessment and reduction of environmental, human, and property

risks

• Project scheduling

• Determining the availability and economic limitations of raw materials

• Estimating cost of production by establishing CAPEX and OPEX budgets

• Exploring market demand and sustainable price for finished product

Marketplace DevelopmentMy experiences with marketplace development have typically involved developing two parallel markets. Initially, a problem for a potential client is recognized. I would then present a possible solution using a standard product offering or an adaptation thereof. Typically the solution would generate a marketable, finished product from the client's problem. Prior to going to market with this new finished product, various details needed to be explored such as:

• The most profitable use of the product

• The value the market can justify

• Regulations affecting this type of product and how they affect the manufacture of it

• Testing the validity of the finished product

Once these details had been explored and the unknowns defined it was possible (with an anchor client) to market the standard product offering to other clients with similar problems and to market the anchor client's (as well as other potential client's) finished product at industry trade shows and the like.

Graphic Design & Technical WritingI have been commended on my ability to describe complex machines, processes, and subject matter to technical and non-technical audiences alike in a clear and concise manner. It is an aspect of my career that I especially enjoy.

This has led to being called upon to provide technical sales presentations to heavy hitters like ConocoPhillips, Black & Veatch, and Pöyry.

It has also led me to graphic design and technical writing activities such as 3D model rendering; creation of sales brochures, company logos, and mission statements; authoring operator's manuals and feasibility studies; and operation of social media sites.

ReferencesFritz Weirathmueller Owner / Consultant FW Technologies Fredericton, NB Email: fwtech@bellaliant.net Cell: 506-292-5093 Andrew Barnard Chief Executive Officer Providence Farms Inc. Bedell, NB Email: ambarnard@outlook.com Cell: 506-238-3473 Joe Chapman Shop Foreman / Field Services Manager Torrefied Wood Pellet Equipment Ltd. Nackawic, NB Email: joe_chapman@hotmail.com Cell: 506-325-0435