municipal government
Robert served two terms in public office as a Town Council President. He was appointed to office in his first term and elected into office in his second term. Robert believes that the experience of serving the community as a government official (1996-2003), gave him a unique perspective into the many needs of society that can only be learned by serving in such an office. In one case, Robert was instrumental in the passing of a Indiana House Bill as a result of a speech where he presented the advantages of municipal governments having the legal means to deposit public funds in credit unions instead of only traditional banks. The House Bill passed into law thereby allowing greater latitude for government to not only deposit public funds in credit unions but to receive better rates and lower fees. Further, public officials can be assured of deposit security equal to that of banks demonstrating overall wise stewardship of public funds.
 

In Robert's for-profit professional pursuits, he served the manufacturing sector and the service sector.

manufacturing sector
A small sample of Robert's manufacturing experience is listed below:

Robert introduced CAD/CAM/CAE technologies to Outboard Marine Corporation, Sea Nymph Boats in the early 90’s when these technologies were leading-edge. His prize project was unheard of in its day within the marine industry. He had devised the method to take a marketing concept and prove it out in engineering then send the design to the automated shop floor where computer controlled equipment would produce the necessary parts. He also automated the blueprint creation process necessary to allow the manual manufacturing processes to assemble the product. All this was completed without producing the full-scale prototype typical of the industry in that day. Through this process, Robert also was able to create one-of-kind building of boats where the customer can customize design specifications. This process allowed for very lucrative and unique boat building contracts.

Robert then introduced engineering networks and started the formalized Information Systems function at a small RV company in the mid 90’s when the company was under the direct management of one of its founders. Key to the work of the day was the breaking down of the “silo’s of information” and the implementation of databases for manufacturing processes as opposed to numerous spreadsheets and manual paperwork processes typical of the industry in those days. Although this work has since evolved with numerous computer advancements over the following years, Robert's influence represents the turning point toward an aggressive automation effort needed by the business and its management at that time.

Robert also was heavily involved in the transition through systems migrations with Steelcase Inc. He came to Steelcase under contract negotiations that lead to a full time position offer. Robert was involved in the Steelcase Wood Division which designed and manufactured executive office furniture. Here he managed a large systems migration and a move toward "common systems". A review of the partial projects list illustrates Robert’s accomplishments within this industry. This sector dominates much of the projects list content. This was done for the sake of brevity, reduction of redundancy and popularity.

service sector
As mentioned earlier, Robert has worked on several technology projects. One of his favorites was in implementing the e-commerce linkage between the end-consumer and product sales. Then integrate this e-commerce process into a corporate business system.

In Robert's non-profit pursuits, he serves in the high-education sector.

higher education sector
At Goshen College, Robert’s focus is on data mining, institutional advancement/development programming, research level programming and donor research activities. The goal is to provide accurate intuitive information using Oracle™ database, SQL and Jenzabar™. Robert has developed a methodology from his consulting practice where he integrates the programmed output from the Oracle™ database and integrates that information with Microsoft MapPoint™ to create highly useful graphic representations of the data. Robert has applied graphics in many industries for demographic studies, marketing, constituency studies and trip planning. At Goshen College, demographics and trip planning have been useful applications. He is in a highly creative role where leveraging information is key to revenue generating strategies.