Justin Lodes
New Holstein
Summary
Technical sales leader with a strong technical background and demonstrated sales success. Effective communicator who customizes training content and presentations to enhance understanding and expand market reach. Energetic professional with a strong educational background and sharp skills.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Layout Designer – Aerial Rear Body
Pierce Manufacturing, Inc.
Appleton
12.2025 - Current
- Designed layouts for fire apparatus vehicles, optimizing space and functionality.
- Reviewed customer specifications to deliver tailored layout solutions.
- Conducted layout presentations to communicate design concepts and modifications effectively.
- Incorporated client feedback into final design iterations efficiently.
- Collaborated with engineering teams to ensure compliance with industry standards.
- Updated materials to meet evolving customer requirements, ensuring accuracy.
- Utilized Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign for visual asset creation.
- Systematically organized digital assets to facilitate quick access for team members.
Technical Sales Engineer
Helwig Carbon Products
Milwaukee
08.2023 - 06.2025
- Energized $5 million product line, forecasting new sales between $2.5 million and $3.5 million through strategic initiatives.
- Developed technical presentations for clients on carbon brushes and products.
- Collaborated with engineering teams to address customer specifications and requirements.
- Conducted product demonstrations to showcase features and benefits effectively.
- Assisted customers in selecting appropriate solutions for their applications.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and competitor offerings.
- Managed customer inquiries, providing timely responses and solutions.
- Initiated projects focused on evolving needs of original equipment manufacturers to drive innovation.
- Collaborated with OEMs to communicate design requirements, ensuring alignment with development goals.
- Cultivated relationships with OEMs across Australia, South America, the U.S., and Europe to increase sales growth.
- Supported 22 independent sales representatives by optimizing customer engagement strategies.
- Delivered customized product training and technical seminars enhancing understanding for sales representatives and clients.
- Worked alongside marketing to refine messaging, boosting brand awareness during trade shows.
- Implemented a comprehensive sales engagement technology stack that streamlined workflows and enhanced customer interactions.
Designer
The Manitowoc Company (Contractor)
Manitowoc
10.2021 - 08.2023
- Designed innovative product concepts utilizing CAD software for enhanced functionality.
- Collaborated with engineering teams to refine and finalize design specifications.
- Conducted design reviews, integrating stakeholder feedback into final designs.
- Partnered with engineering project management and U.S.-based operations to implement solutions that improved project outcomes.
Designer
Ameriquip Corp.
Kiel
07.2019 - 03.2021
- Spearheaded OEM product development and revitalized existing products while managing six indirect reports to drive project success.
- Introduced technologies that modernized outdated processes, significantly enhancing operational efficiency.
- Spearheaded OEM product development and revitalized existing products, managing six indirect reports.
- Researched and advocated for adoption of $30k 3D printer, leading to significant reduction in production costs.
Machine Designer
Hilite Machine (Contractor)
Sheboygan
12.2018 - 05.2019
- Designed an innovative polishing machine overcoming previous stability challenges; coordinated cross-departmental processes to deliver on time and within budget.
- Participated in hands-on machine builds and updates, ensuring design feasibility throughout projects.
- Led engineering team in providing technical guidance and managing customer and supplier relationships, promptly resolving all issues to maintain project timelines.
- Fostered collaboration among teams to streamline design and build processes.
- Optimized team structure, enhancing profitability margins by 20%.
- Aligned payment schedule with demo milestones, increasing project profitability from 30% to 60%.
- Restored compromised client relationship, securing customer confidence and successfully closing $750k custom machine contract, enhancing long-term partnership.
- Recommended corrective actions based on thorough analysis of operational issues.
Mechanical Designer
Aquamaster Fountains & Aerators (Contractor)
Kiel
06.2018 - 10.2018
- Led product design and redesign initiatives, successfully reducing production expenses for both the company and supplier. Implemented product data management (PDM) system and managed 3D printing to support product development.
- Revived stalled 2.5-year project by securing autonomy from leadership; arranged in-person meetings across Midwest and adapted product to address supplier concerns, achieving a 28% cost reduction for completed unit.
- Acted as key supplier liaison, obtained quotes, and resolved design challenges while facilitating collaborative improvements.
Engineering Assistant
Kohler Co.
Mosel
03.2016 - 05.2018
- Managed 4-6 concurrent projects, overseeing 3-4 engineers per project to meet budgets and timelines.
- Collaborated with engineers to design gensets and enclosures, reducing costs and improving departmental profitability.
- Integrated latest controller generation into over 50 gensets across product lines, improving reliability.
- Established project tracking system to improve team coordination and communication, increasing project delivery efficiency.
- Developed an innovative tool-less enclosure design, securing patents and surpassing competitors.
- Updated genset grounding procedures to improve performance and ensure compliance with safety standards.
- Conducted internal audits to ensure ISO compliance, reinforcing quality of deliverables.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Lakeland University
Plymouth, WIAssociate’s Degree - Mechanical Design and Engineering Technology
Lakeshore College
Cleveland, WISkills
- System Design & Manufacturing
- Product Development
- Project Management
- Proposal Development
- Pre-sales support
- Sales strategy
- Sales
- Sales Enablement
- Client Interaction
- Technical Documentation
- Analysis
- Process Improvement
- Product Lifecycle
- Project tracking
- Team collaboration
- Workflow support
- Communication
- Interpersonal communication
- Presentation Skills
- Technical communication
- Workflow support
- Customer presentations
Timeline
Layout Designer – Aerial Rear Body
Pierce Manufacturing, Inc.
12.2025 - Current
Technical Sales Engineer
Helwig Carbon Products
08.2023 - 06.2025
Designer
The Manitowoc Company (Contractor)
10.2021 - 08.2023
Designer
Ameriquip Corp.
07.2019 - 03.2021
Machine Designer
Hilite Machine (Contractor)
12.2018 - 05.2019
Mechanical Designer
Aquamaster Fountains & Aerators (Contractor)
06.2018 - 10.2018
Engineering Assistant
Kohler Co.
03.2016 - 05.2018
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Lakeland University
Associate’s Degree - Mechanical Design and Engineering Technology
Lakeshore College