Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Richard Spong

Lake Charles,LA

Summary

A 30-year-old Mechanical Engineering student at McNeese State University, I made an immediate impact by earning the Presidential Honors Award in my very first semester with a perfect 4.0 GPA. My decade-plus of entrepreneurial experience, from owning Magnolia Creation Services (specializing in packaging delicate items, including sponsored contracts with Fort Polk and Barksdale Air Force Base) to my current venture, The Manufactory, has uniquely prepared me for this field.

At The Manufactory, I've gained extensive hands-on experience in 3D printing, additive, and conventional manufacturing. I am highly proficient in Fusion 360 and Blender for 3D modeling, with practical experience running simulations and generative design studies. I've personally innovated and produced tangible products, including a universally fitting 1969 Shelby bullet mirror, patented fishing products for Phillip Tackle, and specialized knife guards.

My passion for 3D printing and design extends to my YouTube channel (over 1000 subscribers), where I effectively teach and showcase advanced concepts and applications. This blend of practical manufacturing and design expertise, coupled with a specialization in Additive Manufacturing from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign(including 5 certificates and hands-on projects), demonstrates a proven ability to translate complex ideas into market-ready solutions and communicate them effectively. I am seeking scholarships to further my academic and professional contributions to the field of Mechanical Engineering

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Owner

The Manufactory
08.2024 - Current
  • Achieved financial growth with strategic planning, cost control measures, and targeted marketing efforts.
  • Organized and attended trade shows and special events to showcase products, network with other businesses and attract new customers.
  • Enhanced operational efficiency and productivity by managing budgets, accounts, and costs.
  • Monitored market conditions to set accurate product pricing and take advantage of emerging trends.
  • Expanded product offerings by researching market trends and identifying potential growth opportunities.

Server/manager

121 Artisan Bistro
01.2024 - Current
  • Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality.
  • Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
  • Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
  • Collaborated with team members during busy shifts for efficient workflow and excellent guest experiences.
  • Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
  • Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
  • Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.

Design Engineer

Ahoy Boat Lifts
08.2020 - 01.2024
  • Evaluated industry competition regularly to maintain a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
  • Successfully navigated challenging economic conditions by making informed decisions that protected the business''s financial stability.
  • Ensured regulatory compliance by staying abreast of industry-related changes and implementing necessary policies or procedures as needed.
  • Mentored staff members on best practices in customer service and sales techniques, leading to increased performance levels.
  • Expanded business into new markets, cond
  • Streamlined operations to improve efficiency, enabling more time to be spent on strategic planning and decisionmaking.
  • Achieved significant cost savings by implementing energy-efficient solutions across company facilities.

HVAC Technician

Tots FONTENOT’s Ac
11.2022 - 11.2023
  • Performed troubleshooting on HVAC systems to determine root cause of issues.
  • Installed new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in residential and commercial buildings with precision and attention to detail.
  • Troubleshot complex HVAC problems, identifying root causes and implementing effective solutions.
  • Utilized diagnostic equipment effectively in order to identify malfunctioning components within HVAC systems accurately.

Owner

Magnolia Crating and Services
08.2018 - 01.2020
  • Generated revenues yearly and effectively capitalized on industry growth.
  • Streamlined operational processes to improve efficiency with comprehensive audits and restructuring.
  • Demonstrated commitment through military affiliation.
  • Managed high-value items requiring specialized handling and liability care.

Sales Representative

Acme Refrigeration
06.2014 - 08.2016
  • Enhanced client satisfaction by addressing concerns promptly and providing exceptional service.
  • Generated additional sales opportunities with upselling and cross-selling techniques.

Education

Bachelor Of Mechanical Engineering/current - Mechanical Engineering

McNeese State University
Lake Charles, LA

Specialization/Certificate - Additive Manufacturing

Coursera
Louisiana
11.2024

GED - General Studies

GED.com
Louisiana
06.2024

Skills

  • Customer relations
  • Small business operations
  • Relationship building
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Project management
  • Client service
  • Operations management
  • Business launch

Certification

https://coursera.org/share/d60fabba62c4b96d9a9bafa26e6a5a22

Timeline

Owner

The Manufactory
08.2024 - Current

Server/manager

121 Artisan Bistro
01.2024 - Current

HVAC Technician

Tots FONTENOT’s Ac
11.2022 - 11.2023

Design Engineer

Ahoy Boat Lifts
08.2020 - 01.2024

Owner

Magnolia Crating and Services
08.2018 - 01.2020

Sales Representative

Acme Refrigeration
06.2014 - 08.2016

Bachelor Of Mechanical Engineering/current - Mechanical Engineering

McNeese State University

Specialization/Certificate - Additive Manufacturing

Coursera

GED - General Studies

GED.com
Richard Spong