MARK G. AGRESTA

*** ******** ***** **********, ** 24060

Home 540-***-**** Mobile 540-***-**** w1niv9@r.postjobfree.com

CAREER PROFILE

Passionate, results-oriented visionary with a competitive background in global product development and technical project management. Effectively direct and coordinate design engineering functions with an innovative, hands-on approach. Strong team-building, leadership, decision-making, communication, and analytical skills. Inventor of award-winning and patented aquatic products. Core competencies include:

• Product Concepts & Redesigns

• Product Dev. and Production Support

• R&D Strategy & Management

• Problem Identification & Resolution • Budget Management

• Relationship Builder with China Suppliers

• Regulatory & Environmental Compliance

• Staff Development / Supervision

Areas of Expertise:

Plastic Parts and Assembly Design ~ Mold Design ~ Functional Prototype Modeling ~ Electrical and Lighting/LED Design ~ 3D, CAD Component and Assembly Experience ~ Aquatic and Pet Products Technical Equipment Design ~ Tooling and Production Start-up for Domestic and Overseas Manufacturing Locations ~ Medical Product Development

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

UPG AQUATICS, DIVISION OF SPECTRUM BRANDS, Blacksburg, VA 1990–96 and 1997–2012

UPG’s Aquatic Division is the largest marketer and manufacturer of consumer and commercial aquatics products for the pet supplies industry; it is highly regarded for its product quality and history of product innovation. Promoted to Department Manager in 2000 and Director in 2007.

Director of Global R&D

Directed and coordinated all activities related to the development of new technical equipment products and enhancements to existing products for Aquatic Brands/consumer products. Led a team of 7+ engineers and 1 project manager to review and analyze proposals, generate and develop product concepts, and developed new products from concept to launch of profitable products that achieved corporate objectives. Developed and managed annual budgets for department, capital equipment, projects, and cost reduction programs.

Worked closely with members of senior management to ensure technical expertise was provided in the evaluation of technical products affecting vendor selection, materials, and/or equipment for both manufactured and sourced products. Collaborated with senior management and marketing to develop or co-develop a continuous stream of new products that meet the needs of each brand. Provided technical support on R&D teams (NPD and New business) regarding projects and product development using a stage-gate process.

MARK AGRESTA Résumé – Page 2

UPG AQUATICS

Director of Global R&D [continued]

Key Contributions:

Received 10 U.S. patents and other patents pending.

Earned President’s Award (top company award) 3 of the last 6 years.

Personally launched hundreds of new aquarium and pet equipment products. Team successfully and consistently launched over 20 new technical equipment products per year.

Lead team member responsible for developing and implementing a New Product Development Process.

Core member of Supplier Qualification Team.

Oversaw all product development and testing for aquatic, pond, reptile, and Littermaid equipment. Assisted with product development and testing for dog, cat and bird products.

Communicated daily with Chinese suppliers to develop and co-develop products and resolve manufacturing challenges. Personally made 50+ trips and spent over 2 years to China.

Developed products and provided technical support for global affiliates in Europe, Japan, China, and South America.

BECTON DICKINSON, Franklin Lakes, NJ 1996 – 1997

Mold Designer / Product Designer

Accountable for the design, development, and execution of new products, prototype tooling, and hot runner manifolds for various medical products.

CALUMET, Somerset, NJ and A. EPSTEIN ASSOCIATES, Totowa, NJ 1988 – 1990

Design Engineer

Provided technical lead/project management for design of plastic parts and assemblies and mold designs. Assessed needs, developed specifications, implemented effective troubleshooting procedures, and completed documentation. Designed toys, displays, and various custom plastic assemblies to customer specifications.

GIBSON ASSOCIATES, Cranford, NJ 1983 – 1988

Product Designer and Draftsman

Responsible for designing deodorant stick assemblies, closures, and fitments. Created mold design and oversaw mold build. Completed design layouts from sketches and revised product drawings in accordance with engineering change orders.

EDUCATION

University of Massachusetts, Lowell College of Engineering, Lowell, MA

Injection Mold Design Certificate, 1992

Passaic School of Drafting, Passaic, NJ

Electro-Mechanical Drafting Diploma, 1983

Bergen Community College, Paramus, NJ

Drafting and Design, 1982

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