Product Development. David V. Tennant

Acknowledgments

      No one person can succeed on their own. There are always people that help along the way. Consequently, I have had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with a number of exceptional and knowledgeable people during the creation of this book.

      First of all, kudos and thanks to Gary Elliott, President, International Applied Engineering. Over the years, Gary has provided significant insight into alternative energy systems, along with engineering and business perspectives in what was, a few years ago, a niche energy market. Gary continues to provide his expertise in clean energy power generation.

      Thanks also to Tim Jarrell, Vice President of Power Supply, Rates and Distributed Generation at Cobb Electric Membership Corporation, for his thoughts on electric service and the future of electric trucks and cars relative to costs and meeting electric demand.

      Along those same lines, David Jaskolski, Advanced Technology Vehicle Sales, Peach State Truck Centers, provided a wealth of information about large electric trucks, their applications, use, and future technology. David is truly a technical expert in this arena as well as understanding the commercial and economic issues in electric truck operations.

      David Malone, Vice President of Marketing at Gas South, provided strategies for obtaining customer preferences and the use of digital marketing. Further strategy in this energy market was also provided by Kevin Greiner, CEO of Gas South.

      Steven Lustig, Vice President of Global Supply Chain at East–West Manufacturing, was instrumental in discussing manufacturing techniques, remote teams, logistics, and global purchasing.

      Roy Sequeira, Computer Systems Consultant, provided his perspective in developing and launching computer systems and products. His knowledge on planning and avoiding problems was most helpful; especially his observations on why launches sometimes fail.

      Gerard Hill (retired), former Vice President of Consulting at ESI International and later an independent consultant. Gerard, over the years, has mentored and assisted me in project management techniques, methodologies, and practical applications.

      Finally, to my wife and family who persevered through my absence while working on this book. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

      I want to express my sincere thanks and admiration to each of the above participants. All of today’s knowledge is built on the experience and knowledge of previous pioneers. These gentlemen represent the leaders in today’s new thinking and product development.