Versatile Industrial Design graduate with proven expertise in user-centered design, technical problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration. Combines formal design education with extensive experience in audio technology, inventory management, and customer experience optimization. Skilled in translating complex technical requirements into accessible solutions while maintaining focus on end-user needs. Demonstrated success in project management, process improvement, and technical documentation across diverse industries. Seeking to leverage multidisciplinary background and design thinking approach in challenging roles that require both creative and analytical capabilities.

Robert C Garvin

Industrial Design Education & Skills Development
Auburn AL, Cumming, GA
May 2022 - Present

Pursued formal education in Industrial Design at Auburn University while developing fabrication skills and completing design projects. Balanced academic achievement with practical application through competition entries, portfolio development, and continuous technical skill acquisition in 3D modeling, prototyping, and digital design tools.

Core Accomplishments:

  • Earned Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design Studies while developing expertise in design methodologies, ergonomics, and manufacturing processes

  • Created electric snow bike design selected as a Top 50 Eligible Contestant out of 382 designs in national competition

  • Designed the interface and validated technical feasibility for an accessibility-focused coffee maker, creating a tactile control scheme for visually impaired users and producing the final submission video

  • Designed and fabricated a mechanical zen garden coffee table featuring computer-controlled pattern creation, gaining proficiency with CNC fabrication processes through hands-on experience and G-code study

  • Expanded technical skillset through mastery of industry-standard software including Solidworks, Fusion 360, Adobe Creative Suite, and OnShape

  • Developed a design portfolio featuring multiple projects that document the product development process from ideation through prototyping

  • Applied various prototyping techniques including 3D printing, foam modeling, and traditional workshop fabrication to bring concepts to physical form

  • Explored emerging technologies such as VR/AR for design visualization, using Meta Quest Pro to create realistic 3D models and environments

Assistant Buyer: Pro Audio
Sweetwater Sound
Fort Wayne, IN
Nov 2020 - May 2022

Managed product data, inventory, and vendor relationships for Sweetwater's extensive Pro Audio division, processing 20-40 vendor orders daily while resolving 30-35 weekly technical inquiries from sales and support teams. Specialized in complex product configurations and cross-functional collaboration to optimize inventory management and customer experience.

Core Accomplishments:

  • Identified and resolved persistent issues with custom in-ear monitor orders by taking ownership of the entire product line, collaborating with vendors and internal teams to reduce errors and returns

  • Developed comprehensive product knowledge resources that improved order accuracy and customer satisfaction for high-value, non-returnable customized products

  • Analyzed inventory levels and product movement patterns to determine optimal ordering quantities and timing, ensuring appropriate stock levels across diverse product categories

  • Collaborated with marketing team to standardize product data for new manufacturer onboarding, creating unique identifiers and detailed product descriptions for hundreds of SKUs

  • Processed and verified special orders for customized audio equipment, implementing additional verification steps to minimize costly errors

  • Maintained efficient workflows using customized productivity tools, processing 20-40 vendor orders daily while ensuring accuracy and compliance with specifications

  • Provided technical expertise on product functionality to sales teams, leveraging previous audio technology experience to communicate complex features and benefits

  • Participated in cross-departmental projects to improve business processes, including refining online product configurators to better reflect actual inventory availability

Media Operations Manager
American Intercontinental University
Sandy Springs, GA
Sept 2017 - Sept 2019

Transformed the university's audio-visual and technical operations by implementing comprehensive inventory management systems, reorganizing physical resources, and revamping educational facilities. Leveraged audio production expertise to prioritize and resolve 20-40 technical issues weekly across studios, classrooms, and labs, ensuring uninterrupted educational experiences while collaborating with faculty to modernize departmental technology.

Core Accomplishments:

  • Completely overhauled media operations department by redesigning physical layout, rebuilding inventory database from scratch, and implementing streamlined checkout procedures, resulting in significantly improved equipment availability and resource utilization

  • Planned and executed strategic upgrades for three computer labs with staggered configurations, prioritizing appropriate technology resources for specific course requirements

  • Revitalized unused educational spaces including a 5.1 surround sound lab with new studio monitors, computer systems and audio interfaces, creating new learning opportunities for students

  • Created comprehensive documentation including SOPs and training materials for both staff and students, establishing clear workflows for equipment checkout, studio setup, and technical troubleshooting

  • Collaborated with department chair to research, propose, and implement technology solutions across multiple facilities, managing project timelines to minimize disruption to academic schedules

  • Applied classroom teaching experience to anticipate faculty and student needs, proactively addressing technical requirements and ensuring resources aligned with curriculum objectives

Adjunct Audio Instructor
American Intercontinental University
Sandy Springs, GA
Oct 2014 - Sept 2017

Instructed 2-3 audio production courses per quarter to classes of 16-25 students, focusing on practical application of sound design and audio engineering principles. Employed question-based teaching methodology to foster deep understanding rather than rote memorization, designing hands-on projects that prepared students for real-world audio production challenges.

Core Accomplishments:

  • Wrote and taught comprehensive audio curriculum including Audio Production, Field Recording, Sound Design, Post-Production Recording, and MIDI/Electronic Music

  • Designed culminating projects requiring full soundtrack replacement for film clips, allowing students to apply technical concepts in practical, portfolio-building assignments

  • Facilitated student mastery of industry-standard equipment including Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Reason, and high-end recording equipment from Neumann, Royer, and Audio Technica

  • Developed inquiry-based teaching methods that connected technical concepts to students' existing knowledge, creating memorable "AHA" moments that reinforced learning

  • Instructed students on the narrative importance of sound design in storytelling, emphasizing how technical choices impact audience emotional response

Production Volunteer
Perimeter Church
John’s Creek, GA
2015-2019

Provided technical production support across multiple media platforms, contributing to both in-person worship experiences and digital content creation while developing adaptable technical skills.

Core Accomplishments:

  • Operated professional audio equipment including Yamaha CL5 and Behringer X32 digital consoles for weekly young adult services of 60-125 attendees, managing complex audio configurations for various musical setups

  • Created stage plots and input/output routing plans, configured personal monitor systems, and managed all technical setup for weekly productions

  • Served in multiple production roles including Front of House Mixer, Camera Operator, Switcher, and Graphics Operator, learning to apply user experience principles to create seamless worship environments

  • Collaborated as consulting producer for Holy Week podcast series, contributing audio expertise and production best practices to enhance ministry messaging

  • Performed sound design and editing for podcast episodes and video content supporting church initiatives

Sales Specialist
PeachMac
Johns Creek, GA
Aug 2013 - Dec 2014

Provided comprehensive sales and technical support for Apple products and accessories while delivering personalized customer education and training. Utilized strong problem-solving skills and technical knowledge to facilitate smooth transitions to Apple ecosystem.

Core Accomplishments:

  • Led the store in iPhone activations upon product launch, quickly mastering the new multi-step activation process and guiding colleagues through implementation

  • Conducted one-on-one training sessions using structured APPLE methodology (Approach, Probe, Present, Listen, End) to effectively address customer needs

  • Applied audio production background to provide specialized technical assistance and training for customers with media production needs

  • Assessed customer requirements by actively listening to understand both immediate product needs and underlying goals

  • Troubleshot and resolved technical issues for customers transitioning between devices or during service interruptions, such as the AT&T/Yahoo email merger

Experience

BS in Industrial Design Studies
Auburn University, ’23

Master of Fine Arts in Sound Design
Savannah College of Art and Design, ’12

BA in Music and Recording Technology
LaGrange College, '08

EDUCATION

Technical:

  • CAD Software: Solidworks, Fusion 360, OnShape

  • Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign

  • 3D Printing and Digital Fabrication

  • CNC Fabrication Processes

  • VR/AR for Design Visualization

  • Audio Production and Sound Design

  • Studio and Production Equipment Operation

  • Database Management

Design:

  • User-Centered Design

  • Concept Development and Ideation

  • Prototyping (Digital and Physical)

  • Sketching and Rendering (Digital & Traditional)

  • User Interface Design

  • 3D Modeling and Visualization

  • Ergonomics and Accessibility Design

Analysis & Management:

  • Technical Troubleshooting

  • Data Analysis

  • Inventory Management

  • Product Data Management

  • Process Improvement and Optimization

  • Digital Workflow Optimization

  • Technical Documentation

Interpersonal & Communication:

  • Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Project Management

  • Stakeholder Communication

  • Teaching and Knowledge Transfer

  • Customer Needs Assessment

  • Requirements Gathering and Analysis

  • Presentation Skills

SKILLS