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