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SUMMARY

Over thirty years experience as a consultant, inspector, and evaluator within the automotive industry.  More than fifteen years experience as a forensic automotive consultant for nationally known insurance companies and law firms.  Qualified to testify in the Superior Court for the State of California.  Offices in Northern and Southern California.

EDUCATION

University of Albuquerque

Automotive and Aviation Safety, Systems and Design

Southern Illinois University

Major completed towards Bachelor of Science, Education 

ADDITIONAL ACCREDITED TRAINING

• California Conference of Arson Investigators  March 2010

  • 20 hours training in Advanced Fire/Arson Investigation

• CDR – Technicians Refresher Course  August 2009

• California Conference of Arson Investigators  March 2008

  • 20 hours training in Advanced Fire/Arson Investigation

• ARC – CSI Crash Conference, Las Vegas, NV  June 2004

• Institute of Police Technology and Management – Univ. of North Florida  February 2004

  • CDR Tool – User Certification Course

• Lee S. Cole Automotive Fire School

• National Police Training Institute

  • Tire Failure and Analysis

• Southern Association of Technical Accident Investigations

  • Mechanics of Low Speed Impact (Actual Demonstrations)

  • Accident Reconstruction

• National Institute of Forensics Studies

  • Traffic Accident Scene Documentation and Damaged Vehicle Inspection Methodologies

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Specialist in automotive, motorcycle, tractor trailer, recreational vehicle (RV), farming, and construction equipment component analysis and mechanical failures in the areas of:

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS & LICENSES

• Southern Association of Technical Accident Investigators (S.A.T.A.I.)

• California Conference of Arson Investigators (C.C.A.I.)

• Sports Car Club of America (S.C.C.A.) National Competition License

• Sports Car Club of America (S.C.C.A.) Pro Competition License

• National Auto Sports Association (N.A.S.A.) Pro Racing License

• National Hot Rod Association (N.H.R.A.) Competition License

• Porsche Club of America Competition License

• Grand – American Competition License

• Completed over 800 hours towards California Private Investigator’s License

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY

 1993 – Present

FORENSIC AUTOMOTIVE COMPONENT EXPERT

Automotive consultation for nationwide insurance companies, nationally known rental car companies, and law firms.

• Investigation of vehicle failures and defects: brakes, transmission, fuel, and suspension systems, tires - including tread separations and other manufacturing defects - air bag and seat belt issues, fire cause and origin, wiring issues, and theft issues

• Qualified witness in Superior Court, State of California 

• Conducted and participated in over 5,000 investigations consisting of field inspection and scene measurement  

• Report and correspondence generation

• Documentation review and analysis

• Extensive photograph and video experience 

1987 – Present 

VEHICLE/TIRE SPECIALIST

Independent tire testing and design consultant for Toyo Tires, Goodyear Tires, Tokico Shocks, B.F. Goodrich Tires, Hancook Tires, and General Motors – Chevrolet Division 

1986 – 1988

OWNER, TOAD HOLLOW AUTO REPAIR

Full service car auto repair facility located in Martinez, California

Race car design and preparation 

1978 – 1982

INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR

Race car driver, race car technical inspections, technical race car performance, repair and development work 

1975 – 1985

 AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER

1983 – 1985

UNITED STATES AIR FORCE

 Instructor

1980 – 1981

Federal Aviation Administration

Air Traffic Control, Oakland Center/Ocean

1975 – 1978

 UNITED STATES AIR FORCE

 Fully licensed and certified tower and RADAR control; officer/foreign instructor.