The Impulse Spotlight Episode 17

In this episode we meet with former Senior Director of Engineering at Fortune Brands Innovations, a company who's portfolio of brands includes Aqualisa, Emtek, Therma-Tru, Fiberon, Master Lock, and SentrySafe.
Our guest has over three decades of experience in developing new products, generating value, and overseeing multi-million-dollar facilities and equipment upgrades across various industries. Outside of his professional life he enjoys fishing, particularly traveling to coastal destinations and targeting new species to catch.
Scott Losik was born and raised just outside Detroit, Michigan. He obtained his degree in mechanical engineering from Michigan State University and kicked off his career at Ford Motor Company and eventually earned a Master's degree in Automotive Engineering from the University of Michigan.
At Ford's engine lab in Dearborn, Scott specialized in engine testing and played a pivotal role in establishing new test facilities and capabilities, handling everything from testing methodologies to strategic planning and project management. Scott's expertise eventually led him to Fortune Brands, where he initially focused on faucets before expanding into building products like doors and decking.
In our discussion we learn about the product development project that Scott spearheaded called the Hybrid Valve. This innovative product platform simplified over 50 bath faucet configurations into just five valve assemblies that can be repeated across multiple products. We explore the challenges of developing the product platform, the importance of collaboration with marketing and design teams to isolate key requirements, and the value of understanding customer needs.
Scott shares insights into the benefits of platforming and the impact it has on a business, and we discuss the potential role of AI in product development for concept design and marketing insight. Scott provides a unique perspective on product development speaking from a project leadership perspective and analyzing how small decisions upfront have large impacts with a team down the line.
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