Previous work · brand build
Method Effects
A ground-up, organically grown and first-to-market automotive aero parts company that facilitated a need for creativity and creation. A self-marketing (pull) product that emphasized quality and control — designed and manufactured in the U.S. while still realizing ~50% margins. Although unable to scale on a cash basis, the brand earned high marks and a respected brand equity.
The work included fitment constraints, OEM mounting points, custom tooling and packaging, ecommerce, customer support, logistics, and content for Facebook, Instagram, and enthusiast forums.
Period 2017–2024
Built Brand · product · suppliers · commerce · logistics
Reach Domestic and international direct-to-consumer sales
Process notes and lessons
- Used vehicle scanning and professional CAD support to turn the initial idea into manufacturable geometry.
- Designed around fitment, visibility, minimal modification, and an OEM-like appearance.
- Retooled an expensive aluminum buck after rejecting a gap in the RS3 design; later learned MDF could have reduced that cost.
- Custom boxes and shipping processes for a large product moving domestically and internationally. Duties, customs, and oversized shipping charges were constraints.
- Faced pandemic-era plastic costs and overseas copying of product designs and images.
free marketing — tagged in posts
CAD render — Kevin Grant (@the_kevinator)
RS3 tooling buck — Akra Plastics
ABS finishing — baked to cure (Shmaze)
first order — eight splitters to Japan