Alan H. Boner
Design and Execution of Grand Schemes
to Make the World a Better Place

March 2007

This is my personal page. It is intended to describe some of the interests I have pursued. Such as acting as founding board chair of a Charter School or developing hardware and software for building controls. Or spending time with my family. Or dancing Argentine Tango. Or working for a strong downtown neighborhood association. Or developing motion control systems for industrial applications. Or designing houses. Or building furniture.

I worked several years for Motorola in Seattle, building a client/server system for mobile phones, and several years for Microsoft in Redmond, developing new categories of product and managing teams developing Software Development Kits and sample applications. The two work environments and approaches to software development were quite different.  I like to think it’s a testament to my adaptability.

I did work for the Oregon Department of Energy where I helped to develop energy codes for commercial buildings which are simple to understand, use, and enforce. I also helped to develop tools to make the energy code easier to use. I believe we will have better buildings in Oregon because of this effort. I developed the initial program for building commissioning, a systematic process of insuring that buildings work the way they were intended. I developed a set of tools for building owners to use to get buildings to work properly.

I designed and installed sawmill controls, including a new PC-based motion controller for Salem Equipement in Salem Oregon.  I delivered sawmill and veneer mill equipment, including a new veneer lathe feedscrew hydraulic system replacement that improved accuracy and productivity of veneer mills across the US.  It was really cool to be moving 10,000 lb hunks of iron around quickly with great precision.

My engineering training was from worldwide experts in diesel engine design and manufacturing recruited by Cummins Engine Company.  I wrote simulations of engine systems, controls and fuel systems in particular, to improve performance, reduce design times, and increase time to market.

My work is always in some way related to product design and development. I have unusually strong skills in mechanical/spacial conceptualization as well as a strong record of electronic, electro/mechanical, and electro/hydraulic product design. I enjoy the interface between marketing and engineering.  I have migrated toward the market research, market development side of this equation.

I believe in the strength of the individual, and that the best results come out of the combined efforts of well managed individuals with diverse skills. I can be a leader or a participant. I respond well to strong leadership. While I am still considering the pursuit of my consulting practice, I feel a need to be a more substantial part of something, to be "on the line" for the success of whatever I contribute to.

Here are random photos from recent life.  Ava and Circe’s February 2007

 

My blog is at alanboner.blogspot.com

My extended resume details jobs I’ve had.

You can contact me by

email: AlanOnline@peercontrols.com
phone: M: 425-691-1650  |  H: 425-576-9421
or mail to:

10468 NE 113th Place
Kirkland, WA 98033

 

last updated 3/25/07