Jeff Wolak, Controls Integration Engineer, Milford Proving Grounds

Ahoy Matey: When I’m not working, you’ll find me restoring one of my four boats. Right now, I’m working on a 1959 Carver Mahogany.
And the Emmy goes to: Law & Order and The Office. Love ‘em!
Break out the cowboy boots: Shooter Jennings is my all-time favorite musician, but I love all country and classic rock music.

A couple of weeks ago, I went up to Kapuskasing, Ontario, located nearly 750 miles north of Detroit. With temperatures regularly dropping as low as -30 degrees Celsius, I bet you’re wondering why on earth I would choose this frigid location for a winter getaway. First, let me give you some background on how I wound up here.

I grew up in Michigan, the son of a General Motors employee, and always knew I’d someday work at GM just like my dad. I’ve always had a fascination with cars and I thought my knack for tinkering with things made me a perfect fit for the industry. So I decided to attend Kettering University to study electrical engineering. While at Kettering, I completed a co-op at GM and I’ve been with the company ever since.

After 16 years, I’m now the Controls Integration Engineer for the Chevrolet Volt, the car that’s going to change driving as we know it. In this position, I make sure all of the controls and modules are functioning and working properly together, focusing mostly on the plug-in charging aspect of the vehicle. I’ll take the vehicle and drive it around until the battery is depleted and the engine generator kicks in. Then I’ll grab my laptop and record the charge process, looking at the AC energy from the wall,  temperature and voltage of the battery, and how long the whole process takes. If the system is not performing up to task, I’ll work with the appropriate engineers and make sure the issue is corrected so that we can meet our charging efficiency targets.

We test the Volt in all types of climates – from the extreme heat of Death Valley to the arctic conditions of Northern Canada – which is why I was in Kapuskasing recently.

It may sound like a winter vacation gone wrong to you, but for us, Kapuskasing is the ideal place to test the cold-weather durability of the Volt. Unlike other electric vehicles, the Volt is engineered for all seasons and all climates, and in the freezing temps of Kapuskasing, we monitor the battery’s performance and its ability to start, sustain a charge and maintain ideal temperature. There are 10 different engineers focused on specific areas of the battery systems –some work on the state of the charge determination, and others handle the thermal aspects of the battery. My job is to make sure all those pieces are functioning properly together and coordinate with the appropriate engineers when they’re not.

It’s an exciting time for me personally because the Volt is such a huge game-changer for GM and it’s important we get everything right the first time. We have a real team atmosphere, and everyone is willing to pitch in and help make sure we’re successful. It requires a lot of time and effort, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Editor’s Note:  We at GM love Jane Devin for a lot of reasons, but mainly because she has the courage to do what many of us would love to do – leave the real world behind and hit the road for a year-long adventure across the U.S. Connie Burke, one of our employees, connected with Jane and helped provide her with GM vehicles for the trip. Jane, who has nicknamed all of the vehicles, has been blogging about her experiences. Many of us here are following her journey, and we want to share her story with you.

On the road with Jane Devin

A little over three months ago, I packed a 2010 Yukon Denali with enough supplies for a year on the road, and started the journey. The dream of traveling across the country to write stories was no longer distant. The road was in front of me, and my email was full of invitations and words of encouragement from California to Florida. I was so excited that I don’t think I stopped smiling for a week.

Since then, I’ve met dozens of readers and made friends of strangers in thirteen states. As part of my trip, I’ve test driven seven GM vehicles, including the GMC Yukon Denali (Ruby), two Chevy Camaros (Sunny and Lola), a Chevy Equinox (William), a Buick LaCrosse (Sean), a Chevy Silverado (Belle), and a Cadillac CTS.

I could not have envisioned a better or more life-affirming experience. I have been working full-time since I was a teenager, and as a single parent for over twenty years, I had never even taken a vacation before this journey. I’ve always written, but it never paid enough to support a family, so I had a varied work life, doing everything from radio sales to property management to farm work.

The opportunity to write full-time, to tell stories that are meaningful to me as well as to others, is a tremendous gift. I feel changed in ways I can’t yet measure. There’s a depth to this experience that I’m not done exploring, but I know that it has already ignited my spirit and buoyed my hopes for the future.  With every mile, I feel less jaded and cynical. As I listen to the stories of people across the States, I find myself more empathetic and connected. There really are more good people than not in this country, and I think it’s easy to lose site of that in trying times, when so much of the news is despairing.

 I’m looking very forward to the next few months, which I’ll be spending in the South and East. I find it amazing, still, how many places I’ve never seen, and how different they all are. America is rich in diversity and culture, and I want to soak as much in as I can before my trip is over.

Visit Jane’s blog at: http://www.findingmyamerica.com/

Editor’s Note: The Chevrolet Equinox was one of three finalists for North American Truck of the Year, an honor voted on by the automotive press.

Whitney Krause, Assistant Program Manager for Chevrolet Equinox

Close to home:  I am from a large GM family, and knew as a kid that I wanted to work for GM at the Warren Tech Center.  I wasn’t sure in what capacity at the time. I just knew that I wanted GM in my future.

Outside Interests:  I am a mother of two teenagers, so most of my time is dedicated to raising them, which includes exhausting shuttling services to and from hockey, football and dance competitions.  Spending so many hours in a car driving kids gives me the perfect opportunity to give input from a mom’s perspective on the features and functions needed in a vehicle that our customers also want.  When time allows, and in between the kids’ schedules, I cherish the time spent with friends trying out the latest restaurants, or just soaking up the sun and the laughs up in northern Michigan.

Favorite Features:  It is really difficult to pick my favorite Equinox feature.  32 mpg highway on the 4 cyl. is certainly impressive, and the quiet cabin is segment leading. The seat comfort is great for an aching back, but if I had to choose a feature I am most proud of, I would narrow it down to the rear-vision camera.  It is located in the inside rear view mirror, or in the Nav. screen (depending on the how the vehicle is ordered).  Although this feature has been available in other high-end models, the Equinox is the first in its segment to offer this feature.  We felt this vehicle would have a high percent of female buyers who would consider this feature a wow factor, and others alike as well.

I began my GM career as a manufacturing engineer in 1994 (at the Warren Tech Center, just as I predicted as a kid). In 2005, I began work on the original Equinox, and then moved to work on the 2010 Equinox about three years ago.  My team and I were all thrilled that Equinox was one of three finalists for North American Truck of the Year. We’re also pleased to see it doing so well in the marketplace with strong sales.

When we started working on the new Equinox, we wanted to make sure we did it right. We wanted to make a vehicle that consumers wanted and would get excited about. We wanted to make a vehicle to meet all of their needs. By that, I mean everything from fuel economy and safety to the comfort of the seats, and enough cubbies for storage.

We went to great lengths to design the vehicle for a wide range of customers, including women in high heels and mothers with young children. The acceleration pedal is angled so it’s more comfortable for women driving in heels. We made sure to include lights in the visor mirror. When you’re trying to put on lip gloss for dinner in a dark parking lot, you need a light and you need it to be discrete. You don’t want to turn on the dome light.  Making lit sun visors standard equipment is small addition to the vehicle, but a huge dissatisfier if it is not there that our male co-workers may or may not understand.

We also insisted on having a rear-vision camera available on Equinox. Originally, it was not part of our vehicle content, but during the vehicle development, the “Today Show” and “Oprah” ran segments on the dangers of vehicles backing up on small children. I brought tapes of those segments to one of our team meetings. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the room. Because of the passion of our team, we decided that we had to make rear-vision cameras available on our vehicles.

It was all of the little things that our team did that made sure the interaction between the driver and vehicle was a good fit. I could not be more proud of how everyone on the team worked together to create a vehicle that meets the needs of so many consumers.

Christina McLain visited a supplier and worked on the line to get to know her customers better

Christina McLain, Senior Buyer, Floor Consoles Midsize Crossovers, Global Purchasing and Supply Chain, Warren

Outside the Office: When I am not working on homework for my master’s degree, I like to run 5K’s during the warmer months. I also enjoy going to concerts by Lady Gaga to Kid Rock. I love to bake; I’m always baking something and putting my spin on it, always trying to make a healthier version of sweet treats. My husband is a car guy and is always teaching me anything related to cars and engines whenever he has the chance. As long as I have known him, he has been a huge GM fan and part of the reason I decided to work for GM. We have two cats, Gizmo and Jynxy.

From Supplier to Buyer:  I graduated from Kettering University in 2002 with a BS in Mechanical Engineering and did my five-year co-op at Dow Automotive in Auburn Hills, Mich. After graduating, I worked at ZF Lemforder for three years as a supplier quality engineer for chassis components. While there, I worked on different lines in the plant to get familiar with the parts and the processes.  I joined GM in 2008 as a Senior Supplier Quality Engineer in Powertrain and was responsible for valvetrain and exhaust after treatment. Last October, I joined the purchasing group as Senior Buyer in Floor Consoles.

Back to the Future: As the newest person to our group, my director, Chris Naegeli, asked me to be the first GM buyer to take part in a new training program to work directly with Johnson Controls and Android Industries, the suppliers we buy from to see how the commodities we buy are made. I was excited. I thought ‘This is an awesome idea’ because when I was at ZF Lemforder, I really liked working on the line because it really helped me learn the parts. Once I arrived, both were very welcoming and very excited. People there were shocked and surprised that someone from a customer would want to come and work on the line.

It’s About the Relationships:  I think what was great about doing this was the chance to not only learn my parts but get to know some of the people who are making them. I was really able to build on my relationships with the suppliers. This experience also helps me look for additional cost savings and also helped me really learn each component of the floor consoles and how they are assembled together.

Keeping Up:  When I was at Android, it reminded me of that ‘I Love Lucy’ episode where Lucy and Ethel are working in the bakery on the cake line. We were building consoles in sequence for just-in-time delivery to the Lansing Delta Township plant. The line is moving so quickly, I definitely had moments like that. It was a challenge to assemble the consoles at line speed, but every one passed in-line quality checks, so I guess I did OK.

What’s Next? I am pursuing my Masters degree through the University of Michigan and the GM Technical Education Program. I’m in my second year of the Energy Systems Engineering Master Program, where I hope I can make a difference by learning about alternative energy and applying that knowledge at GM.

Editor’s note: You might remember Chevy Communications’ Adam Denison, who wrote about Virgil Coffman, the 101-year-old Camaro owner, on Faces of GM. Today, Adam shares a story about another great Corvette customer: Richard Cody.

Richard Cody, former U.S. Army Vice Chief of Staff General, just took delivery of his 10^th Chevy Corvette, but instead of driving the 2010 Torch Red Grand Sport Convertible off a dealership lot, he recently picked it up at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Ky.

The idea to watch his car being built came to Cody from GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz, who suggested it would enrich Cody’s ownership experience. Cody made it a family affair, bringing along his son, Major Clint Cody, just back from Iraq where he was an Army Apache helicopter pilot; and his brother, Bob Cody, a Chevrolet dealer in Montpelier, Vt.

Retired 4-star General Richard Cody @ the Corvette Museum & plant to get his new Corvette, with his son, Major Clint Cody and his brother, Bob Cody, owner of Cody Chevrolet.

Each year, 400-500 Corvette customers get up close and personal with the build process, visiting the plant and museum to soak in the Corvette culture.

“It was more than I expected,” Richard Cody said. “I really came here thinking I would see how the Corvette was made. Certainly the experience of watching Corvettes come down the line, the complexity as well as the orchestration of that assembly line was very, very unique.

“But what really impressed me the most was the American worker, the GM worker in the plant taking great pride every day in putting out what I think is the best sports car in the world.”

The retired general made sure the workers knew how he felt, stopping along the assembly line to greet them and thank them personally for helping bring his car to life before picking up his car at the museum located across Interstate 65 from the plant.

“All of our deliveries are special,” said Gary Cockriel, delivery manager for the museum. “To have the general here and him being a Corvette guy, to us Corvette owners is really special.”

The general said he bought his first Corvette, a 1973 model, when he graduated from West Point.

Mario with his classic Corvette

Early start in the business: My love affair with the auto business started as a child growing up in Chicago. I used to go with my dad car shopping at an Oldsmobile dealership. He was raised in Cuba, so I would act as his translator. The owner of the dealership always said he wanted to hire me one day.

Keys to success: I’ve always worked hard at my job. My greatest traits would probably be my willingness to listen and an attitude to never quit. Love what you do, do what you love, as many things will catch your eye, but few will catch your heart.

Outside of the dealership: My wife, Bibi, and I have two sons, 21 and 18 years old. I like to play golf, but when I’m not working, I mostly enjoy spending time at home reading and relaxing. I’m also active in the local community through organizations such as Miami Children’s Hospital, St. Thomas University and YPO (Young Presidents Organization).

I think all of us were moved when we saw the news accounts of the earthquake in Haiti. The cause had special meaning to me for a couple of reasons. My dealership is about six miles from Little Haiti, a neighborhood in Miami that’s become a center for the Haitain community.

The tragedy also resonated with me because I’m an immigrant. I came to the United States from Cuba when I was four years old, and have been blessed to live and work in this wonderful country. I was raised in Chicago but moved to Miami as a teenager.

My first job in the auto business was as a sales representative at 20 years old with Braman in Miami. I worked my way up from sales representative, finance manager, general sales manager through every seat, to general manager to partner to managing partner and then president of Braman. In 2001, I bought my own dealership, Brickell Motors in Miami. It was a dream come true.

The auto industry has its challenging moments, but this is a great business because it offers you a chance to meet so many wonderful people. It gives you a chance to be part of a community. Dealerships are important institutions within our communities — they’re the ones who support the Little League teams, the Girl Scouts and the Boy Scouts.

I’ve been fortunate enough to be involved in our community as vice chair of the board for Miami Children’s Hospital. In the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti, the hospital sent doctors to Haiti to provide medical care for hundreds of patients. The hospital has brought some of the more severe cases to Miami for treatment.

Our dealership also has been able to assist in the donation by the GM Foundation of 30 GMC Sierra pickups to Haiti. We loaded down two of the trucks at Brickell Buick-GMC with relief supplies – tarps, rice, water and canned food products.

I was pleased to be able to help, and I was proud to see GM step up. The past year has been a difficult one for the company, but GM saw a need and took care of that need by offering its trucks. It stood tall during tough times.

Trent and the Volt in Death Valley

Trent Warnke, Development and Validation Engineer, Milford Proving Grounds

Grab my boat shoes: I love any water-activity, whether it’s cruising on my family’s speedboat, wakeboarding or water-skiing.

And My Oscar Goes To: Guy Ritchie. I like every one of his movies. Snatch, Fight Club and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels are my top three favorites.

If I could choose my wedding music: My family would be dancing to Incubus, Nine Inch Nails and Muse. Luckily for everyone, my fiancé knows better and would never let that happen.

Book I would want on a deserted island: Anything written by Dan Brown. Right now I’m really into his newest book, The Lost Symbol.

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve had a fascination with cars. Though I wasn’t sure how or in what capacity, I always knew I’d somehow wind up working with them. I grew up in Bowling Green, Ohio, and received my mechanical engineering degree at Kettering University in Flint, Mich. After graduation, I traveled overseas to Stuttgart, Germany where I received my master’s degree in automotive mechatronics — which is really just a fancy word for studying mechanical electronic devices, like hybrids.

During my time in Germany, I wrote my master’s thesis for Bosch, where I was responsible for the development and testing of stability and traction control software. Basically, I worked on the software for braking systems. After about a year with Bosch, I applied for a position within the hybrid group at GM. During my first year, I had the opportunity to work on a two-mode hybrid system. I was responsible for overseeing the powertrain components – testing the various parts and making sure they worked properly. My job was every guy’s dream – I would literally drive around and try to break the car. Donuts? Check! Burnouts? You bet!

Now I’m working on the Chevrolet Volt, the car that’s going to be a major game-changer for the industry. My job is to make sure the vehicle is meeting all performance and safety requirements. Just like in my previous position, I do this by trying to “break” the vehicle. If a component fails, we determine how and why and then repair the problem before the car goes into production.

In addition to performance and safety validation, I also work with GM’s hot and cold-weather testing team to ensure the Volt will perform efficiently in all climates. From the heat of Death Valley to the sub-zero temperatures of Kapuskasing, Canada, we make sure the vehicle can withstand the harshest of weather.

When I’m not working, you can usually find me with my buddies getting an old “beater” car ready for the annual LeMons Race. Each year, we find a car for under $500, fix it up and race it for 24 hours straight. With six drivers per team, we each take 1-2 hour shifts. Some years we finish; others we don’t. Unfortunately, last year our engine blew up after just a few hours. We were able to find a replacement and swap the engine, but after another 3 hours, it blew up again. But what can I say? It’s worth it every year!

Aside from the Volt and my racing shenanigans, the most important project I’m working on now is my upcoming June nuptials. Who knows? Maybe my fiancé will let me write Just Married on my LeMons car!

(l to r): Alex Vitale, Mario Murgado, President & CEO, Brickell Buick-GMC Miami, and Gepsie Metellus, Executive Director of the Sant La Haitian Neighborhood Center

Editor’s Note: Alex Vitale works in Communications in GM’s Southeast region.

South Florida, with a Haitian population of almost 300,000, has been tremendously affected  by the devastating earthquake in Haiti. For the South Florida Haitian community, helping their homeland is a priority. It has also become a rallying cause that has brought together a diverse community to work hand-in-hand on hundreds of Haitian relief efforts in the area.

I work in Miami and had the privilege of participating in a relief effort Feb. 3 – an NFL/GMC-organized event at the Sant La Haitian Neighborhood Center, located in Miami’s Little Haiti district. The NFL, in town for the SuperBowl, had eight of their players – several of Haitian descent – there to mingle with young football players from a neighboring high school and to talk to local media in support of relief efforts. The looks on the kids’ faces were priceless as they chatted

with the pros!

In addition to the NFL presence, GM was there to announce a donation of a fleet of 30 GMC trucks by the GM Foundation.  Two GMC Sierras packed with tarps, water, rice, and other relief supplies, were brought to the event by local Buick-GMC dealer Mario Murgado, a well-known and respected leader in the South Florida community. Mario and Buick-GMC Florida Zone Manager, Greg Ross, attended the event and chatted with media about the GM Foundation’s donation.

The fleet of 30 vehicles will be Haiti-bound soon with the help of The William J. Clinton Foundation, which is providing transit.  All in all, a great, rewarding day on the job.

GM engineer Chris Ihrke and Robonaut shoot the breeze

Editor’s Note: Since 2007, GM and NASA engineers have been working side-by-side at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Tex., developing advanced humanoid robotics.  The fruits of their labor were presented this week to the public in the form of Robonaut 2 (R2, for short).  The robot will play a key role in helping GM develop sensors and systems to support advanced safety technologies for our next-generation of great cars and trucks, while also making our plants safer for our manufacturing workforce.  We thought we’d take some time to introduce you to the newest member of the GM family.

Tell us a little about yourself…
Gladly, I am the second in a family of robots developed by NASA designed to assist astronauts during space missions.  My older sibling, Robonaut, was developed in the late 1990s and helped lay the foundation for me.  Teams of engineers from NASA and GM have given me the most advanced technology when it comes to dexterity and capability.  I can be pre-programmed to complete tasks and have a range of motion that’s breakthrough for robotics today.

Why was GM involved in your development?
NASA and GM have a rich history of working together ever since the dawn of the space race.  GM engineers helped to develop the navigation systems used in the Apollo spacecraft and GM assisted in the development of the Lunar Rover Vehicle, the first vehicle to be driven on the moon.  Ever since GM introduced robotics into the manufacturing process in the early 1960s, the company has been known for its depth of knowledge in the robotics industry.  The company has also been on the leading edge of robotics technology education through its  long-standing support of the annual FIRST Robotics competition, in which more than 275 GM employees across the globe have teamed up to help educate young people on the future of robotics and technology.  Knowing GM was a leader in the robotics field, NASA sought out the company’s expertise.   

What makes you unique?
Well, just look at me.  No, seriously, I have a level of capability that’s never been seen before from robots.  For starters, there’s my advanced high-definition 3D stereo machine vision system, which allows me to identify small objects more clearly and quickly.  Then there are the 350 sensors that I use for sensing and actuation—some of which were developed exclusively for me (GM and NASA have been granted more than 30 patents during my development)—which allow me to sense objects simply by touch.  My sensors also enable me to conduct a wide range of tasks with sensitivity, such as picking up an item as fragile as a piece of paper, or locating a connection point for a part without having to use my vision system.  Unlike some other robots you may have seen, my movements are fluid, not jerky, and I can lift up to a 20 lb. weight—unlike some other “awesome” robot that can only lift 1.1 lb. 

GM and NASA collaborated for 3 years to create Robonaut

What can you do to help GM in the future?
That’s a great question.  My job is pretty interesting, actually.  Through my advanced vision and sensor technologies, I will be able to help GM engineers stay ahead of the competition in the vehicle safety race.  My vision system, for example, could be leveraged to develop next-generation adaptive cruise control systems, parking aides or lane detection systems.  Likewise, my sensors could be used to develop crash avoidance technologies that will make driving safer.  Additionally, my advanced actuator technology can be used to help develop new aides for workers in our plants to help install heavy objects or to complete ergonomically-challenging tasks—it’s all about keeping our people safe and reducing workplace injury.  

Robonaut will play a key role in developing GM's future advanced technology vehicles

Where does NASA fit into all of this?
Another great question.  NASA is looking to leverage robotics to assist astronauts in dangerous space missions.  In some cases, I could be sent to a far-off planet instead of a human.  Additionally, NASA has identified several systems maintenance tasks that can be done with my help.  I am really looking forward to getting my space wings. 

What do you do in your spare time?
Spare time—what’s that?  The team of GM and NASA engineers have been keeping me very busy going through some test exercises.  With my public debut, I think I am going to be busier than ever as both GM and NASA begin to talk in detail about some of my technologies and how they could be applied in the future.  If I do get a spare moment, you’re likely to find me relaxing in the lab.

Sheri Tickles with her daughter, Brianna, who is 3 years old.

Sheri Tickles, Executive Customer Assistance, GM Operator Services & Social Media

Learning to listen: I majored in psychology in college and worked for two years as a social worker before joining GM.  The issues I handle at GM are definitely different than what I saw as a social worker, but I think my background taught me to listen. I learned how to talk with people and understand their concerns.

Outside interests: My husband and I have two daughters, 3 and 2 years old.  Our family also has two rescued beagles and a cat. Starting in April, we head out lots of weekends for camping trips.

Facebook vs. Twitter: I use Twitter, but Facebook is my favorite. I’m on Facebook every day. I love being able to keep in contact with so many of my friends, especially since I don’t have time to  talk with all of them on the phone.

If you had told me 15 years ago I would be working for GM, I would not have believed it. I graduated from Wayne State University with a degree in psychology and worked for a couple of years as a social worker helping troubled teen-age girls.  I joined GM in 1999, and I love working here!

I’ve been working in Customer and Relationship Services (CARS)  for over 6 years now.  My main responsibility is Executive Customer Assistance (Exec  CAC), and now, Social Media.  The Exec CAC team helps address customer service issues that were sent to an executive. In November, CARS launched a new project for social media. We have six agents who search Twitter and GM’s Facebook accounts for customer complaints and questions.  You can follow us on Twitter @GMCustomerSvc, and if you’re on Facebook, make sure you become a Fan of GM and all our divisions!

It can be risky handling complaints on social media because it’s so public, but it’s something we have to do.  A few years ago, when customers had problems, they might complain to a few people. Now, with social media, they can update their Facebook status and it gets sent to all of their friends in matter of seconds.

It’s important for us to try to reach those people on social media to build a solid presence and reputation for GM.  So far, the people we’ve contacted have been very receptive. I think they’re pleasantly surprised that we care about their issue. After being contacted by us, one customer posted a comment on Facebook that our customer service was everything that Honda’s was not. It’s rewarding to get that kind of feedback.

 When I’m not handling customer service issues at work, you’ll often find me outdoors. My husband and I both love to go camping.  We have a camper, no tents!  I like the more rustic state parks, but we have two daughters, 3 and 2 years old, so lately we’ve been going to Jellystone-type parks.  

Sheri Tickles with her daughter, Alyssa, who is 2 years old.

They have an indoor pool, a playground, wagon rides and Yogi bear, which the kids love. They also have free internet access, which helps me stay connected. I’m still not sure whether that’s a good thing or bad thing!

Former GM engineer and racer John Heinricy giving me advice on the "line" around the our road course at our Milford Proving Grounds in Michigan.

Mark A Stielow, Engineering Group Manager for Ride, Handling and Steering, Global Vehicle Dynamics Center, Milford Proving Grounds

Classic Camaros: Classic cars and hot rods are my passion. I’m working right now on the restoration of my 12th Camaro – a ‘69 Camaro. My previous Chevy projects include: ‘69 Camaro RS, ‘69 Camaro RS, ‘69 Camaro, ‘69 Camaro (first One Lap of America car), ‘69 Camaro, ‘88 Chevy Truck, ‘95 Chevy Truck,’ 67 Camaro (Red Witch), ‘69 Camaro (Thrasher), ‘69 Camaro, ‘69 Camaro (Mule), ‘64 Chevelle (Malitude), ‘69 Camaro (Camaro X), and a ‘69 Camaro.

Car Awards:  Hot Rod Top 10 1993, Winner Car Craft Real Street Eliminator 1993, Hot Rod Car of the Year 1996, Chevy High Performance Car of the Year 1999, Hot Rod Top 100 cars of all time.

Daily Driver: I love the classic Camaros for fun, but I like the Tahoe and Avalanche for daily driving. I have to drive back and forth to work on I-696 — a fast-paced, busy Detroit freeway. Nothing beats a Tahoe. When there’s 8 inches of snow on the ground, you can still hit it.

I always wanted to work in the auto industry. I grew up in North Kansas City, Missouri, where my dad had a garbage hauling business. I was always working on cars in high school and college. I purchased my first Camaro, a white 1969 Camaro, in 1988 during a summer internship with GM.  At the time, I was assigned to the F-body showroom stock racing program.  

When I hired into GM full-time, I was assigned a project at the Desert Proving Grounds in Mesa, Ariz.  So I bought the car in the classifieds, rebuilt it in the Embassy Suites parking lot and had it hauled back to Detroit. When I finished that ‘69 Camaro, it was my first project ever featured in a magazine. It was recently voted a Hot Rod magazine Top 100 cars of all time.  

The "Mule," a 1969 Camaro that I built as a project build-up in Popular Hotrodding Magazine.

I worked in the HPVO (High Performance Vehicle Operations) group for six years at GM. I think my background with classic cars and hot rods outside of work has helped. It’s hard to think like a car guy unless you are a car guy. While in the group, I was involved with the CTS-V, STS-V, HHR SS and the Cobalt SS.

I get a kick out of going to car shows and seeing some young kid with a hopped up Cobalt SS. That’s what I would have been doing when I was younger. The CTS-V and STS-V are great for customers who are a little bit older and have a slightly bigger budget.

The "Red Witch," a 1967 Camaro that I built that was Hot Rod Magazines' car of the year in 1996 and on the cover.

I recently started working on ride, handling and steering for global center of expertise. We’re doing some work on a future Buick program right now. Buick has some great vehicles right now and the driving experience is a lot different now than it used to be. I really think the Buick showroom is looking good and we have some more good products coming. I had a chance to spend some time in the new LaCrosse and Regal. Both cars are great and have a good balance of fun to drive, luxury and value.

Ivette and her daughter, Kristiana, handle calls during the Children's Miracle Network radio-thon.

Ivette Dominguez, Owner and President, Alpine Buick Pontiac GMC in Denver
Favorite vehicle to drive: I have a daughter in second grade, so I often have mom duties, driving her to dance recitals and play dates. I like a vehicle with a little more room.  I typically drive something along the lines of a crossover or full-size sports utility vehicle – Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia or GMC Yukon Denali.
Best-selling vehicle at the dealership: Our customers love the GMC Sierra and the crossovers in both the Buick and GMC lines have been great sellers too. We think the new GMC Terrain will also be a high-volume vehicle for us.
Passions outside of work: One of my great passions is volunteering in the community. I’m involved with a number of non-profits that support women and families in Denver.  For example, each year our staff and colleagues volunteer at the call center for the Children’s Miracle Network radio-thon, which benefits Children’s Hospital. I think it’s our responsibility to be involved in the community and give back. I’ve tried to teach that to my daughter at an early age.

I was born and raised in California after my parents left Cuba to start a new life for our family in the United States. Because of their sacrifice, I always strive to make a better life for my family and community. They also taught me that I could do anything that I set out to do.

The auto business started out as a summer job for me. I was getting my car serviced and saw a posting at the dealership for a summer sales job. When I told my dad I was going into car sales, he didn’t see it as the best career path for me, but it has turned out to be a very rewarding career, so I convinced him otherwise!

I bought Alpine Buick Pontiac GMC in Denver in 2005. This past year has been challenging for the auto industry, but I am hopeful for the year ahead. We’re retooling our advertising plan, inventory and personnel for higher sales in 2010.

Our customers love the new vehicles for the Buick and GMC brands. The Enclave has attracted a younger customer to the Buick brand and I sell the new LaCrosse as fast as I get them into our inventory.

In November of 2009, I was named to the company’s Minority Dealer’s Advisory Council representing Hispanic GM dealers. I hope to provide a strong voice for a growing minority population within GM. I’d like to help create an inclusive environment that attracts new customers to the GM brands.

We’ve already had success serving minority customers at Alpine. In some years, as much as 50 percent of our sales have been to the Hispanic community. The general marketplace has become so diverse, that dealers and GM as a corporation need to continue their efforts to build and sell products that reach a wide, diverse audience.

GM history:  I began my career at an Oldsmobile assembly plant in 1973. In 1977 I entered skilled trades, specializing in experimental assembly.  Later I specialized in precision measurement of engineering vehicles. I then moved to the Lansing Grand River assembly plant and was involved with Cadillac quality.  I’ve been at the Wixom, Michigan Performance Build Center (PBC) since 2007 building high performance Corvette engines.

Education:  Skilled trades Journeyman.  Associate’s degree from Lansing Community College in Quality Control. Bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University in Business. Quality Control Engineer certification from American Society of Quality.

Interests:  Looking forward to cross-country skiing in Northern Michigan over the holidays. Also like to bicycle, run, canoe and kayak.  Love to ride my Harley Electra-Glide, especially on those hot summer evenings. And of course I’m into cars, love Corvettes and Camaros.  Favorite car I’ve owned was a 69 Z28!  Serve on the planning commission and board of review for Wheatfield Township, Michigan.                                

My iPod: Might take you from Jimmy Buffett to Marvin Gaye, Radiohead to BTO, Santana to Sinatra, Eminem to Alison Krauss, John Prine to Merle Haggard, the Beatles to the Eagles. 

I communicate with our customers through one of my favorite websites – the CorvetteForum.com.  Following are just a couple samples of comments from the Forum that make my colleagues and I feel pretty good about what we do at the PBC:

• Jeff from Texas: “ZR1 #559, LS9 built by Mike Priest. Thanks for the great piece of work Mike! The engine and car are awesome!”                   
• Brian from Salem, Mass.: “Thank you Rick Dadd for building my engine. Excellent thread and always great to hear about how our cars are crafted”
• Steve from Beavercreek, Ohio: “The engine in my 2007 Z06 was built by Barry Dennis.  It was #7 off the line on Monday, Oct 9th 2006.  It purrs like a kitten until I press the loud pedal. Thanks Barry”
• Jim from Imperial Beach, Calif.: “To Greg Jones who built mine, thanks I just turned 91,000 miles with Zero problems with the motor and zero problems with the whole car. Took delivery Feb 2007 and the only problem is with 9 sets of rear tires I’ve had to buy.”
• A member from Scotland: “Hey Mr. Henry Rose – one of your babies is a long way from home! -and its thriving very well on the Scottish air. Greetings from the land of Hill and Heather!”

Editor’s Note: The Buick LaCrosse was one of three finalists for  North American Car of the Year, an award handed out annually at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Jim Federico, Global Vehicle Line Executive & Global Vehicle Chief Engineer for Full and Midsize Cars
Career at GM: More than 30 years at GM including key positions in reliability, planning, legal, and engineering, developing many of the vehicle and powertrain systems used on GM cars and trucks today. Previously worked on FullsizeTrucks/Utilities including the Chevy Silverado and Premium rear-wheel-drive cars including the Cadillac CTS, STS and SRX.
Education: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from General Motors Institute (now Kettering University).

When the team heard that LaCrosse was nominated for North American Car of the Year, it was a feeling of confirmation. It was proof that when we bring together our best talents in the company we can produce vehicles that can win.

We pulled together what I like to call a “global all-star team.” to design and engineer the LaCrosse.  It was an outstanding collaboration among three regions — designers and engineers in the United States, China and Europe.  The end result was the first GM vehicle to be created on three continents.

The 2010 LaCrosse is a luxury sedan that offers all-wheel drive, a suite of advanced personal technologies and safety features, and a choice of three engines. The engine options include a new fuel-efficient, direct injected 2.4L four-cylinder engine that is expected to deliver fuel economy of 30 mpg highway and 20 mpg city – making LaCrosse one of the most fuel-efficient cars in its segment. 

When consumers first see the LaCrosse it has a definite “wow” factor. The exterior balances taut, sculpted lines with sensuous accents and surfaces.  Inside, smoked chrome accents, warm wood, first-class leather and materials combine with ice blue ambient lighting to create an inviting environment.  The new LaCrosse is intended to represent modern elegance. 

The hard work of this global team has helped Buick with its ongoing transformation to modern, premium vehicles that appeal to new and younger buyers.  Enclave was Chapter 1, the sculpted, responsive LaCrosse luxury sedan is Chapter 2, and the European-inspired midsize sport sedan – Regal – is Chapter 3. Which, by the way, was engineered in Germany by many of the same team members that worked on LaCrosse.  But more on Regal another day.

Nancy Laubenthal

Editor’s Note: Today is a big day for GM — and for the auto industry: exactly three years after we revealed the Chevy Volt concept car, we announce production on the Volt battery at our facility in Brownstown, Michigan (see our press release for details). To mark the occasion, we want to share two stories about the people who are responsible for launching the battery: Nancy Laubenthal, the plant manager, and Marisol McCormick, the operations manager. Take a look below and let us know what you think!

Nancy Laubenthal: Plant Manager, Brownstown Battery Assembly Plant 

Pop the cork: I guess you could say I’m a wine enthusiast. I’ve tasted wine from around the world and truly appreciate all types. But my collection is getting a little too big because I haven’t had much time to enjoy them!

Move to the beat: I love to run, so when I’m hitting the pavement, I need some fast-paced music to keep me going. Right now, I’m listening to Lady Gaga and the Black Eyed Peas.

Twilight Junkie: I’ve read three out of the four books in the Twilight series and I am hooked! I recently saw New Moon and loved it. (I’m sure I’ll be hearing from my coworkers on this one!)

My journey with General Motors started in 1985 as a student. After graduating from Cornell University with a bachelor and master’s degree in chemical engineering, I was offered an internship within GM’s paint and polymers engineering department. Since then, I’ve held various positions.  At the Lansing Grand River Assembly Plant I helped start up the new paint shop and launch the Cadillac CTS, and at Flint Assembly, I managed paint and general assembly.

In 2007, I was offered a great opportunity – to take an assignment as the Director of General Motors Europe Paint & Polymers Center in Ruesselsheim, Germany. Some people might have thought twice about packing up and moving across the world. Not me – I packed my bags. In Germany, I led a team that supported new environmental advancements in paint technology. I also had the privilege of spending about 4 months in Russia where we were building a new paint shop.

After two years overseas, I received a phone call about this amazing opportunity to come back to the U.S. to start up the new Brownstown Battery Assembly Plant, where the batteries for the Chevrolet Volt would be manufactured. How could I pass that up?

The position allows me to take all of the elements of my job that are appealing and exciting, like manufacturing, engineering and advanced technology, and use them to help bring to life a concept that will revolutionize the industry.

A few months ago, our plant wasn’t much more than an empty warehouse. During this startup phase, my job entails overseeing the installation of machinery and equipment as well as hiring and training the team that will run the plant on a day-to-day basis. We’re running a really lean team which requires each of us to wear several different hats to make sure we can accomplish our goals. It’s all hands on deck, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.  Helping bring this battery technology to market so quickly and efficiently will certainly be one of my biggest accomplishments.

When I’m not at the plant, you’ll probably find me somewhere halfway across the world. Once a year, my friends and I choose a destination to discover. But we’re not just sightseers. We like to really explore and experience all that each region has to offer. We’ve hiked glaciers, paraglided in the Alps, and ran a 16K near the Eiffel Tower. I’m always looking for the next adrenaline rush. In fact, my next goal is to hike Mt. Kilimanjaro someday soon – well, probably after the Volt is in production.  I’m kind of busy right now.

Marisol: ready for Trick or Treating

Marisol McCormick, Operations Manager, Brownstown Assembly Plant

On my iPod: My iPod is pretty much a modern-day juke box. I like a little bit of everything, but lately I’ve been listening to Lady Gaga, Iyaz, Jordin Sparks and Boys Like Girls.

And, we’re off!: One of my favorites things to do is to just start driving with no real destination in mind. I’ll pack up the family and go on a search for an eclectic restaurant or the biggest ball of yarn – anything, as long as we don’t have a schedule. 

Giddy-up: Give me some boots and chaps and I’m one happy woman. Horseback riding is such a fun thing to do with my family. In fact, I’m teaching my daughter, Mackenzie, how to ride. She’s only two, but she’s already developed my love for horses.

Sweat it Out: Whether I’m on the treadmill or sashaying on the dance floor, I love being active and getting the blood flowing!

I was born and raised in West Africa, so when people ask me if I always knew I’d wind up working in the auto industry, the answer is no! My family moved to the U.S. when I was 15 and my parents began working in the auto industry for, dare I say it, a GM competitor. That’s when I realized I wanted to become an engineer. I’ve always loved math and I’m a real people-person, so I thought industrial engineering was a good fit for me. It would allow me to collaborate with people to do the work I love.

I received my bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering (with a minor in mechanical engineering) from Purdue University in Indiana. While I was in school, I became a member of the Society of Women Engineers, a non-profit group that empowers women to succeed and advance in the field. As part of one of our fundraisers, we were required to pull together engineering resume books and deliver them to companies across the region. I was dumbfounded when I received a call from GM saying they wanted to interview me. I was sure they had the wrong person, but I agreed to an interview anyway – it was a once in a lifetime opportunity!

I’ve been with GM for about 11 years now and have dabbled in a few different departments including industrial engineering, quality control and production supervision. I began my career working in a metal fabrication plant in Marion, Ind. After three years, I was offered an opportunity to go to Lansing, Mich., to start up a new stamping plant. With the knowledge I gained in lean manufacturing and quality, I was given the opportunity to become the Operations Manager at the Brownstown assembly plant, my current position.

We’re working fast and furious to build the battery that will be used in the Chevy Volt and it’s my job to maintain the safety of the plant while streamlining operations so that our customers get a quality product, on time. It’s a really exciting time for us because we’re the pioneers in this space. We’re working with new technology and new equipment – there’s nothing like it yet in this industry.

When I’m not working, I’m very active in the community as well as my church. I feel very blessed to be where I am today, so whether it’s working at a food shelter or running a clothes drive, I like to give back any way I can. In fact, this past holiday season, instead of exchanging gifts at work, I encouraged everyone to chip in and support a local family. We went to our local Chamber of Commerce and were given the information for a family in need. We were able to provide them with many necessities over the holiday season including clothes, food and toys for the little ones.

To think of how far my family and I have come over the last few decades is truly amazing. They couldn’t be more supportive of me and my work. In fact, my dad can’t even talk about it without his eyes welling up with tears. How lucky am I?

Ryan and the whole fam

Ryan LaChappelle

Family life: I am happily married to my wife of 2 years, girlfriend of 13!  We have a daughter, Lydia, who is approaching 5 months and a dog (Morkie – Maltese and a Yorkie, the wife always gets her way!) named Chloe.  

Third-Generation GM:  I grew up in a General Motors household – my father worked at GM for 25 years as a Material Planner and my grandfather for 30 years as a Truck Repairman.  I’ve driven and owned GM all my life. 

Go Blue! I’ve also grown up a Michigan fan and am in the process of gaining a Master of Science in Engineering Management from the U of M Ann Arbor.

Favorites: My favorite food is potatoes of any style, favorite color is silver, and my lucky number is 27. 

Guitars, Games and Grills: I love to play guitar, play the X-Box (mainly Call of Duty) with friends, have cook-outs on the grill, and once in a while go back to the old high school track to do some pole vaulting. 

My name is Ryan LaChappelle and I’ve worked for GM about five years. After spending my initial years in various manufacturing assignments I am now a controls engineer with GM’s Flint Powertrain Operations in Michigan. When people think of an engineer they usually picture someone at a desk working on a fancy computer all day.

My job, though, entails more hands-on work. In fact, I figure I spend 90 percent of my time on the factory floor working with our production and maintenance teams to ensure the equipment that makes pistons for a 5.3-liter engine in a Chevy Silverado and torque converters in a Chevy Impala transmission are of the highest quality.

During my time at GM, I’ve spent time in many different areas of the manufacturing world including production, maintenance, quality and of course engineering. Personally, I believe that any project I am involved in will only give me the opportunity to expand on my abilities through trial and error as well as to learn from those that have prior knowledge of the application. 

On top of my engineering priorities I am also dedicated to our local Professional Managers Network Flint Powertrain Operations, where I currently serve as the chairman. The PMN is volunteer group of managers focused on improving their business and problem-solving skills while devoting time outside the workplace to promote GM products and gather customer feedback. We are fortunate to have a great group of individuals involved from many different aspects of the company to provide a well rounded approach to all of our efforts. 

Some of our most recent activities include a blood drive with Red Cross in which we were able to donate 54 pints to the cause. We also met with the Genesee County Indian Doctors Association to talk about why GM deserved a spot in their driveway. That meeting led to four sales.

More recently, we put together a Drive and Ride experience in collaboration with other local Professional Managers Groups from Flint Metal Center and Flint Assembly.  The event was a huge success as we were able to get 147 people in our vehicles to experience why we’re so passionate about our products. In fact, the event was so successful, we were able to track 30 sales to people who test drove a GM product.

As we move forward in the new GM we need more personal interaction with the consumer on an employee level.  A lot of people don’t understand what’s behind a GM product, and the best part of General Motors is its employees.

Final thoughts, words of wisdom:  Happy wife, happy life.  : )

We’re taking a short holiday break, and all of us at GM wish you a happy, joyful holiday season. Thanks for the support and great comments in 2009, and be sure to come back often in 2010 — we’re already working on a lot of terrific stories to share with you!

All best,
Jordana, Maria and Mary Ann

For the past five years, I have volunteered with a group of motorcyclists from the Ann Arbor area in a project that brings the holiday spirit to thousands of deserving foster children across Michigan. Our members, and hundreds of volunteers, gather and distribute gifts for children identified through the Michigan department of Family and Social Services. This month, the annual Operation Good Cheer project distributed 14,000 gifts to more than 4,000 kids with the helpful support of Pilot Elves flying 185 private aircraft all across the state. Good weather and low fuel prices helped make this year’s initiative a tremendous success.

Cupcakes + Chevy = fun day

So, today is National Cupcake Day. What does that have to do with cars, you ask? Well, our colleagues in Los Angeles teamed up with the LA Cupcakes Meetup group last weekend to take 12 food and lifestyle bloggers out on a “cupcake crawl” in five Chevy Equinox models and a Transformer Edition Camaro. As food bloggers ourselves, we couldn’t resist the temptation to share their day with you.

 The group stopped at four cupcakeries: Crumbs Bake Shop in Beverly Hills, Sprinkles, Susiecakes, and Vanilla Bake Shop, where they sampled the treats and got to ride in the Chevys. This is the first in a series of “Best Of” tours in LA that give locals a way to experience the city’s offerings and Chevy vehicles at the same time.

The Best of Cupcakes tour group

For more about their day, you can read some of the bloggers’ cupcake and car reviews (and view photos of the gorgeous cupcakes!), including LAist, Happy Go Marni, Pretty Sandy Feet, Let Me Eat Cake, and When Tara Met Blog (Tara, whose post includes a video, helped put on the event). A few others include Caroline on Crack, a writeup by Edmunds and finally, some photos from LAOCFoodie.

Pretty sweet way to spend a Saturday.

Editor’s Note:  This letter from Holly Whiting, a member of the GM family, really moved us, and we thought we’d share it with you.

Gary, celebrating his retirement from the Arlington plant

 

My name is Holly Whiting and my husband Gary Whiting was an employee of General Motors with over 42 years of service. He retired in Dec. 2006, after finishing his career at the Arlington, Texas, assembly plant.

After retirement, he shared his knowledge and skills by continuing to help friends and neighbors with home maintenance projects. He was active at First United Methodist Church of Coppell, Texas, and the Lions Club. But he identified himself with GM and was so proud of his company.

In early March, Gary was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer. We were devastated by the diagnosis but he was determined to fight it as long as he could. We were so hoping for more time, but he died on Sept. 2. Fortunately, he was able to celebrate his daughter’s 21st birthday and also go home one last time to Niagra Falls, New York. 

Gary, Holly & their daughter Elizabeth

But it is important to me to share his story with you about the kindness shown to him by GM’s dealers.

Gary was in love with the new Camaro. We always attended the State Fair of Texas and in 2007, the yellow Camaro from the motion picture “Transformers” was on display. He took a picture of it on his phone and kept it as his wallpaper until the day he died. In August, I saw that he was declining and wanted to give him a special gift. Knowing that he would never have an opportunity to buy the car, I emailed three local Chevrolet dealerships near his home and inquired if there might be a possibility that a salesman could give him a 10 minute ride in a new Camaro.

All three dealerships responded with a plan to try and make this happen.  I was overwhelmed with their kindness and compassion. GM has seen rough waters lately, and I want you to know that behind the tough financial figures and decisions are some truly compassationate and empathetic men and women. I am proud that my husband worked for you.

Everything was arranged at Huffines Chevrolet in Lewisville, Texas, for a ride with David Huff, the general manager, in his personal Camaro. He too had experienced cancer in his family. Unfortunately, my husband did not live to enjoy the ride, but just knowing the generousity of these three dealerships is something I will never forget. It was a gift to myself and my daughter, just knowing that the ride would have happened.

I am hoping that his story will give you encouragement about your company and that with men and women such as these working for your dealers, that the company will thrive and do well in the future.

Sincerely,

Holly K. Whiting
Coppell, Texas

Erica & her husband Scott

 Editor’s Note: We get a lot of letters, and we read each one. These letters often remind us of  why we love building cars and trucks, and why we are so dedicated to vehicle safety. We’ll run these letters occasionally on Faces of GM. This one came to us via email.

Good Afternoon,

I am the mother of 5 children, (ages 14, 5, 6,1 ½ and a 7 month old baby). Three weeks ago, we bought a used Suburban (because we have so many children, we have no choice but to buy a SUV). Times are really hard, I am not working and my husband just got a job that pays close to nothing – so that’s why we bought a used one, the young man sold it to us for $4,000 (not bad).

William with the Suburban

On Monday, on the way back home to NC from NJ, I fell asleep at the wheel. I can even scan the police report if you would like. ALL MY CHILDREN were in the truck with me. I woke up and saw that we were no longer on Route 85, but in the grass heading toward the trees. I screamed to my husband who woke up and grabbed the wheel. The truck swerved all over the road and eventually flipped over… first on the passenger side, then we were upside down and finally it landed on the driver’s side and slid (its documented that the skid marks were 104 feet long).

Kayla

I am taking the time out to say THANK YOU – because not ONE of my babies got hurt. I am perfectly fine as well as my husband who is 6′7.

Tyler

You guys made a truck that can outlast time and I want to say thank you for saving our lives (along with God).

Sean

Though we are struggling, we have vowed that we are going to buy another Suburban, 1999, the same one we lost, because I feel that’s the safest vehicle any large family could or should EVER purchase. And when we get it, I want to get a bumper sticker that reads GOD AND GM SAVED MY LIFE – (I will take a picture of that and send it to you guys for encouragement).

Aaron

At first, I was like, man… we just spent $4000 bucks (I could only afford liability) on this truck and now it’s gone… but I have a different look at it now… I say WOW, I spent only 4000 bucks…to save my families’ life!!!!

Thank you SO much and God Bless EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU AT GM… I LOVE YOU ALL!!

Erica Renee Blake
Charlotte, NC

Final note:  With help from their family and friends, Erica and her family were able to purchase another 1999 Suburban.

You might remember Lora Herron, a materials engineer we profiled a couple of months ago. Well, here’s more about Lora’s work as it relates to the 2010 Buick LaCrosse: recycled cardboard from GM’s Marion, Ind., plant is converted into a substrate used in the vehicle’s headliner to help make the LaCrosse quieter. Check it out!

Don Shreves, Human Vehicle Integration
Outside of work: Working on his third black belt
Favorite music: Loves classic rock like Bruce Springsteen (has seen him 25 times!), REO Speedwagon, Eddie Money
Education: Masters of Engineering from West Virginia University
Passionate about: being a good dad for daughter Caitlyn, 17 yrs. old and son Hunter, 14

I work in HVI, that’s Human Vehicle Integration. One hundred percent of my job is being concerned with the customer experience as the user of a vehicle; from when they open the door, get in and out of the vehicle, as well as reaching controls to name a few.

My work motivates me. I take personal responsibility to make sure our products are designed and engineered with the customer in mind. Everything in a vehicle is there for a reason. We will discuss, fight or agree about changing a part by one millimeter, to make it the very best it can be for our customers. You’ve got to have thick skin to do this job and be able to stand up in front of leaders and defend your position. Fifteen years ago, we were more adversarial, but we’ve come a long way to improve cooperation between design and engineering. It’s all about establishing relationships.

My team developed numerous proposals for the GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox that provided a combination of an excellent shifter location, great cup holder accommodation and large center console storage.  We helped develop numerous models that were reviewed and tweaked until we came up with the final result.  The head of Global Interior Design says it is the best console GM has ever done.

Being a global company has its challenges. Many things can be designed the same, but some are very different. Take cupholders. In the U.S., they have to be big enough to hold a Big Gulp drink. In Europe, people are happy with pop-out holders from the dash and only need to fit a can of pop.

My children are my passion. I’m very blessed that we like the same things and do a lot of activities together like going to concerts, jamming in our basement or working out at martial arts.

On behalf of everyone at GM, we at Faces wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving. We appreciate all the great comments and support you’ve given the blog and the people we’ve profiled. Enjoy this time with your family and friends, and be sure to check back next week for fresh content.

Jordana, Maria and Mary Ann

Adam with Mr. Coffman

 Editor’s Note: Adam Denison is an assistant manager in Chevrolet Communications.

It’s not every day that I get the chance to meet a 101-year-old man, much less a 101-year-old man who is the proud owner of a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS Transformers Special Edition. I had the chance to do just that when I met Mr. Virgil Coffman of Decatur, Ill., on Tuesday.

When we heard about Mr. Coffman’s purchase of a new Camaro, we knew we wanted to meet him, so we acted quickly to bring him and his nephew, Bob Lamb, up to Detroit for the VIP treatment. It was my privilege to spend the good part of the day touring the GM Design Center and Heritage Center with Mr. Coffman and his nephew.

Mr. Coffman, born January 16, 1908, is a native of Illinois, but actually lived in the metro Detroit area from 1934 to 1973. He started off working for a parts supplier for GM, and then became a chemist for Chevrolet at a facility in Livonia, Mich., where he worked until he retired in 1973. He’s been interested in cars for a long time. One of his first cars was a 1928 Olds. Most of the 30 or so cars he’s owned in his life were from GM (most of which were Cadillacs), but he’s never owned a foreign car.

When I asked him what he thinks is the key to his longevity is he responded that it’s work. He stays active by cooking his own meals, making jam during the summer and making fudge for family and friends during the holidays. In the past he also enjoyed working on cars and even repainted some his own a number of times.

A few years ago Mr. Coffman decided he no longer needed a big car, so he figured he needed to get a sports car. He bought a red 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS which he drove until he traded it in for the Camaro. He told me that when he saw the Camaro for the first time he knew he had to have it. Some of his favorite features of his new Camaro are the Rally Yellow color and the ride and handling of the car. When asked why he opted for the Transformers Special Edition he remarked, “I figure if I hold on to this car for 10 or 12 years it might be worth $100,000.”

 He has been surprised by how many people stop to check out his car. “You can’t go anywhere in that car,” he said with his characteristic wit. “You get out and somebody going to talk to you.”

One feature Mr. Coffman finds very useful on the Camaro is OnStar’s Hands-Free Calling. He has a hard time hearing on the phone, so he prefers to use this feature to call his daughter-in-law because he can hear better on the car’s speakers.

It was a rewarding experience for me to tag along as Mr. Coffman took a tour of some of the Design studios with Ed Welburn, Vice President, GM Global Design, and then the Heritage Center. It was easy to see that he was having a great time.

 It was truly an enjoyable experience to meet Mr. Coffman, and feel his passion for the Camaro. That kind of passion knows no age boundaries.

Growing up, I dreamed about becoming best friends with Brenda, Kelly and Donna…from Beverly Hills 901210. Kind of pathetic, I know. But life was so exciting, fancy and drama-packed at West Beverly High! I just couldn’t help it!  Okay, okay, I’ll admit it I also had a huge crush on bad boy Dylan McKay – what teenaged girl in the 90s didn’t?

Anyway, I’m supposed to be writing about cars..   

How exciting is it that Steve Sanders – I mean Ian Ziering – is the newest member of Project Driveway? He just picked up his Chevy Equinox Fuel Cell vehicle and we caught it on camera.

To learn more about the Chevy Equinox Fuel Cell EV, check out http://www.chevrolet.com/experience/fuel-solutions/fuel-cell/ or visit http://www.thefutureiselectric.com

 -Jordana, former diehard 90210 fan, current Ian Ziering fan

At the Dragon Bridge in Ijubljana, Slovenia

Alisyn Malek, Release Engineer for Charging Components
When I get in the groove: My taste in music is very eclectic – rock to bluegrass. Most people would be really surprised by what they find on my iPod – Animal Collective, Iron & Wine, Alison Krauss & Union Station, and Robert Fripp. I grew up on Neil Young and still love his music.
When I cook: I love to spontaneously cook. Just throw things together and see what happens. Eggplant parmesan using fresh eggplant from my urban garden is my favorite.
When I relax: I wanted to learn to play the guitar but my fingers didn’t agree, so I ended up learning to play the mandolin. I also spend a lot of time knitting or in my studio at Russell Industrial Center with two sewing machines and more material than any normal person should have. I hand paint fabric to quilt and craft some of my own patterns to make clothing.

I am a native Michigander. My grandfather worked for GM at the tech center for more than 20 years. Much like my father, who is an acoustical engineer, I was not going to work in the automotive industry.  Then during my senior year at the University of Michigan I learned about the work GM was doing with hybrids and battery development and realized this isn’t my grandfather’s car company – things are changing.

I’m working in a totally new field – vehicle electrification, and it’s a big part of what is changing the automotive industry and part of what changed my decision. I get to look into the future and make predictions – I help determine which systems we will need once we start putting plug in electric vehicles on the road. My job is to make sure that you are thoroughly satisfied with the vehicle charging and strive to give you more miles of electric, petroleum-free driving.

My own personal beliefs drive me every day. I believe we have to broaden our thinking and place more emphasis on how what we do today impacts the future, as individuals and as a company. It’s less about instant gratification and more about being strategic, seeing the big picture and the legacy we will leave behind. I share this belief with my family, friends and co-workers and I’m really starting to see the difference. I have my friends and family thinking and talking more about the importance of everything from where their food comes from to how they get their electricity.  I have become a defacto myth buster for some.

This past summer I volunteered with the Wayne State Cultural Association building the North Cass Community Garden, an urban agricultural garden in downtown Detroit near the campus. We spent five full Saturdays working hard to bring the garden to life. There was a lot of manual labor cleaning up the lot, moving dirt, planting; and in the end the veggies that I produced in my plot of the garden were a great reward. Beyond that I knew that we were doing something that would last more than just a summer. We saw the long-term possibilities that will benefit the community and inspire others to develop urban gardens around the city.  

My plot

Life is funny. I went from refusing to work in the automotive industry to becoming an advocate. Ironically, I even live just a few blocks away from the old GM headquarters. Driving by the building every day reminds me of where our industry was, and that makes me work harder to help lead the industry in a new direction.  I’m inspired by the work I’m doing and the people around me, to keep pushing, keep opening new doors; not just doing it well but doing it better and doing things the right way. I think I’ll stick around and see what happens next.

Editor’s note: Read more about GM’s battery technology program and Alisyn in dbusiness magazine.

Keith @ work

Keith Buford, Technical Specialist
On my iPod: I love Christian rap! I know what you’re thinking. Doesn’t fit the stereotype; but it’s really pretty cool – LeCrae, Da T.R.U.T.H, Trip Lee.
In my DVD player: Reservoir Dogs, Passion of the Christ, Usual Suspects, Fireproof, Star Wars (Man, I’m going get ribbed for that one by co-workers.)
On my bookshelf: The Prideful Souls Guide to Humility, Humility – True Greatness, The Ascent of a Leader – How Ordinary Relationships Develop Extraordinary Character and Influence and of course the Holy Bible. I enjoy reading self-help books that encourage growth, self examination, and provide guidance.

As early as the age of 8 years old you could find my legs sticking out from under a car. My dad owned a little “mom & pop” garage in Mobile, Al. and I loved to spend time there working with him. I learned fractions in that garage – “hand me that half-inch wrench.” I kept working, kept learning, and my passion for all things automotive began to grow. I loved opening the hood, digging around and finding the answer to the problem.

Then came on-board diagnostics and my dad’s little business changed. It was never really a question whether I would go to college. My parents never went to college and they wanted more for me. So when I chose to attend Louisiana State University, my dad encouraged me to study computer engineering so we could “figure out what these cars are trying to tell us.”

Today I’m working my dream job – writing vehicle software. I work on the Chevy Volt providing technical direction for the development of the systems that cool the battery and the electronics in the car. My job is to make sure the systems are working smart, efficient and in the end making sure the Volt battery can perform as long as possible and for all the ways you want to drive.

Providing direction is a big part of my personal life as well. I work with The Yuinon (pronounced union), a group devoted to reaching out to at-risk youth to provide direction and help them find their purpose in life. The young man I mentor through the program and I meet weekly to talk about his future, his studies and work on various projects together. Right now we’re building a remote control car… shocker, right? We’re doing everything we can to keep them interested and focused. Giving back to my community and my relationship with God are two of the most important things in my life and a big part of what drives me both personally and professionally. 

Someone asked me recently if my dad still owns his garage and what he thinks about my career.  My dad is very proud of what I’ve accomplished but we don’t talk too much about my work. He knows once I get started I won’t stop. But he does call me now and then for advice on repairs. I knew there was a reason he kept me around the garage as a kid.

Alan's family

Alan Miller, Engineering Group Manager for engineering development
Office romance:  Married to Judy, a GM engineer working on body structures
R&R: Racing sail boats and martial arts
Couch time: Watching Cops and Operation Repo (strictly for entertainment value!)
Tunes:  Loves 80’s music

Work is my obsession. I’m lucky to have my wife and kids because they give me a reason to go home at night! I manage sub-system testing of engines and am involved in problem solving at our new state of the art engine testing facility in Pontiac, Mich.

A big part of my job is problem solving. One example is an engine valvetrain lifter issue we had with our Tahoe/Yukon-V8 Hybrid motor before launch. I’m so determined to find a solution that sometimes I’ll take the problem home – where I can work on it with my boys Logan (7) and Gavin (4). Working on this issue I took apart the lifters in my kitchen and did some experiments using my kitchen freezer and was able to discover the root cause using simple non standard methods. It turned out we needed a paradigm shift in the requirements of the lubrication system, for starting hybrid powertrains as compared to starting traditional engines.

I have 10 employees on my team, with some having less than five years of experience. I love being able to help them with problem solving, and teach them root cause analysis and out of the box thinking. I’ve been awarded three patents and one pending during my 24 years at GM. I encourage my team members to go after patents as well, and I’m proud to say my team submitted 24 patent ideas in the last two years. It’s a source of pride for the employee and the patent work improves a process or a part that will make us more efficient or improve our vehicle quality.

Future engineers? My sons Logan and Gavin.

My greatest motivation at work is to beat our competition.  It keeps me very focused. I guess I get a lot of that discipline from my Martial Arts training. I’m a black belt and my son is a red belt. I also enjoy racing sailboats. Sailing has taught me that teamwork and preparation are key to being competitive.  My wife encourages me to participate in activities outside of work, but we do have many good discussions about GM.  We tease each other that it is good that I work on engines and she works on the bodies. Together we make a good GM team.

Up North doing vehicle cold weather testing

Being part of a global company has given me the opportunity to go to places like Arjeplog, Sweden, close to the Arctic Circle to perform cold-weather tests of our high-feature V6 engine, and many other places around the globe. Not only do we have global standardized work in our engine testing procedures, but I also now have friends around the world.

Editor’s note: Meet Doug Whitehead who helped Joel (see post from Thursday, October 29, 2009)

Dealers and brothers Doug and Gary unveil the Chevy Camaro in Truth or Consequences, NM

Outside of work: I love to play golf and to watch my 14 year old daughter barrel-race
Favorite musician: I’ve been to at least five George Strait shows
Busy with: My family – my wife Amy, my two daughters (Brittany and Shayley) and my son (Coltin)
Best-selling vehicle: On our lot, the  #1 seller is the GMC Sierra. We live in a mountainous region so there’s a need for 4×4 drive. Plus, it’s just a great all around pick-up!

“It wasn’t that unusual to lend a helping hand to someone, even if he wasn’t a dealership customer. We live in a small community and I’m always out and about. When I got the call that Joel needed a hand with his Chevy Silverado down at Elephant Butte, I went to the dealership to have a key cut and drove down to the lake. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able program the key down at the lake. So, I helped him get back to our dealership, lent him a vehicle and made sure that he and his family were safe. It wasn’t a big deal to me but I’m glad they’re all okay.”

Hiking on the catwalk in Silver City, NM with my son Jimmy

Joel Kendzorski, customer
Greatest fishing feat: Biggest fish I ever caught was a 78 lb Amberjack off the coast of Fort Meyers, FL
Favorite TV show: I love reality shows. Survivor is my favorite.
Hangin’ with the kids: I enjoy going to country music concerts with my daughter (we recently saw Carrie Underwood) and to go hunting with my son.

Last Sunday, I took my wife and two kids fishing. We went to New Mexico’s only large lake called Elephant Butte. It was a great day. We caught a lot of fish. When it was time to leave, I asked my son to grab our truck (it’s a 2008 Chevy Crew Cab Silverado). We were about 50 yards from the dock and my son usually goes to get the truck because it’s a steep, long ramp. So, I give my son the keys and he started twirling the keys on his finger. Just as I was about to tell him to stop, the keys flew off his finger and sank to the bottom of Elephant Butte lake. The other set of keys were 100 miles away at my house.

It’s Sunday. We’re 100 miles from home. I was thinking “How are we gonna to get out of here?”

First, I called OnStar from my Blackberry. I gave OnStar my truck’s VIN number and password, so they were able to unlock my vehicle. Next the OnStar rep and I talked through what we should do since we still couldn’t start the vehicle. She called a local towing company and, in the meantime, I called the local State Police and asked them to call the local Chevy dealer. I figured, “We’re in a small town and everyone would know everyone.” I was right. Within 10 minutes, I received a call from Gary Whitehead from Whitehead Chevrolet. The bad news was that he was four hours away. The good news was that his brother Doug was only 40 minutes away.

Doug drove out to Elephant Butte. The towing company arrived and took my truck to Doug’s dealership. Doug drove my family and TOWED MY BOAT to the dealership.

When we arrived at his dealership, he handed me the keys to a Chevy TrailBlazer. He said I should drive it back to my home in Las Cruces so that I could get to work the next day. Are you kidding me? I couldn’t believe it. I have never met this man in my life. Anyway, that was on Sunday. A few days ago my wife returned the TrailBlazer and picked up our Silverado. I am still amazed by the customer service.

Editor’s Note: Joel is a purchasing director at Delphi. He works in Cd. Juarez, Mexico. Yes, he works for a supplier but he has no affiliation with Whitehead Chevrolet, nor did know Gary or Doug prior to this weekend.

Jeffrey Massimilla, Global BOM Family Owner for Integrated Center Stack Faceplates
Hmm: I am naturally a south paw, but I do many things right-handed
Will tell his wife after the fact: I am a thrill seeker – I plan to go skydiving someday
Homemade: I brew my own beer
New found skill: I can play most songs on all instruments in the Rock Band game at an expert level, but in real life, I am not musically inclined whatsoever!
Besides his family, he loves:  Golf, electronics and technology, Kings of Leon and Caribbean vacations

In my current position as a global BOM Family Owner for Integrated Center Stack (ICS) Faceplates, one of the most interesting aspects of my position is the global nature of my job and the relationships that have formed as a result of working with a global team.  The ICS team is comprised of some very talented individuals, and they have a desire to create compelling vehicle designs executed to the highest level of quality. 

GM’s Integrated Center Stack Faceplate strategy featured in our recently launched/future vehicle interiors has been recognized by the industry and consumers alike.  It traditionally contains the Infotainment center, HVAC controls, and often Infotainment displays.  The Center Stack is the portal to the new and exciting Infotainment systems and is where consumers interact with their vehicle.  Located in the center of the IP, the ICS is a very highly styled component of the vehicle that essentially defines a vehicle’s interior.   

One of my roles in this position is to ensure there is a strong focus on perceived quality as well as good long-term reliability and durability on these parts.  A combination of a world-class quality that is well-executed and highly styled contributes significantly to the success of our vehicles.  Another team goal is to ensure the controls are intuitive and easy to use.

In my opinion, the Integrated Center Stack is an area of the vehicle where GM leads hands down, and I am delighted consumers are starting to notice.  In real life, this is what motivates me . . . knowing I am part of a team that makes a difference in the lives of others, bringing a vehicle to life with just one touch. 

My family

Another motivator and inspiration for me is my family – my wife Jenny, Avery Grace (born Aug. 20), and big sister Alexis, age 3.  I hope you check out the video to learn of Alexis’ recent birthday wish!  

Don St. John: Chevrolet Volt Controls Manager

Chevy Volt Engineer Don St. John takes a break during the Volt pre-production Chevrolet Volt engineering test drive near Cleveland, Ohio on October 13, 2009. (Photo by Jeffrey Sauger for General Motors)

Another cup, please!: I truly love a good cup of strong coffee or espresso. During a recent development drive in Death Valley, my co-workers were snapping photos of me with my afternoon cup of joe. They couldn’t believe anyone could drink coffee in 105 degree weather. Sometimes a man just needs his Colombian brew.

Can I get some Brahms, Beethoven?: Music is one of my passions – particularly classical. You’ll find Chopin, Brahms, Mozart, Puccini, Tchaikovsky, Verde, Vivaldi on my iPod mixed with Christian music. I’m the director of music at my church, First Church of the Nazarene in Northville.

If you ask me what I do for a living I’ll tell you that I provide direction for requirements and execution of the software systems that make up the Chevy Volt controls. I’m sure you’re asking, “So what does that mean?” Bottom line – I’m one of the guys who makes sure that from the time you plug in your Volt for charging to the moment you start it up, everything runs safely, smoothly and up to your expectations. We test, test, and retest to make sure we cover every situation that could cause a glitch and throw off the system.

But it’s really even more than that. It’s more than just a job to me. Like most of my fellow team members I’m very passionate about our work, our contribution to this program. We aren’t just coming to work every day to check off the list of tasks we need to accomplish – we see this as our mission and we take it very personally.

I graduated from General Motors Institute, now known as Kettering University. An opportunity to work with hybrid technology brought me to GM five years ago. I found the technology fascinating – I wanted to be part of something new.  I had no idea that it would lead me to one of the biggest programs in the history of the company and the history of the automotive industry for that matter.

For the past few days I’ve been part of the Volt’s three-day, 1200-mile development drive. My role has been to observe what’s working, what’s not working and report back to the team so we can find the solutions to make it better. All of our hard work up to this point has really paid off.  Not a whole lot of surprises. Everything is working well and we’re right on schedule.

This drive has given me a chance to get to know our very wide and extended team better. We’re spending time with people we don’t always see or talk with on a daily basis. There has been a certain sense of excitement in the air about what we’ve accomplished so far. We know there is still more work to do, but now we’re starting to see the finish line. And that’s pretty darn exciting!

 

“Exactly where I love to be – behind the wheel.”

Mark Popilek, Performance Engineer
Hittin’ the road… or rather the dunes: I’m passionate about sand rails – they’re lightweight dune buggies with a big engine and perfect for an off-road adventure on the sand dunes. Silver Lake Sand Dunes in Silver Lake, Mich. is one of the best places around for a great ride.
My driving tunes: You’ll only find rock music in my car. New music, classic hits – I like to pop in some Disturbed or Beck in the CD player, but I also like a bit of Van Halen and Rush when I drive.

No matter which wheel you might find me behind – be it motorcycle, ATV or sand rail (see above) – I want to know that I’m getting the best ride possible. I want a smooth ride, crisp handling, fun to drive and to just enjoy being in the car. That’s my job. I’m the ride and handling Development Engineer for the Chevy Volt and it’s my goal to make sure you get the performance you want and expect from the car.

On a daily basis I work with the team in the garage adding and replacing parts and components on the Volt chassis. Then I get to test drive it, which of course is my favorite part of the process, in order to select which parts work best for the car and deliver the best ride. It’s almost not fair to call it work.

I’ll never forget the first drive in one of the Volt development vehicles. I was amazed. It was like being in a powerful car with a manual transmission, but never having to shift, and being in the right gear at all times. It’s a fun, sporty car that really zips around in traffic.

Speaking of zipping around! Yesterday we completed day one of a three-day, 1200-mile development drive. The longest one yet! We’re getting closer and closer to the finished product. I’ve had a great time on this assignment. I’m completely blown away by how great this going to be when it hits the market. I’ve been working with a dedicated team of men and women, some of the best people in the company, and I can’t wait to see all of our hard work pay off. I can’t wait to hear the reactions from those first consumer drives. When you get a chance to drive give me a call. We’ll talk about it… because it’s all about the ride.

Editor’s Note: Bruce was kind enough to take the time to videotape the assembly of his 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe, which he’s nicknamed the “Warrior,” and post it to Faces of GM. Here’s his story.

Who am I?Bruce Quernemoen – a loyal GM customer since age 6, when my dad bought a new 1956 Chevy Bel Air station wagon. It was special because there were only a few station wagons in town and we had a third row seat. Later, he bought a new 1962 Chevy Impala Station Wagon. I loved those cars. Today at age 83, Dad drives a 2007 Impala.

The 1956 Chevy Bel Air Station Wagon

Employer: Vice President at a division of Emerson that manufactures Fisher Control Valves for oil refineries, chemical plants, power companies and pulp and paper mills around the world.

First set of wheels: A red and white 1955 Chevy two-door. I bought it in 1965 for $125 with paper route money and sold it in 1968 for $75. If I had it today it would be worth thousands of dollars. Wish I had a picture to show you.

Hobby: Videography. I own seven video cameras, including three high-definition cameras. I can edit in HD and output to Blu-ray discs. I video for friends, relatives, neighbors, non-profit organizations and my church. With my retirement approaching in a few years my hobby will probably turn into a business.

The 1962 Chevy Impala Station Wagon

Motoring history:  In my career, I’ve had 16 vehicles and 13 have been GM, probably some influence from my growing-up years. When our two children were in high school we loved our 1983 GMC conversion van. It was great for hauling our kids and their friends around. In July I ordered a 2009 White Tahoe LTZ “Warrior” (see video). Lynn, my wife of 38 years, drives 2009 CTS and has been a Cadillac fan for years.

Why do I call it the Warrior? I travel to China on business 2-3 times a year and one of my personal “wonders of the world” is in the city of Xian where the Terracotta Warriors were discovered by a farmer digging a well in 1974. (See the replica statue on my porch). In approximately 210 BC the Emperor’s mother commissioned the building of about 8,000 of the statues to protect the emperors Tomb when he died. They were buried in pits and weren’t discovered until over 2000 years later by a farmer.

The last pre-production Volt rolling off the line.

Shelia Asunto: Assembly Inspector, Pre-Production Operations

My true passion: I love gardening and designing gardens. My garden was part of my community’s Garden Walk and won the neighborhood beautification award for three straight years.

My true love:  My family. There is nothing better than spending time with my husband, my children and my pups – Sandie Sofia the Yorkie-Poo and Hannah Havana the Havanese. Hannah was named after her descendants who came from Cuba. Plus, I love sappy movies, what can I say?

Editor’s note: Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press Auto Critic, wrote about the last pre-prod rolling off the line. Visit this link to learn more: http://www.freep.com/article/20091009/COL14/91009062/-1/RSS07

Mark @ work

Mark Chrapla, Creative Designer
Formal training:  Bachelor Degree with a major in Transportation Design – University of Cincinnati and Lawrence Central High School in Indianapolis, Ind.
Non-GM work experience:  Sea Ray Boats (Fla.), Hot Wheels (Calif.) and Lexmark International (Ky.)

My role at GM Design Center is one that is professionally exciting as well as personally challenging. I feel what I do is the heart and soul of GM’s product development!  In this capacity, my goal is to provide vehicles based on intelligent design that address people’s needs while providing expressive, distinctive bold styling.

To work at GM Design, employees need plenty of imagination, passion and creativity.  I feel beautiful design – both inside and out – is how you best make an emotional connection with customers. 

Design Center has some of the most talented and creative people.  In this historic place, design teams work together, providing a diversity of perspectives for production and concept vehicles as well as advanced direction in automotive design. Our staff is diverse with people, culture and ideas.  For example, we have designers and sculptors around the world from places such as China, France, Korea, Germany, Nigeria, United Kingdom, Russia, Switzerland and Venezuela.

Creative Designers create original vehicle design concepts including exterior and interior design elements. These elements include aerodynamic configuration and appearance, color and materials. Human factor principles and ergonomic data are also used in the design and development of vehicle interior concepts and components.  Perspective sketches and renderings are made in 1/3-scale and full.

Automotive designers are gifted artists who use cutting-edge technology along with creative expression. All of these character attributes play an essential and integral role in GM’s success, and I am so glad to be a part of the creative Design team!

Editor’s note: This video was created in summer 2008 and is being repurposed for the blog. – Jordana

@ Ann Arbor's Cupcake Station

Name: Therese Tant, GM Designer
Current ride: Chevy Avalanche [company vehicle] [Just sold my 1969 Howe firetruck back in January]
Favorite vehicle: 1967 Cadillac Fleetwood Eldorado [in black] – I would be so happy in that car!!I And… Currently obsessed with 1966 Chevy van…in particular a custom one that I found on the web– so fun! Black, with dual stacked squared-off headlamps and a dragon mural on the side!!! Cheeky-kewl, fun!
Favorite sites: “design is love” flicker group, http://www.tuvie.com/, http://www.notcot.org/, http://www.yankodesign.com/, http://www.coolhunting.com/

Listen to Therese talk about an example of culture change at GM

What inspires me:
1.] A constant diet of new things to break the vacuum seal!
2.] Music – music can spin your imagination endlessly, edgy to ethereal.
3.] Color-coated graphic art – [in-your-face graffiti to digital hyper-modern] even flat shape doused with color can deliver a dimensional vision.
4.] Stories of science and technological innovation – you read, you believe that anything’s possible!
5.] Fashion; expression of style, application of materials, exaggeration of proportion, what more do you need?

A good designer has an open, curious mind! I’d like to think that the more you see and experience, the more that you share, the more creative you become. Bjork [Icelandic critically acclaimed singer-songwriter, composer, actress and producer] once spoke about her creative process by referring to her mind as a space full of drawers, drawers that have tucked away various ideas and memories. She creates music by just rummaging through the drawers. We have to fill the drawers in order to rummage through them! Inspirational nourishment is critical for creative growth, and I try to take it in whenever I have a free moment!

Editor’s note: Talk to Therese and other designers in The Lab: http://thelab.gmblogs.com/

Dave enjoying time with his daughter.

Dave McIntyre – Buick LaCrosse product manager
Food finds:  I like ethnic varieties and am particularly fond of Indian, Thai and Mexican.  Folks from outside Detroit might be surprised to learn we have great, authentic Mexican restaurants at our ‘Mexicantown.’  When I’m out of town, I love to discover the out-of-the-way places.  I’m a big fan of the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins and Dives — that type of restaurant is right up my alley.
Tunes:  My iPod is loaded with everything from 60’s and 70’s R&B (Bill Withers, Temptations) to modern alternative (Killers, White Stripes, Beck) and everything in between. 
Film fest: As a busy dad of two, I don’t have a lot of time for movies these days, but I love everything from Slumdog Millionaire to Forest Gump and the Tarantino and Coen brothers flicks.

Growing up, I never thought my job would involve visiting car buyers’ in their homes to learn more about their lives, likes and dislikes.

But for the last few years, my role has been to serve as the voice of the customer on the Buick LaCrosse, and part of that is doing what we call “garage visits,” where we met with loyal Buick customers and competitive owners in their homes to gain insights about their lifestyles and brand preferences. Then, we used that info to reinforce or complement what we find in broader industry studies and focus groups.

For LaCrosse, I visited about three customers per day for three days in Atlanta, Chicago and LA. I’d spend about an hour in their homes before we even start talking cars.  We want to know about their favorite possessions, their favorite room, major purchases or home improvements and why.

This can lead to insights about their overall values and specifically relating to cars, how they prioritize quality, value, brands, and more.  After that, we’d go for a drive in their vehicle and ask them what they liked and disliked about it.

When we were developing the LaCrosse, I was constantly involved in ‘negotiations’ with other areas of vehicle development, like engineering, manufacturing, purchasing and design, trying to find the best balance of often conflicting objectives, such as cost, quality and appearance. My role was to advocate for what we believe the customer wants and needs.

The whole family.

I have been involved in the program since its inception.  When I started working on the LaCrosse, I didn’t have any kids… now I am the proud parent of a 4-year old and a 2-year old.  

I’ve always been a big outdoors person – boating, biking, golf, etc.  As my kids get older, I’m looking forward to getting them interested.  The other night with a wiffle ball and a plastic bat, my 4 year old daughter got a little ‘baseball 101.’  I was surprised that she could hit it so well…  Look out, Jeter!

Me at age 8. Man I loved that calculator watch!

Tony Argote, Jr.: Design Release Engineer
Confessions of a techno-phile: I’m into all techno-gadgets and have owned most of them – palm pilots, portable gaming devices – I even owned a calculator watch as a kid.
Trendsetter: I was part of the first robotics team at Miami Coral Park Senior High School in Miami, Fl. GO Ram Tech 59.
Early innovator: I built a two-story house equipped with an elevator out of Legos with my brother when we were kids.

As a student at Georgia Tech I was selected for a co-op position with GM. I made a great connection with my teammates and got to experience firsthand everything from program content decision making, to assembly process, fuel economy, and component testing.  I got to work with some of the best engineers in the business, and earned a great appreciation for all the work that goes into making world-class product. 

Today I’m part of a new team; one I believe will definitely be a game changer. I work on the Chevrolet Volt.  This is an amazing time for GM and the automotive industry as a whole. From my perspective, being a part of GM’s reinvention and a chance to work on the electrification of the automobile are two of the greatest opportunities I could imagine. (For more on Tony’s work, please watch the video.)

But there’s a bonus. I, along with some of my fellow GM-ers, am embarking on a journey to create a nonprofit organization to “build a house, inspire a mind, and change the world.”  We created a game plan based on several integrated ideas – affordable housing, sustainable “green” living, and student mentorship. 

Green Place Detroit – the name of our organization – is working to create a program that will connect high school and middle school students with engineers, architects, teachers, and volunteers, all focused on building a house out of recycled shipping containers. No… really… ACTUAL recycled shipping containers like the ones you see being loaded onto huge freighters. Sounds crazy, I know, but some developers are already doing it – there’s even a Travelodge built from shipping containers in the U.K.

This is an opportunity for me to give back to the community, to mentor/ coach a new generation.  At times, it’s a stretch and a challenge to keep up with my volunteer commitments, but the sacrifice is worth it all when you see the impact in the lives of others.  Plus teaming up to make the environment and the world we live in a little better makes the reward is even greater.  And that’s quite a victory!

Reena Datta: Diagnostic and Safety Strategist
What I listen to: Going back to the classics of my teens and 20s – alternative with Nirvana and Tool among my favorites. They were so unique for their time. They really stepped out and did something different.
What I read: Recently finished Eat, Pray, Love – great book!
Where I’ve been: Visited Brazil, Hong Kong & Hawaii last year – must admit that I’m a big nerd and while on vacation noted the types of cars people were driving.

Someone recently pointed out to me that I seem to be curious by nature. It’s true! I must confess that I’m addicted  to the Internet; so much that frequently, when I’m relaxing and just watching TV, if something piques my interest I’ll immediately grab my iPhone and start digging for information.  Surfing the web – it’s my guilty pleasure.

I think my curious nature, my definite passion for preserving the environment, my fascination with advanced technologies, and the fact I’ve always been good at math and science have led me to my current occupation. I am a diagnostic and safety strategist for GM. 

“Putting my curiosity to good use – checking communication of vehicle systems.”

It’s hard to believe that I started out as an intern from Oakland University more than nine years ago and now I work on advanced technology vehicles – specifically fuel cells and hybrids. I make sure all of the complex systems in a hybrid vehicle are efficiently and effectively communicating with each other resulting in a better ownership experience for you, our customers.

Prior to my current job, I worked at GM’s research and development facility in Honeoye Falls, NY. In addition to some really great camping and snowboarding, I had the opportunity to work with an amazing group of people on a fuel cell system. My co-workers were intelligent, motivated and a personable group of people who inspired me to continually strive to do my best work. Our research generated information resulting in the production of the Project Driveway fleet, 100 Chevy Equinox to be exact, that recently reached the 1 million mile mark with zero petroleum use and no carbon foot print. Very exciting! I’m very proud to see that our blood, sweat and tears resulted in technology that helped achieve this milestone.  

As a passionate environmentalist the work I’m doing is important to me. I want to know that my job, in some way, has bettered the world and the people around me. I believe the technologies we’re working on now, combined with other efforts like recycling, purchasing locally grown and produced products, and minimizing our energy usage at home and work (three things I’ve personally committed to doing), will help  improve our environment. It’s one of the reasons why I feel good about getting up and going to work every day. Plus I get to indulge my curious nature by always searching for answers and solutions. Can’t beat that!

Chris Purdy, GM Virtual Engineer
What makes me happy: Teaching people new processes, problem-solving methods and analysis techniques that I’ve created for our manufacturing engineering group
Loves: Fixing things, especially restoring my 1950 Chevy Pickup in my man-cave
TV time:  I really like This Old House, Dirty Jobs and MythBusters
I won’t miss: I just completed eight years of school resulting in my masters degree in engineering, so I don’t miss the prep work I’d have to be doing right now for the next school semester!

In Virtual Engineering, we create digitized data of parts using laser scanning equipment and make 3-D models in the computer.  We can then virtually put the parts together.  This allows us to see how they will fit together in the manufacturing process and improve the fit and finish of our vehicles earlier in the launch process – all on the computer. A great example is the new Buick LaCrosse – the fit and finish of the interior parts shows the kind of work that my colleagues and I do.

At work, I create engineering solutions and share them with others. We use scanning and virtual engineering as part of our interior craftsmanship and match build processes to launch a new car at the plant.  I work closely with the craftsmanship and match build engineers to help them add more technology to achieve their quality goals. 

Another part of my job is teaching these technology processes to our other engineers, and I’ve spent a lot of time traveling to China, Korea, India, Brazil and almost every vehicle assembly plant in North America, to work with my colleagues across the globe.

Hanging out at Puddingstone Lake, Bonelli Park in San Dimas, CA

Mauricio and Andrea Cuellar, Project Driveway Participants
Super fan: World Cup – particularly Argentina’s Soccer Team
Favorite movie: A Walk in the Clouds
Favorite Food: Empanadas
Really cool:  We helped GM attain 1 million miles driven with fuel cells by logging more than 7,300 miles while we had a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle as a part of Project Driveway. 

My wife Andrea and I were a part of Project Driveway this summer and we thought it was really cool to drive without using a drop of gasoline.  In September 2009, GM’s fuel cells will hit a milestone—more than 1 million miles driven with zero petroleum and leaving no carbon footprint whatsoever.  Its estimated that the program has saved approximately 50,000 gallons of gasoline during the Project Driveway program, and we were a part of that.

The biggest surprise to us was the power of the Chevrolet Equinox fuel cell vehicle, and the quietness while driving.  We loved to show the vehicle to other people and to give rides. 

I’m a computer consultant and Andrea is a high school chemistry teacher.  It was great to take the fuel cell car to her school and share it with the students.  Andrea actually did a little experiment with her students on how to create hydrogen using a plastic cup, thumbtacks, a 9-volt battery and some water!

And, it’s cool to get the “thumbs up” from people at red lights, or have my clients ask to take test drives.  I’ve turned “more green” after this experience because I realize we can all do positive things.

It was great to give the kids a chance to participate.  We have five children; aged 4-16 and they all were part of Project Driveway.  Our 4-year old daughter, nicknamed the car the “rocket ship” for the acceleration, even counting down “3-2-1” before we drove off.

Alain Guiboux, Team Leader, Western Region, Driver Relationship Manager
Super fan: The Tour de France
Greatest gift/challenge: Surviving Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Favorite food: Detroit Chili Dogs.  Being out west, I really miss them!

As a team leader on GM’s Fuel Cell Project Driveway program, I probably have one of the greenest and most rewarding jobs at GM. I work with real people who raised their hands to be part of the program, which places hydrogen fuel cell Chevy Equinox vehicles into consumers’ hands to gain real-world experience and learning. 

I’ve been with Project Driveway since 2007, when we began working with consumer drivers.  I show our drivers how to operate and fuel the vehicle, what to do in case of mechanical issues, and am essentially on call 24/7 if they have questions or concerns.  In addition to working with many different fuel cell drivers, I’ve also organized dozens of ride and drives for various events, and am responsibility for the West Coast Disney team – Disney uses about 10 percent of the fuel cell fleet.

Watching the evolution of Project Driveway is remarkable.  Seeing the thrill of each of the drivers as they drive this vehicle – without exception – they are amazed at how mature our technology is.  Dealing directly with the drivers has made this whole journey a wonderful experience, and it’s exciting to know GM is at the forefront of this technology.

This month, GM’s fuel cells will log more than 1 million miles driven with zero petroleum and leaving a carbon footprint of zero.  Zero! It’s estimated the Chevy Equinox Fuel Cell vehicles will have saved approximately 50,000 gallons of gasoline so far.

On my oldest son’s first birthday, I found out I had cancer – Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.  I worked throughout my treatment and only missed work on my chemo infusion days.  I’ve passed my fifth “cancer free” birthday and believe being a survivor is a great gift.  Having – and beating – cancer made me fully understand my mortality and gives me the tremendous ability to savor every single day.

Lora and her baby daughter

Lora Herron: Materials engineer in GM’s Design for Environment group
What makes me happy: Spending time with my family 
Favorite hobby: Gardening and landscaping
I miss: Playing basketball. I still use the teamwork and self-motivation skills that I learned through the sport every day in my work-life.

As a materials engineer, I identify recycled and renewable materials to use in GM vehicles. My work gives customers more sustainable vehicles and helps reduce GM’s environmental footprint.  

We use recycled materials from numerous sources, such as old water bottles, blue jeans, and carpet, as well as from old bumpers and tires. These recycled materials make their way into vehicle parts like mud flaps, engine covers, door handle support brackets, and exterior mirror components.

For example, the HVAC vent coverings in the 2010 Cadillac SRX are made from recycled water bottles and the air inlet panel (where the windshield meets the hood) on the 2010 Chevrolet Traverse is made from recycled bumpers.    

In the case of renewable or bio-based materials, we can use materials made from a variety of agricultural waste products and other natural fibers such as flax, jute and balsa wood.

The 2010 Chevrolet Equinox uses kenaf, a natural fiber similar to hemp, as a filler in the headliner to help improve interior acoustics. The fibers are long, durable and sustainable, since they don’t require a lot of nutrients or maintenance to grow. 

I spend a lot of time visiting suppliers’ facilities and inspecting their manufacturing processes and quality control measures. Once I know they have a quality product, I work with GM’s Materials Test Labs to verify its performance and durability. I also work with design engineers to decide which GM vehicles will use it and where.

Lora, husband Bill and their kids

As a mom of two young children, I follow the same environmental values at home as I do as work. I love enjoying the outdoors with my kids and want my family to do our part to preserve our environment. I’ve already taught my two-year-old son how to recycle – and when my daughter is old enough, I’ll do the same with her.

I’ve been with GM for seven years and have worked with some really fantastic people across the globe. It takes a lot of teamwork to get the job done, and makes me feel good knowing I help make GM vehicles a little better for the environment—one part at a time.

Harris Nepon

Harris Nepon, new 2010 Chevy Equinox owner
Favorite musician: Ben Harper
Something green: I play on the Niagara Men’s Golf Tour
Interesting fact: Last month I spent almost three weeks on my honeymoon in Greece

After months of anticipation, I am happy to say that I finally picked up my brand new 2010 Chevy Equinox. All I can really say is WOW. The overall look of the car is significantly better then what I’ve seen in the past from GM vehicles. The interior is flawless. The seats are comfortable, the dashboard is very cool with blue lights and the center console looks slick. I can also the say the fuel economy is as good as the commercials say. Yesterday, I cruised down the highway at 110 km per hour while the car sipped on 3L/100km (these are not EPA numbers, these are the numbers I actually see on my dashboard). Unbelievable.

Fuel economy is very important to me. I spend a lot of time driving. First of all, my business (www.seapark.ca) is related to the auto industry so I’m regularly visiting customers, including GM, across Ontario. I also play on the Niagara Men’s golf tour so every weekend I’m  throwing my stuff in back and heading to different golf clubs across the Niagara Region.

On the course

Besides work and golf, I’m a diehard Ben Harper fan. I travel to a lot of shows in Canada and the U.S. and have absolutely no problem jumping in my car to hear him play. One of the most memorable shows was in Royal Oak, Mich., which is about 4-5 hours away from St. Catharines, ON. At this particular show I was able to introduce my sister Jordana (full disclosure: she works on this site) to Ben. Of course, she was floored.

Two months ago I got married and officially adopted my wife Sarah’s two pets. We now have two dogs and cat. When Sarah and I visit friends from out of town, we like to bring the dogs. That’s one of the main reasons that I got a CUV instead of a car. And, as you can see even my chocolate lab Tilly and labradoodle Harper like the Chevy Equinox, they gave it “2 Paws Up.” Hahaha!

Harris, Harper & Tilly

By the way, I just want to mention one more thing. I bought this car from Joe Ippolito at Brian Cullen Motors in St. Catharines. Joe rocks. When I picked up the car, he was in the middle of a two-week vacation but he came in to hand over the keys and explain the functionality to me. That kind of customer service means a lot to me. Thanks Joe.

*The 2.4L-equipped Chevy Equinox delivers a segment-best 6.1L/100 km or EPA-estimated 32 miles per gallon in highway driving. For more info, visit www.gm.com or www.gm.ca. Thanks! – Jordana, Maria & Mary Ann

Susan Docherty, general manager Buick-GMC

Susan Docherty

Favorite musician: It depends on my mood, and ranges widely. Right now my iPod playlist has Yaz, Jason Mraz, Van Morrison, Springsteen, Norah Jones, R.E.M., Sinatra, Enya, Carrie Underwood and much more.

Favorite restaurant: I love to travel and taste the flavors and foods of the place I’m in at the time. A few faves: Mastros in Beverly Hills, Calif., Gundel in Budapest Hungary, Wynn Steakhouse in Las Vegas and Shutters, Coast Cafe – Santa Monica.

Interesting Fact: There’s nothing better than starting the work day at 4:30 a.m. with a 6-mile treadmill run…. there’s strength, power and commitment right from the get-go.  Sky’s the limit after that.

How does she help customers? When I was a girl someone told me, ‘You have two ears and one mouth…try to use them in that proportion.’ I try to listen more than talk when I’m in the field with customers, dealers and kids (cause this world is not about what older people think, it’s about what younger people do). I hear their perspectives and bring them back so we can execute on their needs, wants and desires. I also look at blogs and the Twitterverse for authentic customer sentiment to help inform our decisions.

For more about Susan’s recent garage tour, check out this piece in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette.

Sam's Family

Sam Vowell, Electrician/Robot Programmer at General Motors Grand Blanc Weld Tool Center
Favorite Musician: Sammy Hagar and all the bands he’s been in over the years including his newest band Chickenfoot
Favorite Movie: It’s A Wonderful Life
Super fan: Detroit Tigers
Clowning around: Inspired by his grandfather, Sam’s a Shriner clown

At GM, my job is to help build and program the robots that make your vehicles. 

My job involves wiring and programming robots that will be used in assembly plants around the world. As an electrician, I ensure that the basic robot – many of which we refurbish at a cost savings for GM – have all the necessary wiring to either weld or handle vehicle body parts.

On the programming side, I help ensure each robot works perfectly with other robots as the parts of the car come together. We program and test the robots together to ensure that when they are shipped to an assembly plant they are ready for use.

I and my colleagues at the Grand Blanc Weld Tool Center have been particularly proud of some recent projects. We currently are finishing up a series of weld tool cells for our operations in Brazil, as well as the robotic equipment that will be used in Lordstown, Ohio, to assembly the Chevy Cruze. Currently, I am busy working on the robots that will help assemble the Chevy Volt.

I’m very grateful for the job that I have and the opportunities it has given my family. I’m a fourth generation UAW/GM worker and one thing that was instilled in me from a young age was being thankful for what you have and try to give back as much of yourself as you can in your community.

Clowning around for Shriners

My grandfather was a Shriner and would drive crippled children and their families to the Shrine Hospital in Chicago where they received all their medical treatment free of charge. My father and I have continued on with that legacy by serving as Elf Khurafeh Shrine Clowns at functions throughout the year in an effort to raise funds for the Shrine Hospitals located throughout North America.

I’m also involved with my church and my wife and I even help coach my daughters Little League team. You may have noticed that my favorite movie is “It’s A Wonderful Life” and I guess apart from it being a great movie, I feel I’ve been blessed with a wonderful life and am always looking for things that I can do to help make someone else’s life a little bit better.

I would love to see that happen one day. – Sam