My part in the story
I worked at Vexilar from 1989 to 2006. I began repairing electric trolling motors and eventually took on responsibilities that connected electronics, products, purchasing, inventory, IT, and creative work.
Those years are a central part of my career. This page records the part of Vexilar history I experienced firsthand, rather than attempting to tell the company's entire story.
01 / Getting started
At the repair bench.
My first work at Vexilar was repairing electric trolling motors. From there I advanced to repairing sonar equipment. My electronics background gave me a foundation, and the responsibilities grew from that hands-on work.
02 / Electronics & products
Beyond fixing things.
I also designed electronic products, including automatic shutoff circuits for battery charging and a discharge timer for measuring battery capacity under load.
As my role expanded, my work included product design, product management, and support. It was a mix of understanding how equipment worked and helping keep the products and their supporting pieces in order.
03 / The work behind the work
Making the systems work, too.
I assumed responsibility for purchasing and inventory management, converting a paper-only system into a computerized one with comprehensive part numbering.
My responsibilities also included managing the company's client/server computer systems. The work extended beyond electronics on the bench into the systems people depended on to do their jobs.
One significant project was carrying out a physical company move while maintaining production at the beginning of the peak season.
04 / A different kind of making
Manuals, packaging, and the web.
Technical writing and creative work became another part of my role: product manuals, packaging concepts and design, and the creation and management of the company website.
I taught myself web design and applied it to the company's online presence. Later, I learned video editing and DVD authoring so we could produce a substantial product DVD using in-house talent and resources, completing it for scheduled production.
These projects helped connect my technical background with the digital design work that became the next stage of my career.
05 / A continuing connection
From employee to independent.
In 2006 I started Element Engage, working independently in print, web, and video. I continued providing work to Vexilar as a service provider while building relationships with other clients.
That transition was a new working arrangement, not simply the end of my connection with the company.
Keeping the history
A collection to share.
I have historical photographs and documents from Vexilar's early years. I'm assembling that material into an informal library here, with descriptions, dates where known, and personal recollections.
The collection is not published yet. This written account is the starting point; the photographs and documents will follow as I organize and review them.
The career outline here draws on my earlier resume and personal recollections. For the company's own information, visit Vexilar's official website.
Back to my career overview