A few weeks ago I mentioned that I was looking for CAD design help, and I'm excited to share that Jake is now officially on board and has already submitted his first model for my review.
This design space continues to grow- there are multiple holder sizes, multiple lid systems, themed versions, accessories, and countless requests for additional variations. The opportunities are endless, but my time unfortunately is not.
The way I see it, to best serve my members, my role should be to keep pushing forward with new products, new features, and new ideas but the volume of work that is expanding exponenially create a challenge for my ability to get it all done myself. So going forward, Jake's role is to work behind the scenes and follow close after my new releases and expend them across the product lines.
For example, I may create a new lid system for the standard 12 oz holder. While I'm already moving on to the next new product or feature, Jake can take that design and expand it across the ecosystem by creating the skinny version, the 24 oz version, themed versions, and other compatible variations.
This allows me to stay focused on what got us here in the first place: developing new products and growing the ecosystem.
For those wondering, you're still getting animuL67 designs. Jake is working from my designs, my models, and my design standards. Everything still comes back through me for review, testing, printing, feedback, and final release. In fact, the first example of this should be posted soon, where Jake took my existing Stealth Sipper Lid design and adapted it for the 24 oz cooler can holder. And while Jake was doing that I was able to focus on a new product that I plan to post later today.
Jake is someone I've worked with professionally for many years. He has extensive experience with the same CAD software I use and was an easy choice when it became clear that I needed help keeping up with demand.
This is a very positive step for animuL67. The reality is that I reached a point where there were more good ideas and requests than I could reasonably keep up with on my own. Bringing in help allows me to continue focusing on innovation while also filling in the gaps across the existing product lineup.
I was genuinely impressed by the number of people who reached out regarding the design opportunity, and I want to thank everyone who expressed interest. As things continue to grow, I will continue to evaluate additional help where it makes sense.
Welcome aboard, Jake!