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John Buttles
Transfer hard industrial skills into climate change startups - Supply Chain Development - Manufacturing Optimization + Scaling - Complex Problem Solving - Cost Management - Growth Assessment + Execution -
Professional Background
John Buttles is a seasoned hardware manufacturing entrepreneur with a robust track record in transforming under-performing companies and projects into successful enterprises. Recognized for his strategic risk-taking and innovative approach, John has honed his expertise in identifying new markets and applying strategic insights that drive growth and efficiency. His career is distinguished by a series of impressive achievements and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and design.
John's journey into the world of manufacturing began with an early passion for the arts—he started as an artist, glassblower, photographer, and foundryman. These experiences cultivated his appreciation for the aesthetics of manufacturing, precision, and the intricate relationship between design and production. This unique background has enabled him to seamlessly blend creativity with technical expertise, a quality that sets him apart in the industry.
Among his most notable career highlights, John successfully acquired and restructured Bailey Tool, transforming it from a garage shop into a leading engineering products company in the automotive, defense, and energy sectors. His strategic leadership and focus on workforce development, supply chain management, and the integration of science and technology paved the way for the company’s growth and innovations.
After leading Bailey Tool to new heights, he focused on expanding its capabilities from skilled-trades to engineering and scientific development, laying the groundwork for new intellectual property and business opportunities. His design of the Rotating Packed Bed CO2 absorption column stands out as a critical innovation for a Direct Air Capture project, demonstrating John’s keen ability to merge practical engineering with pressing environmental needs.
John’s role in the startup ecosystem is also noteworthy. He represented a lunar resource startup in Los Angeles, skillfully navigating the venture capital landscape to secure Seed and Series A funding for its product launch. Additionally, he played a pivotal role at Texas Wind, contributing to the commercialization of floating wind structure technologies by securing pivotal methods and apparatus patents.
His passion for clean energy and climate change solutions led him to support Astro Machine through its transition from legacy oil and gas operations to becoming a small business prime contractor for Department of Defense (DOD) hardware. Here, he applied his extensive systems and supply chain expertise, further solidifying his reputation as a crucial player in the energy transition landscape.
Education and Achievements
John Buttles has a solid educational foundation that contributes to his professional achievements and entrepreneurial spirit. He studied for his Master of Science at Illinois State University, where he honed his analytical skills and deepened his understanding of technology and business management. He also holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Rochester Institute of Technology, which reflects his commitment to the arts and design—two fields that significantly inform his work in precision manufacturing and innovation.
In various leadership roles, John has continually demonstrated his capacity to drive performance and create value in high-stakes environments. His time as the General Manager at DMS South/Bailey Tool and Owner at Bailey Tool & Mfg. Co. showcased his ability to implement cultural changes that foster inclusivity, creativity, and forward-thinking.
Furthermore, as the Business Development Manager at Astro Machine and formerly CDR Industrialization at the Institute for Carbon Management at UCLA, John was at the forefront of initiatives aimed at carbon management and energy transition technologies. His significant contributions have reshaped organizations and have laid the groundwork for future innovation in clean tech.
John Buttles’s commitment to supporting founders and startup teams dedicated to climate change solutions has only grown in recent years. He actively seeks opportunities to lend his extensive manufacturing and operations expertise to ventures focused on renewable energy and sustainable practices. His entrepreneurial focus, combined with his rich background in technology and design, positions him as a sought-after mentor and collaborator in the energy transition space.
Achievements
- Transformation of Bailey Tool: Successfully grew Bailey Tool from a garage shop to a top-tier engineering product company serving auto, defense, and energy sectors through strategic risk management and innovative practices.
- Innovative Design Contribution: Delivered the design of a unique Rotating Packed Bed CO2 absorption column for a pioneering Direct Air Capture project, a project that highlights his commitment to addressing climate challenges.
- Patent Acquisition: Secured methods and apparatus patents at Texas Wind, driving commercialization efforts in the rapidly evolving floating wind technology sector.
- Venture Capital Engagement: Played a critical role in securing seed and Series A funding for a Los Angeles lunar resource startup, demonstrating his prowess in attracting investment and building business frameworks.
- Expanding Business Operations: Helped transition Astro Machine towards a focus on Department of Defense hardware contracts, showcasing his ability to pivot in response to market demands and leverage systems and supply chain knowledge.
Overall, John Buttles stands as an inspiring figure in the hardware manufacturing and renewable energy sectors. His rich blend of artistic creativity and technical expertise allows him to navigate the complexities of manufacturing with a unique perspective that embraces innovation and sustainability. In pursuit of new ventures, he remains committed to advancing technologies that contribute positively to the environment and society at large. His next chapter promises to be centered around supporting and guiding the next generation of climate solutions and renewable energy advancements. If you’re part of a company in the venture or climate/renewable energy industry in need of expertise in building scalable manufacturing and operational frameworks, John is more than willing to share his knowledge and insights.
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Clay offers many advantages over other personal CRMs. Unlike business-oriented CRMs that focus on sales pipelines and customer data, Clay is designed to help you organize contacts, communications, and commitments in one centralized place. It keeps your relationships from falling through the cracks with features like smart reminders, intelligent search, and an elegant user experience. Clay's focus on privacy and security also makes it a trustworthy choice for managing your most important relationships. Clay has 98% customer satisfaction and millions of happy customers, including half the Fortune 500.
Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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Yes. Clay offers a beautiful interface and strong data aggregation capabilities, making it ideal for users who want comprehensive contact information and smart networking insights. Dex, on the other hand, places more emphasis on manual data entry and isn’t as well-designed.
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