Steve Shei

Senior Innovation Executive | Product Development, Strategic Insights & IP Management

About

Steve Shei is an accomplished engineering leader and innovation strategist with a robust background in the foodservice technology sector. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University, alongside foundational degrees in tool and die engineering and design from Midwestern Technical Institute. Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Shei has held pivotal executive roles, including Vice President of Innovation and Strategy at Marmon Foodservice Technologies, Chief Innovation Officer at Star Brands, and Vice President of Engineering at Duke Manufacturing Co. His extensive experience spans technical design, project management, and global chain account engineering, establishing him as a leader in driving technological advancement within manufacturing and foodservice industries.

Education

Purdue University

BSME, Engineering

MTI Tech

AAS, Tool & Die Engineering

Midwestern Technical Institute

Degree in Tool and Die Design, Tool and Die Design / 1981

Experience

Self-employed

Independent Consultant / January, 2022 — Present

Looking for opportunities where I can bring value in strategic insights, innovation, and new product development. Full time or consulting roles would be considered.

Marmon Foodservice Technologies

VP of Innovation and Strategy / September, 2017 — January, 2022

Innovation and Strategic Insights. New product and technology development.

Vice President of Innovation and Strategy / January, 2017 — December, 2021

Created dedicated innovation and strategic insights teams to advance technology and customer needs. Developed innovation and strategic insights processes and toolbox. Led development of new technology for short- and long-term growth, managed extensive IP portfolio, filed several new patents, and commercialized a new broiler system for a global QSR chain.

Star Brands - A Division of the Middleby Corporation

Chief Innovation Officer / December, 2014 — September, 2017

New product development for the foodservice equipment industry.

Duke Manufacturing Co.

VP Engineering / October, 1996 — December, 2014

Strategic product development and account management

Vice President Engineering Worldwide Chain Accounts / January, 2001 — December, 2014

Managed new and existing chain account product development and support worldwide. Led and managed development and rollout of several new products with major QSRs. Responsible for all engineering and product development activities, implementing budget controls and project planning systems.

Vice President Engineering / January, 1996 — December, 2001

Oversaw all engineering and product development activities. Developed several new product lines and customer accounts to increase revenue and profits. Restructured engineering department to focus on chain accounts and created a UL-certified development and test facility.

Lincoln Foodservice Products

Sr. Project Manager / September, 1981 — September, 1996

New product development

Jackson Manufacturing Co

Sr. Engineer / August, 1979 — September, 1981

Tool and equipment development for manufacturing

Wayne Tool & Die

Tool Engineer / June, 1978 — August, 1979

Tool, die, and special equipment manufacturing.

Independent Consultant

Independent Consultant / January, 2022 — December

Providing services to all industries across product development, strategic insights, innovation management, engineering, manufacturing, and project management. Engagements include developing five-year technology roadmaps, launching complex appliance products, patent filings, and startup investor prototype demos.

Star Manufacturing Co.

Chief Innovation Officer / January, 2014 — December, 2017

Oversaw new and existing chain account product development and support worldwide. Developed three new product lines from white board to commercialization, reorganized and staffed engineering team to support rapid product development and reliability testing, and value-engineered legacy product lines to reduce warranty costs.

Lincoln Foodservice Products Inc.

Engineering Project Manager / January, 1983 — December, 1996

Oversaw new product design from concept to implementation. Introduced and developed new microwave and air-impingement oven product lines, high-capacity air-impingement conveyor ovens, and batch cooking oven lines for domestic and export markets.

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