Achievements

Tim Nelson is a published author and seasoned complex problem solver, known for turning challenges into opportunities. With a sharp analytical mind, Tim blends creativity with critical thinking to deliver impactful solutions. His achievements reflect a career defined by curiosity, persistence, and a drive to make a meaningful difference.

About Tim Nelson

Long-standing career with notable achievements including:

Expert problem-solving coach focused on guiding organizations to solving complex technical and behavioral issues. Invented Creative Logic®, an innovative process that pairs creative and
logical individuals to gain synergy and improve parts, people, and productivity. Motivated to help those facing neurodiversity discover and gain empowerment from their gifts. All Shainin II® LLC services are Registered Trademarks.

  • One of two Red X® Fellows Worldwide
  • Lockheed Martin Fellow Emeritus – First Quality Fellow in Corporation
  • One of 25 Global Diversity & Inclusion Ambassadors Representing Dyslexia
  • 2019 Quality Leader of the Year, American Society of Quality (ASQ)
  • Activist for Social Injustice – initiated and influenced Attorney Gen. Ashcroft to issue first ever T-Visa to 3year old human trafficking victim.

Work History

  • oneFiveFIFTY™ LLC – BLUFFTON, SC
  • LOCKHEED MARTIN AERONAUTICS – FORT WORTH, TX
  • SHAININ® LLC – LIVONIA, MI
  • LUCAS AUTOMOTIVE – BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND
  • EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

oneFiveFIFTY™ LLC – BLUFFTON, SC

Consulting business offering classes, coaching, and professional certification in problem-solving strategies.

Owner/Founder | 2020 – Present

Develop and own technology for improving parts and people.

• Advised individuals coaching neurodiversity initiative at Daimler Trucks North America – the pioneer in autonomous trucks.

LOCKHEED MARTIN AERONAUTICS – FORT WORTH, TX

Lockheed Martin’s largest division that designs, builds, and sustains the world’s finest military aircraft.

Quality Engineering Fellow | 2013 – 2020

Developed innovative solutions to complex, technologically challenging problems and supported C130 and rotary divisions.

• Instrumental in saving $1 billion by closing total of 65 Red X® projects.

• Certified 84 engineers in Red X® for the F35 aircraft – one of the most technological products in the world.

• Represented less than 1% of engineering population as Lockheed Martin Fellow.

• Resolved 35-year-old problem through C130 stress reduction project that impacted 100% of aircraft.

SHAININ® LLC – LIVONIA, MI

Organization helping Fortune 500 companies solve complex problems faster and more efficiently.

Co-Founder/Fellow

One of four founding company members

• Recognized as one of only two Shainin® Fellows in the world – the highest technical designation in the firm.

Engagement Executive | 2008 – 2013

Worked with consulting firm representatives to integrate methodologies with clients, such as Red X®, Six Sigma, and Robust Design.

• Led consulting engagements with clients inclusive of Ford, Delphi, GM, Xerox, Andersen Windows, and Lockheed Martin.

President | 2006 – 2008

Managed Delphi Automotive account – the largest automotive component supplier in the world with 200,000 employees, over

150 plants, more than 30 technical centers, and numerous joint ventures. Supervised six principals and reported directly to CEO.

• Created Rolling Top 5® program to create accountability, reduce costs, and enhance capability and skills.

• Certified 2,000+ engineers in three methodologies through intercompany cooperative consulting.

Senior Consultant/Manager | 1992 – 2006

Solved crisis performance and output problems across automotive,

aerospace, electronics, and consumer product industries.

• Advised client executives and coached GM teams and leadership on company’s “Hardy Perennial” program.

• Built relationships with international clients, such as Chrysler, BMW, GM, Ford, Delphi, Bosch, and Xerox.

• Played significant role in evolution of Red X® as four-step improvement process and eventually FACTUALTM.

LUCAS AUTOMOTIVE – BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND

The largest automotive component manufacturer in the UK until Lucas Industries merged with Varity Corporation in 1996.

Internal Shainin® Consultant | 1988 – 1992

• Saved gasoline fuel injector plant, Nissan antilocking braking system product, and joint venture between Lucas and Sagem through application of exceptional coaching skills.

Product Engineering Support Manager | 1988 – 1990

• Developed in-house Shainin® class and trained both Lucas and BMW personnel.

Product Engineer | 1981 – 1988

• Improved engine efficiency by co-developing automotive camshaft and camshaft phasing mechanism.

EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering

Clemson University

Society of Automotive Engineers

Chairman, Carolina Section – 2 years

Outstanding Young Member

SAE Representative for Italian Automotive Industry in Italy

American Society of Mechanical Engineers

1st Place, Old Guard Competition – Outstanding Technical Content

2nd Place, Old Guard Competition – Recognizing Technology Development

Design News

Clemson Camshaft – featured in Top 10 Designs of the Year

Publications

SAE – Continuous Cam Lobe Phasing: An Advanced Valve Timing Approach

SAE – Development of a Variable Valve Timed Engine to Eliminate the Pumping Losses Associated with Throttled Operation

ASME: Variable Valve Timing for Diesel Compression Ration Control

Patents

Multiple U.S. & Foreign – Complete list available

Press Releases on Clemson Camshaft

Papers: NY Times, Boston Globe, Detroit News, Atlanta Journal, Greenville News (Local TV Stations)

Magazines: Automotive Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Road and Track, Popular Mechanics, Design News, Sierra – Called to testify on fuel economy improvements using the Clemson Camshaft

Career Highlights

1) AE Travelling Fellow to Italy for three weeks… (Toured Ferrari, Cadillac Alante Plant). Met with Mr. Lamborghini at his Design Studio (Luxury cars and Yachts, Iveco Test Track). Showcased a Ferrari, Lamborghini car, and yacht. Photo of International delegation.

2) Rode on Test & Race tracks (3 with professional drivers): GM Brazil, Iveco Trucks Turin, Fiat (Milan), Formula 1 race track in Montecarlo.

3) 7 Co-Patents with Professor Elrod. Magazines: Cover of Clemson Camshaft, Road and Track, Popular Mechanics, Design News, and Automotive News articles – 7 patents issued for undergraduate research Professor Elrod and I conducted. I was told I was the first undergraduate in history to receive a patent.

4) Demonstrated Innovative Leadership while coaching the largest automotive supplier in the world and the largest defense contractor on the F35 Fighter Jet, the largest program in military history, involving more than 20 countries globally.

Fellowships and Ambassadorships

1) Clemson University Undergraduate Research – $3000 Budget (Ambassador Clemson Camshaft) – Show cover of ‘Tiger Paw’

2) SAE Ambassador (Represented the SAE in Italy at the FISITA congress for three weeks. – Lucas Write Up

3) Shainin Fellow (one of two)

4) Lockheed Martin Fellow (Representing less than 1% of the engineering population)

5) One of 25 Ambassadors (Selected to represent mental illness and Dyslexia. This was the first-time dyslexia was represented.

Recognition and Awards

1) First in Region across several states; Second in the Nation (ASME – ‘Old Guard Speaker’s Competition’)
2) ‘Popular Mechanics’
3) ‘Road and Track’
4) ‘Design News’ – one of the ten best designs for the year
5) Various News Paper Articles: Boston Globe, Detroit News, New York Times, etc.
6) Youngest SAE Chairman – 2 Consecutive Years (Doubled Membership)
7) Outstanding Younger Member (North and South Carolina Region) – SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers)
8) Distinguished Younger Member Nationally – SAE (Gold Watch and FISITA) – Italy for 3 Weeks Figure 41 Italy
9) Testified at Senate Subcommittee to then Senator Joe Biden Figure
10) 2018 Automotive Quality Engineer of the Year – ASQ (American Society of Quality)

Buy Now

Publications

  1. Call Us Gifted – Unwrapping My Top 5 Problems Using Dyslexia
  2. Cam Lobe Phasing – An Advanced Valve Timing Approach (Eliminated the Throttle; the accelerator pedal was connected directly to the variable camshaft.) – SAE & Automotive Engineering article (Co- Author: Alvon Elrod)
  3. Cam Lobe Phasing – Diesel Engine Compression Ratio Control – ASME (American Society for Mechanical Engineers) (Co- Author: Alvon Elrod)
  4. Variable Valve Timing IMechE (Institution of Mechanical Engineers – Magazine
  5. Front Cover of ‘Clemson World’
  6. A New System for Quality Control – EOQC (European Organization for Quality Control) (Dublin, Ireland) (Lead to FACTUAL; FACTUAL lead to consistency; Consistency led to Standard Work) (Co- Author: Pete Shainin)