Robert Flanigan

About

As an experienced author and self-publisher, I understand that great writing is about more than just punctuation and grammar—it's about structure, strategy, and clarity. I don't just edit manuscripts; I help creators and businesses navigate the complex journey from raw idea to polished publication. With an MS in Engineering and an MBA from the University of Illinois, I bring a unique "engineering mindset" to the creative process. I specialize in breaking down dense, technical concepts and communicating them clearly to diverse audiences. As shown in my resume, my 30-year career spans a wide range of disciplines, giving me the adaptability to handle projects ranging from creative non-fiction to complex technical documentation. I have a passion for delivering simple, elegant solutions to difficult problems. If you are looking for a partner who lives at the intersection of Technical Precision and Creative Storytelling, I hope you'll put me to work.

Experience

• Lead Bookkeeper, Customer Service, Production & Shipping Scheduler · Edgerton Gear, Inc.01-01-2015 –

  Oversee all internal accounting activities (under the guidance of a consulting CPA), primary service provider for largest customer (constituting a quarter of the business)

• Bookkeeper, Production & Shipping Scheduler, Customer Service · Edgerton Gear, Inc.06-01-2013 –
• IT, Production & Shipping Scheduler · Edgerton Gear, Inc.01-01-2013 – 01-01-2015

  Managed server, network security, backup systems, MFPs, computer setups, and user accounts (email, enterprise software, etc), and provided troubleshooting and support for users

• Volunteer for IT and Special Projects · Edgerton Gear, Inc.01-01-2012 – 01-01-2013

  Managed shop-floor transition to computerized scheduling of workflow, prepared grant applications to win Rotary funding for clean-water project in Honduras, wrote Excel macros to convert daily online customer demand data into shipping and production schedules

• Researcher, Writer, Editor, Graphic Artist, Publisher, Marketer · L.N. Smith Publishing (self-employed while a stay-at-home parent)01-01-2000 –

  Published four works, ranging from theoretical physics to the evolution of human intellect Website: lnsmithpublishing.weebly.com

• Member, Board of Directors · Family Works Programs, Inc.01-01-1997 –

  Decide on policies, programs, initiatives, human resource matters, and budgets

• Licensed Insurance and Investment Advisor, Author, Presenter, Instructor · Financial Sense (self-employed while a stay-at-home parent)01-01-1994 – 01-01-2000

  Provided a fee-based do-it-yourself financial planning product, marketed my 1997 book "Do Your Own Financial Planning,"gave financial planning lectures, taught a DIY financial planning night class at a local college

• Database Specialist and Staff Support · Wisconsin Center for Demand-Side Research01-01-1992 – 01-01-1993

  Performed economic analyses, managed research projects, developed and supported databases, provided customer support for on-line information, facilitated communication between Wisconsin’s Public Service Commission and the regulated electric utilities

• Mechanical Engineer · Construction Engineering Research Laboratory – US Army Corp of Engineers01-01-1990 – 01-01-1991

  Evaluated production costs, developed process-flow diagrams, recommended quality control procedures, wrote technical manuals, designed software, managed subcontractors

Education

• University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignMBA and MS, Industrial and Enterprise Systems Engineering
• University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignB.S., Industrial and Enterprise Systems Engineering

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