Being a farmer’s daughter, I love sharing stories about innovation in agriculture that provide us with the resources that sustain our lives. As part of the SOLIDWORKS EDU team, I am extremely fortunate to interview farmer, engineer and entrepreneur, Todd Muell, Midwest Engineering Solutions, connected to the SOLIDWORKS Community in a variety of ways.
Todd’s introduction to industrial equipment started out at a very young age on the family farm. Long before he could drive a car, his father put him in the seat of a tractor. His curiosity for creating and innovating grew as he worked in the family’s metal shop and visited the local weld shop to get supplies for his father and two brothers. As he worked with metal to create his own projects, Todd would continue to shop for supplies with an “open tab” – not knowing his father was paying the bills.
To develop more skills, Todd thanks his wood shop teacher, Kelly Juhl and metal shop teacher, Zach Klaasen, from Harlan Community High School.
Todd began to design, manufacture and assemble his own furniture, that fills his home today.
With his own farm project development and new skills learned in school, Todd landed a job at Conductix-Wampfler as a manufacturing and fabrication specialist.
After high school, Todd majored in agricultural business, supporting himself along the way with jobs as an engineering technician, Popp Engineering, R&D specialist, Innovation Technologies, and multiple positions in product design and development at Puck Enterprises. While at Puck Enterprises, Todd taught himself SOLIDWORKS.
From these experiences, Todd switched from a business direction to the Agricultural Systems Technology degree at Iowa State University. Engineering courses in CAD, Fluid Power, Statics & Strengths of Materials, Tractor Power, Agriculture Power & Machinery Management aligned to Todd’s new goals.
At Iowa State, Todd had great mentors including James Shahan, Dr. John R Haughery and Tim Shepard. My friend, retired Iowa State University educator, James Shahan introduced me to Todd who worked as his assistant for SOLIDWORKS courses. As an older student, Todd wanted to finish a 4-year engineering degree in 3 years. Although James advised Todd not to take 22 credits a semester, Todd pushed on in his studies and with his engineering work ethic reached his goal to successfully graduate in 3 years.
Returning to Puck Enterprises, Todd advanced his skills in product design, development and manufacturing. Continuing his skills in SOLIDWORKS and SOLIDWORKS Simulation, Todd also looked to the future and wanted something more.
Solving customers’ problems through innovation, led Todd to start his own company, Midwest Engineering Solutions, Using SOLIDWORKS Simulation for engineering analysis validates customers’ designs before they are manufactured. Todd and his team evaluate structures, mechanical systems, and integrated components for strength, performance, and reliability, so his customers invest in solutions that work the first time. This 60-ft Row Crop Cultivator Toolbar solves difficult problems for the customer – in the most challenging situations.
Students ask me, “What skills do you need to get that idea job?” Todd’s journey provides a great example that it takes great design skills and manufacturing skills, with the drive to learn on your own. Hard work, education and taking a risk to try something new and innovative completes your path. It is not easy and like many, you will make changes along the way.
Find out more about Todd Muell and Midwest Engineering Solutions www.Midwestengsolutions.com, Instagram, and Facebook.
Thank you, James for introducing me to your former ISU student. There is no better feeling as educators than to see our students accomplish their goals.
Thank you, Todd for sharing your story with the SOLIDWORKS community.
Design well. Marie